Costa Rica
Should I buy or rent a home in Costa Rica?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Costa Rica, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision...
"Buying a home in Costa Rica can be a great investment. It can provide you with a steady source of income through renting or reselling, while at the same time providing you with a beautiful tropical paradise to call your own. Renting, on the other hand, gives you the flexibility to move after a few months or years without having to worry about reselling or waiting for the real estate market to improve. Ultimately, it all depends on what your individual needs and preferences are. If you want the security of owning a home, then purchasing may be the best option for you. However, if you prefer the freedom to move around, then renting might be a better solution," said a member in Costa Rica.
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"I rent because I do not want to be tied down to a piece of property. Also property is expensive. My rental agreement was easy to understand, only about 4 pages (2 of them inventory of furnishings). I negotiated the terms from 12 months to 6 and the rent amount. It was not difficult at all," remarked another expat who made the move to San Jose, Costa Rica.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Costa Rica?
- How do I find a place to live in Costa Rica?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Costa Rica?
- What is the average cost of housing in Costa Rica?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Costa Rica?
- What should I pack when moving to Costa Rica?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Costa Rica?
- Why do people move to Costa Rica?
- What are healthcare services like in Costa Rica?
- What are medical services in Costa Rica like?
- What are typical rents in Costa Rica?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
Should I buy or rent a home in Costa Rica?
If you live in Costa Rica, newcomers to Costa Rica would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
