What do international buyers need to know about purchasing beachfront property in Santa Teresa?
If you’re planning to buy beachfront property in Santa Teresa, you’re making a lifestyle and investment choice that requires informed guidance. Buying beachfront property in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is a dream come true for many international investors. Imagine waking up to the sound of Pacific waves and ending your day with a sunset stroll along untouched sands. But turning that dream into a wise and legal investment requires a clear understanding of Costa Rica’s unique land laws, especially when it comes to beachfront real estate. If you’re considering buying property in this paradise, it’s essential to grasp both the legal framework and the on-the-ground realities of Santa Teresa real estate.
What “Beachfront” Really Means in Santa Teresa
In Costa Rica, not all beachfront properties offer the same rights or investment potential. The country’s Maritime Zone Law governs the first 200 meters of land from the high tide line. This is divided into:
- Public Zone (first 50 meters): No one can own or build here.
- Restricted Zone (next 150 meters): Known as concession land, which is technically leased from the government.
Most beachfront real estate in Santa Teresa falls within this concession zone. While not traditionally titled, these properties are still valuable—many of the area’s most luxurious villas and eco-retreats are located here. However, it’s crucial to work with a legal team familiar with concession law to ensure compliance with local use restrictions, concession renewal timelines, and zoning codes.
Legal Ownership: What International Buyers Need to Know
While foreigners can hold rights to concession land, there are important legal limitations:
- Foreigners cannot directly hold majority ownership in concession properties unless they’ve lived in Costa Rica for more than five years.
- To navigate this, buyers typically form a Sociedad Anónima (S.A.) or Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL)—Costa Rican corporations used to structure property ownership legally.
For smooth, compliant transactions, buyers should secure a trusted team that includes:
- A local real estate agency experienced in Maritime Zone transactions (like RE/MAX Pura Vida)
- A real estate attorney who understands Santa Teresa’s municipal regulations and zoning maps
- A notary public to formalize the title and record it in the national registry
Why Beachfront Property in Santa Teresa is So Coveted
Santa Teresa is one of the most desirable beachfront markets in Central America. Once a quiet surf village, it now attracts international investors, luxury developers, and digital nomads with its natural beauty, thriving expat community, and laid-back elegance. And thanks to strict building regulations, the town has managed to retain its charm while increasing its value.
Here’s why investors are drawn here:
- Limited land supply and protected coastlines create scarcity
- High rental demand, particularly for luxury villas and eco-lodges
- Tightly managed construction rules safeguard long-term value
In short, buying beachfront property in Santa Teresa isn’t just about lifestyle—it’s about securing a piece of one of the most resilient and exclusive real estate markets in the region.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Beachfront Property in Santa Teresa
Here’s how to move from dream to deed:
1. Work with a Reputable Broker
Not all listings are public. Local brokerages like RE/MAX Pura Vida have access to off-market properties and insider opportunities that align with your goals—whether you’re seeking beachfront villas in Santa Teresa or long-term investment property.
2. Conduct Legal and Environmental Due Diligence
Your lawyer will:
- Confirm the title or concession status
- Review local zoning regulations and land use permissions
- Ensure compliance with SETENA (Costa Rica’s environmental oversight agency)
This step is critical—especially with concession property.
3. Make an Offer and Enter Escrow
Offers are formalized in writing, followed an escrow deposit. Only once all legal and environmental checks are passed should the transaction proceed.
4. Finalize with a Notary and Corporate Setup (If Applicable)
Your notary will draft and register the title deed. For concession land, you’ll need your Costa Rican corporation in place before closing.
5. Begin Building or Renting
With your property secured, it’s time to execute your vision—whether that’s a luxury rental home, eco-retreat, or vacation residence. RE/MAX Pura Vida can connect you with vetted architects, project managers, and contractors who specialize in sustainable, coastal development.
Why the Process Is Worth the Effort
Santa Teresa is not the right fit for speculators looking for quick flips. It attracts visionaries—people who want a deeper connection to place and community. The lifestyle here is slower, more intentional, and wrapped in world-class surf, organic cafés, and yoga under the jungle canopy.
Yes, the process involves red tape. But the reward? Ownership in one of the most sought-after and protected coastal regions in Costa Rica. With proper legal guidance and a team who knows the terrain, your beachfront property investment becomes not just possible—but personally transformative.
Your Trusted Partner in Santa Teresa Beachfront Real Estate
RE/MAX Pura Vida has helped hundreds of clients buy beachfront property in Santa Teresa and the Nicoya Peninsula. Our team lives, surfs, and invests in this region. When you work with us, you’re not just getting agents—you’re getting local experts who care about your investment and your experience.
Looking for beachfront property in Santa Teresa? Contact us today to explore listings, get legal guidance, and experience the pura vida lifestyle firsthand.