About Vacations Real Estate Costa Rica
Vacations Real Estate Costa Rica is a boutique luxury real estate brokerage based in Liberia, Guanacaste. We specialize in the country’s Gold Coast: Reserva Conchal, Hacienda Pinilla, Playa Flamingo and the Gulf of Papagayo.
Founder and broker Leonardo Araya Pacheco has more than 15 years of experience in real estate sales and vacation rentals in the region. That background shapes how we work: we look at every luxury property not only as a home, but as an investment that should perform as a high-end vacation rental.
Our mission is simple: help international buyers find the right property in Guanacaste with honest, bilingual guidance from the first showing to closing — and the local network of attorneys, inspectors and property managers to make it work long after.
How We Help
Personal, local service for buyers and owners of luxury real estate in Guanacaste.
Buyer Representation
We shortlist, tour and compare properties for you — on site or by video — and coordinate offers, due diligence and closing with trusted local attorneys.
Investment & Rental Insight
Built on years in vacation rentals: realistic guidance on rental demand, seasonality, operating costs and which communities perform best for short-term rentals.
Listing & Marketing
For owners, we present luxury properties to international buyers with professional photography, bilingual listings and targeted social media campaigns.
Schedule a Private Consultation
Tell us what you are looking for — community, budget, timing — and Leo will reply personally with a curated selection of properties.
Buying in Costa Rica: FAQ
General guidance for international buyers. Always confirm the details of your purchase with a Costa Rican attorney.
Yes. Foreigners can own titled property in Costa Rica with the same rights as citizens. Land within the maritime zone (the first 200 m from the high-tide line) works differently, through concessions, so it is important to review the type of title before making an offer.
Typically: a signed offer, a refundable deposit held in escrow, a due-diligence period (title, liens, permits and survey review by your attorney), and closing before a Costa Rican notary, who registers the transfer in the National Registry.
Buyers commonly budget around 3.5%–4% of the purchase price for transfer tax, registration stamps and notary fees. Your attorney will confirm the exact amount for each property.
Local bank financing for non-residents is limited, so most purchases are made in cash. Some sellers offer owner financing — for example, Casa Bohemia offers up to 50%.
Yes. Many owners in Hacienda Pinilla, Reserva Conchal and Playa Flamingo rent their homes as luxury vacation rentals through local management companies. We can share realistic expectations for each community.