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Costa Rica coastline — Coco Beach and Guanacaste

Live the Lifestyle.

Invest with Confidence.

Your Boutique Real Estate Team on the Gold Coast of Costa Rica

Guiding international buyers through listings, investment, and life in Guanacaste.

Trusted by international buyers since 2014

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Boutique real estate in Guanacaste

Tammy Sells Costa Rica is a boutique real estate team based on the Gold Coast of Costa Rica, specializing in helping international buyers navigate both the purchase and the investment opportunity of owning listings in Guanacaste.

We focus on Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal, Playa Panama, the Papagayo Peninsula, and surrounding coastal communities—offering local expertise in some of the most sought-after markets in the country.

Expert real estate guidance

We are a small, experienced team offering a hands-on, full-service approach from start to finish.

From your first inquiry to closing and beyond, we guide you through every step—listing search, rental and investment strategy, legal and escrow connections, and settling into life in Costa Rica.

Because for most of our clients, this is more than just a purchase—it is an investment, a lifestyle shift, and a long-term plan. Our role is to make that process seamless, informed, and successful.

“Pura Vida”

“Pura Vida,” translating to “Pure Life” or “Simple Life,” transcends mere words in Costa Rica. It embodies a philosophy that refers to every aspect of life in this vibrant country. More than just a local phrase, “Pura Vida” is a guiding principle, a way of living that celebrates gratitude, joy, and the essence of being alive.

Real clients.

Real investments.

Real results.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

  • Debbie FlannaganUnited States
    March 9, 2026

    We used Tammy to purchase our Condo in 2021 and we utilized her again to sell the condo in 2026. She is a very honest and professional realtor with so much knowledge to offer. She had so much information to get us acclimated with Coco and Costa Rica. For me the true measure of a GREAT realtor is how reliable they are after the sell. Tammy has always been available to us. I would not consider using anyone else. Tammy Lovell is an amazing realtor and I am grateful she was the one to introduce us to Coco.

  • Karen MartellCanada
    March 4, 2026

    Working with David was an exceptional experience from start to finish. He took the time to show me a variety of homes, including new builds, and never rushed the process. What truly stood out was his ability to genuinely understand my needs—he wasn't just focused on finding a house, but on ensuring it would be a place of comfort, ease, and long-term enjoyment. David's knowledge goes far beyond real estate. He carefully walked me through important considerations like water systems, air conditioning, and the practical essentials that are especially important when relocating to Costa Rica. He also highlighted the "extras" that can make a significant difference for someone transitioning to a new country—things I wouldn't have even thought to ask about. His attention to detail, patience, and commitment to making sure I felt confident in every step made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend David for anyone looking for an agent to assist you in finding not just a home, but the right lifestyle in Costa Rica.

  • Andrew FischerCanada
    June 8, 2021

    When my wife and I were first considering buying property in Costa Rica, we had a lot of questions. David MacNeil was a tremendous resource. He not only answered our questions, his valuable insight and expertise allowed us to buy with confidence. We absolutely love our home here and are so grateful for David's counsel to make it happen.

  • Martin MCanada
    June 10, 2020

    David is a keen collaborator with an excellent sense of real estate market trends and marketing strategies. We worked together on the sale of a condo, and David had plentiful ideas for property improvement and making the unit as appealing as possible. As well, during negotiations, David had an instinct for the dealmaking and achieving the maximum possible price.

  • Joe StapletonCanada
    January 4, 2020

    After visiting Costa Rica with my wife and our two sons, we knew we wanted to spend more time in Costa Rica. Our plan was to purchase a property that we would visit once or twice a year, share with friends and family or rent out when we're not there, and ultimately live there during the Canadian winters once we retire. We had zero idea how to make any of that happen. Luckily, our friend Dave had just moved to Costa Rica. Dave was not only an open book on his experience moving to Costa Rica, he was well networked. Through Dave, I secured a real estate agent, lawyer, property management company, and a series of other individuals who helped guide us through the entire process. The rest is history and Costa Rica has been our second home since March 2025. Dave was, and continues to be, an integral part of our Costa Rica story.

  • Debbie FlannaganUnited States
    March 9, 2026

    We used Tammy to purchase our Condo in 2021 and we utilized her again to sell the condo in 2026. She is a very honest and professional realtor with so much knowledge to offer. She had so much information to get us acclimated with Coco and Costa Rica. For me the true measure of a GREAT realtor is how reliable they are after the sell. Tammy has always been available to us. I would not consider using anyone else. Tammy Lovell is an amazing realtor and I am grateful she was the one to introduce us to Coco.

