We are, Greg Bertrand and Jan Tilston, expats from Canada who bought land in Jaco, Costa Rica 15 years ago with a dream of escaping the cold and stresses of North American life.

Six years ago we began the construction of Hotel VistaPacifico, on the Lomas de Jaco (Hills of Jaco).When our architect at the time disappeared halfway through the construction we took over the building supervision of the hotel, pool and our own house. We also designed, supervised and subcontracted two further units for the hotel. The hotel's success has exceeded our expectations which has led us to move on to a new challenge . . . the sale of 4 lots and for those interested, the construction of a new home in what we call "Prado Pacifico" (Peaceful Meadow). We want to offer modest sized, well appointed homes on oversized lots at an affordable price for the area.

A few years ago we bought a hector (2.5 acres) adjacent to our Hotel property and are selling part of it as 4 individual parcels and if you choose with a custom house built to the buyers specifications.We are so convinced of it's success, location and value that we are now building a home on one of the lots.

The current building boom in Jaco caters largely to those people who want condominium apartments and multi family dwellings but there are few opportunities for people who want a titled lot and a fully detached home with its own pool and gardens within the town of Jaco. Our development strives to meet these criteria: individual, oversized lots, room for a fully detached custom home, parking, gardens and a pool, all within minutes of Jaco Centro and the beach.

As established residents and business people in Jaco we have formed a network of local contacts and suppliers who we would be happy to share with you. Since moving to Central America, we have found honest, reliable and efficient professionals including lawyers, architects, engineers, builders, real estate agents, decorators, service people as well as other trades people.

Jan, especially, has learned to weave her way through the endless reems of red tape that goes with anything you do in Costa Rica with the help of our professional acquaintances and friends. From our building experiences we have also learned a great deal about living in a tropical climate and how small changes to a building design and local construction practices can enhance a home considerably.

You can see a glimpse of our bio at: Our Story which was published on the internet and in International Living Magazine in 2007.

We hope you will join us in this new venture to create a community spirited development in paradise.

greg + Jan

Buying a property and building a home is an exciting process but in a foreign country it can seem especially daunting. Fortunately in Costa Rica the land ownership and land transfer system is secure and well defined. There are licensing bodies for lawyers, architects and engineers and many of the fees are set by their governing bodies.

We have endeavoured to include some information, which outlines the common questions and concerns of newcomers to Costa Rica, looking to buy land or build a home.

What is required to purchase property in Costa Rica?

Most importantly, foreigners and nationals alike are entitled to own land in Costa Rica. Once you have found the house or property you are interested in buying you will work with a lawyer/notary public to effect the transfer of the property from the Seller. Much like land purchases in Canada and the United States, the buyer and the seller will enter into a contract or agreement related to the deposit and purchase price of the property, the legal description of the property, and if applicable the details of the building(s) on that property. The transfer deed will be prepared and signed as well as any mortgages and the documents filed and registered in the Costa Rican National Registry.

How do you transfer a title?

In Costa Rica, it is typical that the buyer and the seller choose one lawyer to handle the transfer of the property and that both parties share the cost of the lawyers fees and disbursements. Traditionally the buyer is the person to choose the lawyer for the transaction; however, the lawyer will act throughout the process for both parties.

Before the closing of the deal, the lawyer will draft the transfer deed, and register the documents for the transfer with the National Registry.

At your option, the property can be purchased in an individual's name, jointly with other persons, or in the name of a corporation. The decision as to how to hold ownership should be based upon your particular situation and after consultation with your lawyer. (Back to top)

How can I ensure that I have clear title to the property?

In Costa Rica the land registry system is quite sophisticated. All documents related to the title of a piece of land, including all encumbrances and even an interest in land must be registered in the property section of the National Registry. The system is fully computerized and a lawyer can conduct a simple computer search of any property to find the name of the title holder, the legal description of the property, tax appraisal, liens, mortgages, easements, and other recorded instruments that would affect the title of the property.

Just like in North America it is important that the buyer ensures that the lawyer conducts a thorough title search to investigate any encumbrances on the property.
(Back to top)

What are "closing costs" in Costa Rica?

As mentioned above, traditionally in Costa Rica the buyer and seller share the costs of closing equally. The way these costs are to be shared will be outlined in the purchase agreement. The other closing costs include: a land transfer tax and registration fees, stamps, lawyer/notary fees, other disbursements the lawyer makes and if applicable, mortgage registration costs.

How is the transfer deed registered?

After the buyer and the seller have signed the land transfer deed with their lawyer, the lawyer will then file and register the documents in the Property Section of the National Registry. The lawyer will submit the documents along with the amount for the registration fees, stamps and taxes to The National Registry for review and registration. The National Registry can refuse to register the land transfer documents on a property if any defects are found in the documents your lawyer drafted or if there are outstanding municipal taxes owing or other liens, mortgages or judgments registered against the property. It is your lawyer's job to ensure that any and all encumbrances against the property are lifted in order that your transfer deed can be registered free and clear.

Once a transfer deed is accepted for registration it takes between 45 and 60 days before the lawyer will receive the original registered document with all of the seals, stamps and receipts for amounts paid to the National Registry.

It is not uncommon to hear horror stories from people who found out years later that their land purchase was never registered and that consequently that person found out they did not own the property. Buyers should always remember to follow up with their lawyer and make sure that their purchase is progressing and demand that they receive their original documents and receipts for all the fees and taxes required to register their purchase.

How do I start to build?

When building in Costa Rica it is recommended that you hire a reputable, licence civil engineer or architect to help you with the design of the building(s) and all the steps necessary to obtain building permits including: soil tests, updating the survey, zoning, ecological restrictions and other considerations. In Costa Rica only a licenced engineer or architect can present plans for building permits. If you choose to have a house designed in North America a local architect or engineer is still needed to review, approve and submit the plans to obtain the permits.

What are the fees for Architects and Engineers?

Architects and engineers in Costa Rica must be licensed by the College of Engineers and Architects which establishes the fee schedule for its members. Fees are based upon percentages of the value of the construction project, as determined by the College, and are divided into two different categories: (1) The Plans and Permits Stage of the Project and (2) The Building Phase of the Project.
(Back to top)

What construction permits are required?

Even before you purchase a property or pay a deposit some preliminary research is needed to ensure that it is possible to build your project on that particular property. It will be necessary to examine any Regulatory Plan of the Municipality in which the land is located to check the zoning of the land as well as any other restrictions on the lot. Even the availability of such basic services as water, electricity, telephone and cell phone reception will need to verified. Your lawyer will be able to make the necessary inquiries so be sure to ask your lawyer to find out if your project is likely to be approved and building permits issued by the municpality where the lot is located.

At Prado Pacifico we will simplify the process and help guide you through the
land purchase, building design, and construction phase of your new home.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS regarding Lots of Prado Pacifico
please click on our address below to send an e-mail.

mail@PradoPacifico.com

www.PradoPacifico.com

Telephone: 011 (506) 2643-3261 • Fax: 011 (506) 2643-2046

We will reply to your e-mail within 24 hours of receiving it.