“Can I get a mortgage in Costa Rica?” is one of the first questions foreign buyers ask — and the honest answer is: sometimes, but most buyers use other routes. Here is how property purchases really get funded in Costa Rica in 2026, and how to choose the right path for your situation.
The Reality: This Is Largely a Cash Market
Most foreign purchases in Costa Rica close in cash. That does not necessarily mean savings — it usually means money raised at home, where credit is cheaper, then wired to a Costa Rican escrow. Understanding that framing makes every other option easier to evaluate.
Local Bank Mortgages for Foreigners
Costa Rican banks can and do lend to foreigners, but expect friction: residency often required or strongly preferred, extensive income documentation, loan-to-value ratios commonly around 50–70%, dollar interest rates meaningfully higher than the US, and timelines measured in months. For buyers with residency and patience it can work — just start the conversation early and get pre-qualified before you shop.
Seller Financing — The Local Favorite
In established expat markets, seller financing is common and often the most practical route. Typical structures: 30–50% down, 3–10 year terms, interest in the 6–9% range, secured by a mortgage registered against the property in the National Registry. It is faster than a bank, negotiable, and fully legal — but have your own attorney draft and register the documents, never rely on a handshake.
Home-Equity & Retirement Funds from Home
Many North American buyers fund the purchase with a HELOC or cash-out refinance on their home property, or in some cases through self-directed retirement accounts. Rates at home are usually better than anything available locally, and you close in Costa Rica as a cash buyer — the strongest negotiating position there is.
Private Lending & Developer Terms
A small private-lending market serves foreign buyers (expect higher rates and shorter terms), and some developers offer staged payment plans on pre-construction. Both can make sense — both demand careful legal review.
Whichever Route: Protect the Purchase
Use a licensed escrow service, insist on a full title study, and close through a Costa Rican notary. Our guides to title & due diligence and closing costs & taxes walk through the details.
Want numbers for a specific property? Browse our listings — many sellers we work with will consider financing, and we are happy to tell you which ones.