Golfito, Costa Rica: Land and Houses by the Golfo Dulce

Golfito is a former banana port on the Golfo Dulce, known for its duty-free zone, sport fishing, rainforest and proximity to the Osa Peninsula and Panama border. It is a remote, nature-led market, not a resort town. The links offered, Dominical, Santa Cruz and Tamarindo, are other Costa Rican markets rather than neighbours, and Guanacaste is a long way north.

Foreigners can generally own property like citizens, but land near the coast falls under the maritime zone: the first 50 m above high tide is public and the next 150 m is held by concession, so check titles carefully. Use a Costa Rican lawyer, who also acts as notary, and run a registry (Registro Nacional) search. Transfer costs are roughly 3 to 4% in total; verify locally. See the Costa Rica guide and financing.

A Costa Rican lawyer should confirm that the plano catastrado (survey) matches the registered plot and that there are no liens or mortgages. Ask about legal water supply and electricity, which can be a major cost on remote parcels. Rainfall in the south is heavy, so look at drainage, landslide risk and road access in the wet season. Property tax is low, but luxury homes can attract an extra tax.