Costa Rica Beach Properties: Costa Rica Real Estate

Costa Rica beach properties are very much in demand and there is much to choose from. The prices range from modest to very high. The law is very specific concerning Costa Rica beach properties however. It is wise for everyone interested in Costa Rica real estate to learn the do’s and don’t of the property laws.

In Costa Rica the Maritime Zone Law must be followed. Important to note is the difference between property that is situated directly on the beach and real estate that is near and overlooking the beach. They are not one and the same. The former is governed by the Maritime Zone Law while the latter is not. The subtle discrepancy is vital for those wishing to purchase real estate on one of Costa Rica’s many beaches.

In Costa Rica beaches are not private property, but public therefore certain rules must be taken into account in order for potential buyers to purchases beach property.

The Maritime Zoning Law (Ley sobre la Zona Maritimo- Terrestre- Ley Numero 6043) came into effect in 1977. This law serves to regulate both the ownership of beach properties in Costa Rica as well as the ways in which the property is used. Two zones were created in accordance with this law. The zones encompass the Atlantic coasts as well as the Pacific. The zones are measured inland from the mark of high tide. The width of the two zones is a total of two hundred meters.

The zones of the Costa Rica beach properties are called the Public Zone (Zone Publica) and the Restricted Zone (Zone Restringida). As the name implies, the Public Zone is meant for the public while the Restricted Zone is for Costa Rica real estate owners.