How to buy a home in Costa Rica

How to buy a home in Costa Rica & the Due Diligence process

Costa Rica has become a highly desirable destination for those in search of a tropical escape. As more and more people aspire to buy property in this Central American paradise it’s important to be aware of the process of how to buy a home in Costa Rica. In this guide, we dig into the process of buying homes for sale in Guanacaste Costa Rica, including details on the importance and aspects of the...

Compare listings

Compare

Hidden Coast Realty

5.0

Based on 58 reviews

Hidden Coast Realty

5.0

review us on See all reviews

Chris Dimitrakoudis

1725885631

I met Bruno at another listing and was very impressed.I hired him eventually so sell a property of mine in Langosta and to his word he did exactly as promised with professionalism.I would highly recommend.

Jerry Greer

1723030263

Recently I worked with Christian Cavanagh on an investment property to which I found him and Coast Reality extremely professional, hard working, and laden with expertise which resulted in a positive and smooth transaction. Christian constantly went the extra mile for me in manner which displayed loyalty, dedication, and experience. Additionally, it was fun working with them because of their positive and cheerful attitudes during all phases.

Greg Finn

1720393698

Christian is a real asset in assisting expats through the real estate process in CR which is tricky at best. He offers support through the process which is much needed as the “system” in CR is not an easy one to comprehend.Cheers

Pablo E

1719865005

Exelente el trabajo de Cristian Cavanagh , que fue el agente que nos asistió con la venta de la casa . Amabilidad , responsabilidad , y sobre todo el acompañamiento y seguimiento que nos brindó hasta el mismo cierre de la operación .

amy carroll

1715226782

We bought a property aboard, which is a daunting task under any circumstances. Bruno and. Christian made it smooth. If you want a truly white glove experience, patience, persistence, and a team who will continue working for you beyond the “traditional job”, you need not look further. They are trusted partners. I would recommend them to any prospective buyers and happily will provide a personal conversation to expand upon this review because there are not enough words to express my gratitude on an amazing experience.

Millie Cornejo

1715184946

Christian and Bruno from Hidden Coast Realty did an outstanding job finding us the best deal and location in Costa Rica. They provided us with white glove service, excellent communication, and extensive knowledge. They even went above and beyond by assisting us with legal representation. We are extremely satisfied with their VIP treatment and ongoing support even after the purchase. Christian and Bruno at Hidden Coast Realty are truly amazing and wonderful people! If you are looking for a property in Costa Rica, definitely reach out to Christian and Bruno at Hidden Coast Realty.

Pura Vida

1708566815

Joost and his staff are truly professionals. He's been in the business for at least 20 years now. He speaks English, Spanish, and Dutch. Maybe even German?

Luca Attilo

1705308737

Great Experience with Hidden Coast Realty in Costa RicaI am delighted to share my overwhelmingly positive experience with Hidden Coast Realty during my recent property search in Costa Rica. From the outset, their team demonstrated a level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication that set them apart in the real estate industry.The transparency and integrity exhibited by Hidden Coast Realty were notable throughout the entire process. Their team provided comprehensive information about each property, including details on legalities, neighborhood dynamics, and potential future developments. This transparency instilled trust and allowed me to make informed decisions with confidence.What truly set Hidden Coast Realty apart was their dedication to customer service. Responsiveness was exceptional – my inquiries were promptly addressed, and they were readily available to accommodate my schedule for property viewings. Their knowledge of the local market was evident, providing valuable insights that facilitated a smooth decision-making process.In addition to their professional acumen, the team at Hidden Coast Realty demonstrated a genuine passion for the beauty and uniqueness of Costa Rica. Their enthusiasm for the Hidden Coast region was infectious, and their ability to showcase the lifestyle benefits of each property was a proof of their love for the area.In conclusion, my experience with Hidden Coast Realty was nothing short of exceptional. Their personalized approach, transparency, dedication to customer service, and in-depth knowledge of the Costa Rican real estate market make them a standout company. I wholeheartedly recommend Hidden Coast Realty to anyone seeking a seamless and rewarding real estate journey in Costa Rica.Thank you :)