  • Karen MartellCanada
    March 4, 2026

    Working with David was an exceptional experience from start to finish. He took the time to show me a variety of homes, including new builds, and never rushed the process. What truly stood out was his ability to genuinely understand my needs—he wasn't just focused on finding a house, but on ensuring it would be a place of comfort, ease, and long-term enjoyment. David's knowledge goes far beyond real estate. He carefully walked me through important considerations like water systems, air conditioning, and the practical essentials that are especially important when relocating to Costa Rica. He also highlighted the "extras" that can make a significant difference for someone transitioning to a new country—things I wouldn't have even thought to ask about. His attention to detail, patience, and commitment to making sure I felt confident in every step made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. I highly recommend David for anyone looking for an agent to assist you in finding not just a home, but the right lifestyle in Costa Rica.

  • Andrew FischerCanada
    June 8, 2021

    When my wife and I were first considering buying property in Costa Rica, we had a lot of questions. David MacNeil was a tremendous resource. He not only answered our questions, his valuable insight and expertise allowed us to buy with confidence. We absolutely love our home here and are so grateful for David's counsel to make it happen.

  • Martin MCanada
    June 10, 2020

    David is a keen collaborator with an excellent sense of real estate market trends and marketing strategies. We worked together on the sale of a condo, and David had plentiful ideas for property improvement and making the unit as appealing as possible. As well, during negotiations, David had an instinct for the dealmaking and achieving the maximum possible price.

  • Joe StapletonCanada
    January 4, 2020

    After visiting Costa Rica with my wife and our two sons, we knew we wanted to spend more time in Costa Rica. Our plan was to purchase a property that we would visit once or twice a year, share with friends and family or rent out when we're not there, and ultimately live there during the Canadian winters once we retire. We had zero idea how to make any of that happen. Luckily, our friend Dave had just moved to Costa Rica. Dave was not only an open book on his experience moving to Costa Rica, he was well networked. Through Dave, I secured a real estate agent, lawyer, property management company, and a series of other individuals who helped guide us through the entire process. The rest is history and Costa Rica has been our second home since March 2025. Dave was, and continues to be, an integral part of our Costa Rica story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about buying and owning real estate on Costa Rica's Gold Coast.

Yes. Foreigners have the same property ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens. Listings can be held personally or through a Costa Rican corporation.

No. Residency is not required to purchase or own real estate in Costa Rica.

Both options are common. Personal ownership is simpler and less costly. Corporate ownership (S.A. or SRL) is often used for asset protection, privacy, rental activity, or estate planning. A local attorney can advise on the best structure for your situation.

No. Costa Rica relies on a national public registry rather than title insurance. A thorough title search by an independent attorney is essential.

Your attorney will verify registered ownership, boundaries and survey (plano catastrado), and any liens, mortgages, easements (servidumbres), or annotations. Only listings with clear registered title should be purchased.

Closing costs are mostly in the 3.75% to 4% range of the purchase price, including transfer tax, registry stamps, notary and legal fees, and escrow fees if applicable.

Escrow is not legally required, but it is highly recommended. Escrow protects both buyer and seller by ensuring funds and title transfer occur simultaneously.

Once under contract, the process typically takes 30–45 days, depending on due diligence, financing, and document readiness.

Financing for foreigners through local banks is limited. Most transactions are cash purchases or seller-financed deals. Private or international financing may also be available.

Costa Rica has very low annual property taxes at 0.25% of the registered cadastral value. Listings above a certain value may also be subject to a luxury home tax.

Condominiums and gated communities typically have HOA fees, while individual titled listings may not. Always confirm HOA rules, fees, and responsibilities before purchasing.

Land within 200 meters of the high-tide line falls under the Maritime Zone. These parcels cannot be owned outright, are held via government concession, and require additional legal review.

In most cases, yes. Buyers should confirm HOA rental rules, municipal requirements, and tourism or rental registration obligations.

No. Water availability must be verified through public water sources (AYA or ASADA) or permitted private wells. Legal availability should be confirmed during due diligence.

Not always. The registered survey (plano catastrado) is the legal reference for lot size and should be verified during due diligence.

Yes, strongly recommended. Inspections are not legally required but are important due to Costa Rica's climate, seismic conditions, and construction variability. Inspections can identify structural, electrical, plumbing, roofing, drainage, moisture, or termite issues.

A survey is not legally required but is strongly recommended, especially for land purchases or older listings.

Yes. Capital gains tax generally applies, though exemptions may exist depending on the date of acquisition and use of the asset. Tax advice should be obtained prior to selling.

Not legally required, but highly recommended for paying property taxes, utilities, HOA fees, and receiving rental income.

Yes, when handled correctly. Key protections include an independent real estate attorney, proper due diligence, escrow usage, and registry verification.

Buyers should work with a licensed real estate agent, an independent Costa Rican real estate attorney, and optionally an escrow agent and accountant.

Still have questions? Show listings or contact the team.

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Tammy Sells Costa Rica

Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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