Curridabat Real Estate: Houses on the Eastern Side of San José

Curridabat is known as a green, walkable suburb with parks, restaurants and business districts, and it sits close to universities and the ring road. Buyers are mostly local professionals and expatriates working in San José who want a quieter home base.

Compare with Escazú and Santa Ana, the main upscale western suburbs; Alajuela and Atenas are cheaper and further away. Turrialba and Jacó serve rural and beach buyers respectively.

Foreigners can buy outright and need no residency. A Costa Rican lawyer (who also acts as notary) registers the deed; transfer tax is 1.5% of the higher of price or tax value. Expect annual municipal property tax plus condominium fees. Ask for the survey plan, a registry search and any encumbrances. Mortgages for non-residents are available from a few banks, usually at higher rates and lower loan-to-value, so see our financing guide and the buying guide.

Alongside the 1.5% transfer tax, owners pay an annual municipal property levy, and gated communities charge monthly maintenance fees that can be substantial for large houses with security and gardens. Insurance is inexpensive compared with Europe, but water and electricity quality should be checked on each street. If you buy through a company, factor in the yearly corporate registration and a registered agent. A calculation using our mortgage calculator helps compare cash against a local loan.