Dominikus Link

1705173713

Joost Hauwert and the whole Hidden Coast Realty Team are just excellent! I trust them 100% and they work for their customer's deals as if it was their own money

Valentin Scharf (ChillisChannel)

1704422740

I recently had the pleasure of working with Hidden Coast Realty in Costa Rica, and I must say it was a five-star experience from start to finish! From the moment I reached out to inquire about their services, I was met with the utmost professionalism and a genuinely friendly attitude.The team at Hidden Coast Realty goes above and beyond to make you feel not just like a client, but a valued partner in the real estate journey. The friendly and approachable demeanor of the staff made the entire process enjoyable, and their dedication to ensuring a positive experience was truly remarkable.What stood out to me the most was the unwavering trustworthiness of all the employees. They provided transparent and honest communication at every step, creating a sense of confidence and reliability that is often hard to come by in the real estate industry. This level of integrity made me feel secure and well-informed throughout the entire process.The efficiency and speed with which Hidden Coast Realty operates are truly commendable. They understand the importance of time in real estate transactions, and their prompt responses and proactive approach made the entire collaboration seamless. The team's professionalism is matched only by their warmth, making the process not just efficient but also surprisingly pleasant.In conclusion, my experience with Hidden Coast Realty exceeded all expectations. The friendly, trustworthy, and efficient nature of the team made the real estate journey in Costa Rica not only successful but also enjoyable. I highly recommend Hidden Coast Realty to anyone seeking a real estate partner who prioritizes client satisfaction, transparency, and a genuinely positive experience. They have truly set a standard of excellence in the industry. Five stars without a doubt!

Robby Purvis

1704216210

Christian and Bruno are the best! They went above and beyond helping us buy our home at an amazing price. They continually drove us around to different showings. Even after the sale, they are still helping us get acclimated with owning a home in Costa Rica. Highly recommend.

Quentin Mannant

1701465011

Paul De Ribas

1701461534

antoine craveia

1701461498

Mistica Natural

1700447346

Early in our property search, we had the good fortune of connecting with Christian Cavanaugh with Hidden Coast Realty. His initial response to our inquiry was comprehensive but, most importantly, kind. It was the style of his communication and responsiveness that set him apart from the rest. He took our search seriously and made the process easy.When we finally met in person to start showings, it was like meeting an old friend with all the best connections, where we hoped to relocate our family. In-person, Christian was an even better communicator; with such positive and chill energy, he could make you think the sun was shining even on a cloudy day. Any additional questions we had on properties were promptly and thoroughly answered. He accompanied us to the home and business we bought three times without hesitation.Once we went under contract, the communication remained strong. Then, we had the pleasure of meeting his great associate, Bruno Grenier, who worked diligently and helped negotiate on our behalf through closing. Christian and Bruno are a solid team who are very responsive when you need it most when making an international move. Unsurprisingly, their local contacts work in the same style, from legal counsel to a great local builder.Christian and his team are a hidden gem that we could not recommend more highly to anyone looking for the best agents in town. Hidden Coast Realty is the agency you want to buy a home from here in Guanacaste. They are so much more than just realtors and undoubtedly have their client's best interests at heart from start to finish and thereafter. Thank you for making our dreams come true and being such genuinely wonderful people!

Lester Onisko

1700078035

Working with Hidden Coast Realty Tamarindo was an absolute pleasure! Their expertise, dedication, and attention to detail made this entire somewhat challenging homebuying process possible. Bruno and his team bring a unique blend of local expertise and global professionalism to the real estate scene. Their in-depth knowledge of the Tamarindo area helped navigate and eventually find the property fitting our profile perfectly. Furthermore, their understanding of the complexity of real estate transactions and ability to coordinate all aspects of legal, banking and property management made the entire process remarkably transparent and streamlined.In conclusion, if you're in search of a real estate partner that is genuinely committed to your unique needs, Hidden Coast Realty Tamarindo is the team to trust.All the Best, Senderos 10C

