Your first step to owning
property in Costa Rica.
How Landing Pad helps you buy
Every service is buyer-side only. I never represent sellers, so my only job is protecting your interests.
Buyer Advisory
Full buyer representation from property search to closing. I help you find the right property, negotiate the price, coordinate due diligence, and guide you through Costa Rica's legal process — so you don't overpay or miss red flags.
Due Diligence Review
Already found a property on your own? We'll review what you're buying before you commit — title verification, building permits, water rights, zoning, and legal coordination with a trusted Costa Rican attorney.
Airbnb Vetting
Before you visit, send me your shortlisted Airbnbs and I'll give you an honest assessment — neighborhood safety, internet reliability, how accurate the photos are, and anything the listing isn't telling you.
Why a local buyer's agent?
Most buyer's agents in Costa Rica are expats who moved here a few years ago. I grew up here.
That means I don't just understand the property market — I understand the legal system it sits on, the language it operates in, and the cultural context that no relocation guide can teach you. When a seller's attorney sends over documents in Spanish, I don't need a translator. When a municipality has unwritten rules about permits, I already know about them.
Landing Pad exists because I kept watching foreign buyers make the same avoidable mistakes: overpaying for properties with hidden legal issues, trusting agents who represent the seller's interests, or buying in a maritime zone without understanding they're getting a lease — not ownership.
I work exclusively for buyers. I never list properties or represent sellers, which means I have zero incentive to push you toward a bad deal. My job is to make sure you understand exactly what you're buying before you sign anything.
I also work with a vetted network of professionals — bilingual real estate attorneys, home inspectors, and property managers — so you're never relying on a single person's opinion.
Price of Pura Vida
Adjust the levers below to simulate your lifestyle and see the real-time baseline cost.
Costa Rica Living Costs: 2026 Guide
Updated for the 2026 regulatory environment. Accurate data for precise planning.
Regional Cost Variance
We account for the 'Guanacaste Premium'—where utilities and groceries can be 30% higher than the Central Valley (GAM).
2026 Legal Fees
Includes updated residency filing costs, mandatory Caja medical contributions, and digital nomad compliance fees.
Inflation Tracking
Our algorithms adjust for local inflation in imported goods and the impact of the colon-to-dollar exchange rate volatility.
Housing & Rent
Rents in popular hubs like Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Escazú have seen a steady climb. In 2026, expect to pay a premium for high-speed fiber internet and modern infrastructure. The "Budget" tier often reflects traditional Costa Rican Tico-style homes, which offer lower costs but may lack air conditioning or modern insulation.
Food & Dining
While local "Ferias" (farmers markets) remain affordable, imported goods at coastal supermarkets are significantly more expensive. Dining out at tourist-focused "Sodas" vs. upscale restaurants can make or break your monthly budget.