What makes Puerto Jiménez a unique place to buy real estate?

Puerto Jiménez, the main town on the Osa Peninsula, offers unmatched access to pristine beaches, rainforest properties, and incredible biodiversity. Its combination of natural beauty, local amenities, and expert guidance from a trusted Puerto Jiménez real estate office makes it ideal for vacation homes, long-term investments, and eco-friendly retreats in Costa Rica.

Is it possible to purchase land on the Osa Peninsula safely as a foreigner?

Absolutely. Purchasing land on the Osa Peninsula is safe when proper legal procedures are followed. A reputable Puerto Jiménez real estate office ensures thorough title verification, due diligence, and compliance with Costa Rican property laws, making the process transparent and worry-free for foreign buyers.

Are waterfront and jungle properties common in Puerto Jiménez?

Waterfront and jungle properties are highly sought after on the Osa Peninsula. While these properties are limited in availability, a local Puerto Jiménez real estate office can guide buyers to options that suit their needs, from secluded beachfront lots to sustainable jungle retreats, maximizing both privacy and investment potential.

What type of properties are most common in the Puerto Jiménez area?

You'll find a diverse mix. The most common are large acreage suitable for eco-tourism or conservation, titled land parcels for building custom homes, and existing homes or villas geared toward retirement or rental income. The market here is defined by its strong connection to nature.

Is it safe to invest in land and property near Corcovado National Park?

Yes, it is safe, but it requires due diligence. Properties bordering the park are highly valuable due to the access to unparalleled biodiversity, but they come with strict environmental regulations. A trusted agent, like the specialists at Osa Land Office, will ensure all necessary permits and zoning requirements are met before you purchase.

What is the average commission rate for real estate agents in this part of Costa Rica?

Agent commissions in the Osa Peninsula typically range from 5% to 7%, similar to the rest of Costa Rica. This fee is generally paid by the seller. However, it's always best to clarify the exact rate and services included with your chosen agent from the start.

How do I verify if a real estate agent in Puerto Jiménez is legitimate and trustworthy?

The most reliable way is to look for agents who are members of the Costa Rican Chamber of Real Estate Brokers (CCBR). You should also ask about their years of experience specifically in the Osa Peninsula market and ask for references from past clients who have completed transactions here.

Are there any specific local taxes or fees I should be aware of as a foreign property owner in Puerto Jiménez?

Yes. Beyond the standard annual property tax (Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles), you will need to pay an annual Luxury Home Tax (Impuesto a las Personas Jurídicas) if your property is held in a corporation, which is common practice here. Your attorney and agent will guide you on structuring the purchase to manage these obligations effectively.

What is the difference between titled land and concession property near the coast?

Titled land grants you full ownership rights, similar to the US or Canada. Concession property is leased from the government, and the ownership is not outright, but rather a long-term lease. Most secure transactions involve fully titled land, which is what we primarily recommend to foreign buyers.

Top Ten Osa Peninsula Real Estate Mistakes

Name: Osa Land Office
Address: Puerto Jiménez Airport, Puerto Jiménez, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Telephone: +506 8864 1867

It’s a Jungle Out There! Learn From Others’ Mistakes So Your Dream Doesn’t Turn Into a Nightmare

It’s always amazed me how many foreigners come to Costa Rica and lose their senses, doing things they would never even consider back home. It’s like being spellbound, enamored with the stunning landscape, nature and peaceful culture. Hire a lawyer you can’t understand or put money down on a property sight unseen. Really? Granted, there is a legitimate and understandable lack of knowledge, but even intelligent people are still newbies. I’ve had countless clients over the years that needed help fixing their bad decisions.

If you are buying real estate here in the Osa Peninsula or anywhere in Costa Rica you will benefit to learn the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.

Not verifying word of mouth information
Hiring a lawyer that doesn’t speak your language
Overpaying for legal services
Not analyzing the overall cost of ownership
Having a local “hook you up” with a property
Failure to check property lines
Making informal arrangements with workers
Hiring unqualified tradespeople
Going into casual partnerships
Over-trusting your surroundings

1. Not verifying word of mouth advice or what you “learn” on the internet

Good luck with that method! “Hey, there’s no building restrictions here – or your neighbor over there will let you get water from his creek. They are going to fix that road – or the electricity is coming to your property next year.” Ok got it, let’s do it! Maybe you lack some drama in your life and like to throw money down the drain, so go for it. If not, follow up and verify everything you hear and read on the internet. Don’t let enthusiasm override your common sense.