Christina Rossetti

1700065208

Exceptional Service and Trustworthy Guidance from Bruno and ChristianWe recently had the incredible opportunity to purchase a home in Costa Rica while based in the USA, and it was made possible, stress-free, and successful, thanks to Bruno, our real estate broker, and Christian, our property manager.From the very beginning, Bruno was a beacon of professionalism and knowledge. His understanding of the Costa Rican real estate market was unparalleled, and his ability to communicate and understand our needs was outstanding. He went above and beyond to provide us with detailed information, honest advice, and comprehensive virtual tours that made buying a home site unseen not just possible, but also comfortable and reassuring.Christian, our property manager, complemented Bruno's efforts perfectly. His meticulous attention to detail, prompt communication, and exceptional management skills ensured that every aspect of our property was taken care of.Together, Bruno and Christian formed an incredible team. Their combined efforts made what could have been a daunting and complex process feel straightforward and secure. Their transparency, responsiveness, and genuine care for our needs were evident throughout every interaction.We can't recommend Bruno & Christian highly enough. They are not just exceptional professionals but also trustworthy individuals who made our dream of owning a home in Costa Rica a reality. If you're looking for real estate and property management services in Costa Rica, look no further than this incredible duo.Thank you, Bruno and Christian, for your exemplary service and for making our international home-buying experience a remarkable one!

Usuario03 Usuario03

1699478088

Cristian fue mi agente de bienes raíces para la compra de un lote y la experiencia fue excepcional. Desde el principio, mostró gran profesionalismo y transparencia en su comunicación. Su conocimiento del mercado y dedicación para encontrar el lote fue excelente, pero lo que más me impresionó fue su capacidad de ir más allá de lo esperado para asegurarse de que todo el proceso fuera lo más sencillo y sin contratiempos. Siempre estuvo disponible para responder preguntas y solucionar cualquier problema, incluso aquellos que no estaban directamente relacionados con su trabajo como agente de bienes raíces.Gracias a Cristian, encontré el lote perfecto y lo recomendaría sin dudarlo como agente de bienes raíces. Si estás buscando un agente de bienes raíces que vaya más allá de lo esperado, Cristian es la persona indicada para ti.

Basis Impuls

1696340757

Hidden Coast Realty advised us on our real estate purchase in Coasta Rica to our complete satisfaction. - Joost Hauwert is an ultimate real estate professional. He knows exactly what to look for in a property in Costa Rica. He is very dedicated and reliable. He has continued to advise us on many issues beyond the purchase of the property and is already assisting us with another, much larger project. FIVE STARS and a very big recommendation.

tgill tgill

1692214347

We had a great outcome buying property with the assistance of Christian, Bruno and the team they assembled to support the process. Living in the U.S. we lacked experience and had concerns about our ability to educate ourselves on the nuances of buying in Costa Rica. That's where Hidden Coast excels - from identifying potential property to closing the purchase, it was seamless and transparent. Highly recommend!

Heather Alton

1689024065

Our experience with Hidden Coast and Bruno Grenier was nothing short of extraordinary. We purchased property that needed quite a bit of legwork to put together and also keep together. We ran into some unexpected issues that kept us from being there and Bruno put in a ridiculous amount of time and effort to pull it all together. I don't even know when he sleeps as he seems to be working all the time. The amount of problem-solving skills this guy possesses is truly a gift. I can't even thank you enough for the amount of help you provided us to keep it stress-free on our end with everything we had going on.

Sharon Hillcoat

1688517812

As Canadians we had the most incredible experience purchasing a condo in Tamarindo from Hidden Coast Realty!Christian Cavanagh and Bruno Grenier not only found us a place and negotiated the price…but continued to assist us in acquiring a bank account in Costa Rica, purchase appliances and furniture, hire contractors to do renovations and also promote it as a rental property. (We plan to eventually retire there in the winter!)Their professionalism and integrity, as well as their support and friendship has been unparalleled!! There is no way we could have managed without them!!We are truly indebted to Bruno and Christian for helping us realize our dream!! They are simply the best!!

nir naor

1685034937

I have lived in Tamarindo for many years and have purchased/sold multiple properties over time. I recently purchased a lot in town with Bruno and it was a real pleasure to work with him. Timely communication, efficient and a very smooth transaction. I would definitely use him again in the future.Nir Naor

katie klith

1682449959

Christian helped us find a great long-term rental that was exactly what we were looking for. He's super responsive and easy to work with. Highly recommend him.

Corey Pradon

1682214575

If you are looking for a reliable, honest, hard working realtor this is the place! Everybody here is very friendly and polite and willing to help. Christian has helped me with several things and I have never been disappointed! We have worked on things large and small, as soon as I tell him what I am looking for he immediately starts working on it. One thing I like about them here is that they are honest with you. They will not just tell you what you want to hear to make a sale like so many do. They are here for the long term relationship not the one and done sales. The team works together to find what you want. If you’re looking for a management company, a rental property or looking to buy, this is the place!!!

yada schneider

1681409973

Christian has been wonderful and 100% responsive for any issues we have brought to his attention. He as made renting this property a wonderful experience and i would recommend anyone to use his service in the future. It has been a complete pleasure doing business with them

Ronald Umana

1676681778

Kevin Reedy

1675723098

I highly recommend Bruno as a real estate agent. I had an unusual property for a unique potential buyer that other agents were not interested in putting in the time and work to market and sell. Bruno took on this challenge and helped sell my property in a quicker time period than I expected and for full asking price. His experience, professionalism, contacts, work ethic and personality all contributed to making the process and the sale a good and profitable experience for me. Bruno was a real pleasure to work with and always was available to provide his helpful insights and knowledge. I feel fortunate to have found him to sell my property.

Pablo Bellini

1666254808

Great guys, super Pro and well connected Ended up finding me my ideal spot to built my dream house.

Rob Hanson

1661826735

We recently purchased an ocean view lot from Hidden Coast Realty and were very pleased with their knowledge of the area as well as their professionalism throughout the entire process. Both Joost, the owner and Steven, the local agent were very thorough and easy to work with while ensuring we found the lot where we will build our dream house. I highly recommend Hidden Realty for your next CR purchase…Pura Vida !!!

Danielle Stovall

1660002620

Bruno and the team went above and beyond to find our dream beach house for our group of 8 ladies that have of course varying tastes in architecture and amenities. He was able to pinpoint what was most important to our group and he was able to find us the perfect home to enjoy with all our families. From beginning to end, Bruno overextended himself along with the rest of the Hidden Coast Realty team. When we initially were reaching out to various realtors in the Tamarindo community, Bruno was the first to respond, has had open communication throughout the entirety of the sale, and has held our hand through every step of the process of purchasing our first home in Costa Rica. If you're looking for a great Realtor and group, this is definitely the place to look!

Mary Roper

1659991354

There aren't enough stars to properly rate Bruno and Hidden Coast Realty. Start to finish above and beyond knowledge of the area, friendliness, and listened to us so he knew what we were looking for. Bruno has gone beyond finish. Our new best friend in Costa Rica, helping us with every connection and service we need to get our new house into the vacation rental market.I wouldn't go anywhere but Hidden Coast Realty.

Jeff Long

1656003902

Second Post: This is the second time I've used Hidden Coast Realty, and nothing has changed (see my first post below). These guys are knowledgeable on every property in the Tamarindo area, they are always the first to know when a property comes on the market, and they know the value of every property in the area. If you’re selling, they’ll get the best offer. If you’re buying, they’ll get you the best price. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, they’ll walk you through the buying/selling process and give you excellent advice along the way. Take my advice don’t shortchange yourself by using another realtor.First Post: Hidden Coast Realty is the best realty I’ve ever worked with. I’ve bought and sold many properties and no other realtor has come close. My realtor was Bruno Grenier, and this guy was friendly, knowledgeable, and always familiar with the area/property I was interested in. I can’t say enough good things about them. Do yourself a favor and give these guys a call before you look at any property. I highly recommend them.