2. Hiring a lawyer that doesn’t speak your language

Communication is everything right? So why take a casual recommendation by a local who says, “don’t worry, my cousin is a lawyer, he’ll take care of you.” Yikes! The same goes for your architect and builder. If your native language is English then make it a rule to hire English speaking professionals. You will regret it if you don’t.

3. Over-lawyer and over-pay for services

Lawyers sell their services. Normal stuff. But many newcomers pay for services they don’t need simply because of lack of understanding. And some of these costs are perpetual which you don’t find out about until the following year when the bill comes in your Inbox. I recently was hired by a new client that has 5 corporations and he doesn’t even own a business, but has one for a property, one for a car, or a corporation that owns another corporation for layered protection or anonymity. Seriously? If you wouldn’t do this back home why would you do it here?

4. Not analyzing the overall cost of ownership

I like to say that buying is the easy part. Ownership is work. And it has it’s own cost. You might find out later that the property you bought out in the boonies needs a full time employee to take care of the place (for whom you need to build a house for so he can live there with his family when you are away half the year). Insurance, maintenance, road work and general encroachment of the jungle. If you want low maintenance, my advice is to build with concrete and steel and give it some tropical trimming. Get over the romance of building a bamboo and wood house with a thatched roof. Do the math and ask your agent who will give you some valuable insight.

5. Have a local “hook you up” with a property

This means expats included. The last time I checked, nationality was not connected to honesty or competence. Remember the possibility of making a commission is the driving force behind their motive. So take caution when you hear ”I’ve been here a long time, I know everything”…or “don’t worry, your lawyer will take care of that”. My favorite is “this is how things are done around here” – meaning we can skip all that complicated due diligence, regulations and permits. So don’t go there. You are setting yourself up for problems when you deal direct with a seller or untrained intermediary. If you find a property on your own then hire an experienced buyer’s agent to help you.

6. Failure to hire a surveyor to verify property boundaries and natural borders BEFORE you buy

There’s plenty of reason you need to do this…outdated surveys, encroachment over time, different topographers used different references etc.

7. Make informal arrangements with full time workers

This is an easy trap to fall into because it seems like a cheaper and easier option. No so! Just like anywhere, Costa Rica has a formal employer / employee system to pay into insurance and benefits so avoid the dreaded visit by the labor inspector who is going to nail you with big fines, liquidation pay and back vacation pay when things don’t work out with your employee and you have to let them go. We are talking thousands of dollars in some cases so what did you really save in the end?

8. Hire unqualified tradespeople

Always remember that your first world standards are different than your host culture. Costa Ricans genuinely want to help but they unintentionally oversell their qualifications, mostly because they need the work. “Yes, I am a carpenter, been doing it my whole life. I can build anything”. And then the next day he shows up and asks to borrow your tools. Mechanics that replace parts over a series of visits, basically experimenting until something works. Or you hire an English speaking helper and automatically assume they know what they are talking about – your mistake thinking language implies competence. I get it, you need someone to help that you can communicate with. But it’s better to ask around and get references. And then there’s the mystery of how to pay a fair price for everything you do. Make an effort to understand the going rate before you buy or hire. If not, you will usually pay more than you should.

9. Make friends with the locals and go into casual partnerships

“Hey if we owned a backhoe we could make a shitload of money”…or “this town sure could use a good restaurant.” You would do none of these things back home, especially with someone you just met! But hey, let’s have another beer and you can tell me more things I want to hear. So keep your wits about you and evaluate the reality. As they say, if it was that easy everyone would be doing it.

10. Over-trusting your surroundings

The Latin American culture in general tolerates theft way more than first world cultures. Sort of a rich–poor thing. I’m not trying to be derogatory but the idea is not to mistake kindness for honesty. You have to raise your level of awareness. Theft comes in different forms – some of your stuff disappears or you loan money thinking you will actually get paid back, or pay for something you never get. Take extra precautions and avoid being a victim.

Work With Trusted Local Advisors in the Osa Peninsula

Buying real estate in the Osa Peninsula is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make — but only when you have expert guidance grounded in decades of real, local experience. With over 30 years living and working in Puerto Jiménez, the Osa Land Office team helps buyers avoid costly mistakes and navigate Costa Rica’s legal, environmental, and cultural landscape with confidence.

Whether you’re researching Osa Peninsula real estate, exploring titled property laws, comparing beachfront homes, or evaluating investment land, we are here to help you make informed decisions backed by deep regional knowledge.

Contact Osa Land Office
Airport Office, Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica
📞 +506 8864 1867
✉️ jeff@osalandoffice.com
🌐 https://osalandoffice.com

Explore more guides:
Osa Peninsula Real Estate Office • Puerto Jiménez Properties for Sale • Financing Property in Costa Rica

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