Dalia G

1649852129

I have used Bruno’s and Hidden Cost Realty services for the purpose of both renting and later buying/purchasing property and I was beyond satisfied both times. I cannot praise Bruno enough for everything he has done for me and the high quality service he provides. Bruno’s humanity, humility, professional skills bound together with grace, personal attention to detail and kind manner are simply unmatched. Bruno was able to bridge the gap between the Costa Rica tico time and my western desire to tackle things in a timely manner when it comes to the property I can now call my own. He tended to my requests promptly at all hours with his precise and calm demeanour, which I am certainly most thankful for. Bruno has a special skill of somehow marrying the pura vida attitude with a dedicated and exacting approach you’d expect from a Swiss watch as the saying goes. I’d put my trust in Bruno wholeheartedly any day without hesitation, as I know the outcome will be most agreeable. Thanks to Bruno and HiddenCostRealty, I was able to find a place to call home, jump through all the hoops and secure it with just the right person on my side to make the job smooth and satisfactory. I will certainly be a return customer should the need arise again.Show quoted text

deep pockets

1647886278

Joost, Christian and the entire team at Hidden Coast Realty have done a 5 star job. Really they have gone far beyond 5 stars. Joost took us to a number of properties. We made an offer on a house that did not go through. Joost reassured us that is wasn’t meant to be. Which led us to the best find ever. A 2 bedroom 2 bath steps from the beach. We were in the U.S. when our offer was accepted. Since we were outside of Costa Rica we relied heavily on Joost and his long term experience in Guanacaste. He did not disappoint. We arrived 10 days after closing meeting Christian with keys in hand. Joost had taken it upon himself to cover the utilities and pool maintenance until we arrived. What a relief to arrive in our new home with power, water, and a clean pool. Besides walking us through the purchasing process and numerous financial forms, Hidden Coast took the time to walk us through how we can pay our utilities, property taxes, home owners insurance, arranged their handyman, Reynaldo, to install an outdoor garbage container, and other necessary fixes, acted as translator to the air conditioner service men, and more. This is truly beyond any level of service we have received from any agent in the US. After seeing listings with 5 other agencies in Tamarindo, I can tell you do not waste your time. There is only one team you should have working on your behalf, Hidden Coast Realty.

Lara Horgan

1643031974

You could not ask for a better realtor than Bruno Grenier. At every step of the process, Bruno went above and beyond our expectations. Our list of requirements was long and specific, and over several days viewing properties in person with Bruno, we grew to appreciate his meticulous attention to detail, keen understanding of the market and valuable advice. After we left Costa Rica, we placed our trust in him to find the perfect home for us, and he proved that our trust was well placed. After the sale was complete, Bruno continued to be an invaluable help in obtaining all the goods and services we required. If you’re looking for an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and hard working realtor who you can trust to faithfully act in your best interest, call Bruno Grenier.Sincerely,Lara HorganLaguna Niguel, CA

Cecilia Farina-Morin, MD

1626734652

We had a great experience working with Bruno and Joost at Hidden Coast Realty in our search to buy a home in the Tamarindo area. We had very specific needs due to having a wheelchair-bound family member. Bruno patiently worked with us to find alternatives and if Bruno was unavailable, Joost was always there to help. When there was a misunderstanding about what appliances were included in the sale, Bruno and Joost replaced the missing appliances at their expense. That is a sign of a true professional! Their consistent commitment to excellent customer service, even after the sale, makes us confident to strongly recommend them to anyone looking to rent or buy in this area.

dalia granite

1625525874

Bruno Grenier from Hidden Coast Realty is the most reliable real estate agent l have ever met. I was lucky to enter the agency and to find out that I am not alone in my search for a suitable place to live. He was dedicated to the task always responsive and absolutely obligated in a very professional manner.He found my dream home and made it work.I got all the support and help I could have asked for.Highly recommend and appreciated. Thanks.

Magali Capi

1623683214

Bruno Grenier from Hidden Coast Realty is very resourceful, responsible, smart and trustworthy. His communication is timely, always got back to me to answer any questions. I'm very pleased with the experience of buying a house in Tamarindo. He was not pushy, he presented all the options very professionally and once he perceived what I liked and didn't like, he called me that he thought of a house I would love. And I did, made an offer that same day and closed a month later. Felt comfortable buying from New York, he made me feel I was being taken care of.

Marina Richards

1620229331

Hi! The hidden coast team made purchasing our dream home a breeze. They went above and beyond to explain complicated matters and their enthusiasm and dedication to making it right was extraordinary. A big thank you to Joost and Stevie.

Greg Bunt

1618786849

Purchased in Reserva Conchal:Bruno Grenier was my agent recently as I was looking for a property between Langosta and Flamingo. Bruno was extremely professional, attentive to my needs and style and always went above and beyond.I ended up purchasing in Reserva Conchal and the legal team and contractors he has recommended have all been top notch. Bruno continues to stay in touch and go the extra mile to help.The bottom line is I can’t imagine anyone being more helpful in going through the process. Plus, if you buy a property he will take you fishing and you will catch a fish.

Craig Wells

1616713327

Bruno has been a wonderful partner in our needs both as a rental manager and in the purchase of our condo in Langosta. He was extremely responsive in all issues and always followed up to make sure work was done to our satisfaction. Truly a pleasure to work with him and he should be considered a valuable asset to Hidden Coast Realty.

Angelica Yaneth Cañón García

1606769818

Alex Clifton

1605813001

Highly recommend - great service! Knows the area, has great listings, and helped us find a great place in Tama very quickly.

Basim Mirza

1605552691

We've bought through Joost already and he's one of the best agents ever. He goes above and beyond what is normal, and will do everything possible for your happiness and peace of mind. On top of all that he's a wonderful human being and friend. Will continue to use Joost for all our dealings.

Ramsha Mirza

1605552436

Our experience with Hidden Coast Realty has been absolutely amazing! It was our absolute pleasure to work with Joost. He found us the most beautiful property to purchase right by the gorgeous beach in Hacienda Pinilla at a wonderful price.He also really went the extra mile and connected us to all the contacts we needed to make the purchase as seamless and convenient as possible -considering we did everything from Canada!He took such great care of us, sent us all the pictures and communicated really well throughout the process. It made the whole experience so effortless on our part. Joost is also very well-connected so it really helps if you're looking to build your dream home. He even helped us find the perfect rental property to live in as we wanted to rent something while we build our dream home.We highly recommend Joost - you are absolutely going to love working with him and you'll be in great hands!

Ashley Black

1605492977

Joost and his team has helped me purchase 2 apartments and a luxury home in Costa Rica. It really helps to have the European professionalism mixed with the years of experience with the Pura Vida. Investing in Costa Rica really requires someone who knows the ropes here, this is still an emerging country and it has it's share of pitfalls. You need to work with someone you can trust. This team is the real deal.

Kyle Lernout

1599840563

Bruno and Joost @ Hidden Coast Realty are a pleasure to work with! If you are ever in need of a short or long term vacation rental or even looking to purchase a new home these are the go to guys in Costa Rica!!! They have helped me settle in my new home and made the transition super easy! Thanks again Team!

Guy Powell

1598912149

Bruno at Hidden Coast was the most helpful agent that we found whilst trying to find a long-term rental in the Tamarindo area. He responded quickly to all of our queries, immediately found us a selection of appropriate houses to view, assisted with getting utilities set up and went out of his way to assist us when some major problems came up out of hours. We found that he went far above and beyond anything that we would expect from someone helping with lettings and we’ll definitely be talking to both Bruno and Hidden Coast again soon. Coming from the UK it was completely novel to have a real estate agent actually try and help us – rather than work against us. It was genuinely the first time that we felt we had someone on our side trying to help us get the property we wanted. We briefly worked with Joost at the office when Bruno was away over a weekend and found him to be just as helpful.

Derek Mercer

1587050400

How to buy a home in Costa Rica

How to buy a home in Costa Rica & the Due Diligence process

Contact Us

Schedule A Call With Us