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Questions like “we were wondering if it is possible to obtain financing as I am looking to finance a home purchase in Costa Rica” and “I am interested in this property, but need to know about financing first” are very common. So in this article, I will cover the issue of being able to get a mortgage or finance a home purchase if you are not a resident or citizen.
As most of you probably know, I always like to explain things in a short and concise way without making you read a mile-long article, so the answer is NO, you cannot, unless…
That was a very short answer, right: NO, you cannot finance a home purchase. Unless you’re a citizen or a resident. But things will get better for you, depending on the circumstances, and the location you plan to buy. And who you can purchase from.
First of all, let me explain why you cannot finance a home purchase in Costa Rica without being a resident. So all this makes more sense to you.
Imagine
Imagine a Mexican retiree arrives in Los Angeles – California, his name is José. José has worked all his life in tourism in Cancun. He has made enough money to retire on a nice retirement income. José and his wife Juana have been looking online at homes for sale around Los Angeles for a while. The spouses think they have found the home they want to purchase. An email to their realtor says “we were wondering if it is possible to finance a home purchase of our new home in Los Angeles”.
They could be illegal immigrants or residents.
Well, José and Juana don’t have legal residency in the U.S. They have no bank account. Also, they have no local credit report and no track record. They could be illegal immigrants or they could be drug dealers. Or they could be anything but honest retirees just trying to buy a home in San Jose, California. They need financing to make that dream come true, just like you probably do now.
I’m sure you now understand why you won’t be able to finance a home purchase in Costa Rica until you’re a legal resident. At least, there won’t be any bank financing available for you until then.
Looking to finance a home purchase?
If you are in the market for a vacation home, an investment property, or a retirement home, you might need a mortgage. If you are not a resident, you will have the following options:
Owner financing
Can you finance a home through owner financing?
One option to finance a home purchase could be owner financing. Some owners are willing to finance, probably at 50% LTV (Loan To Value) or less, for a short period like 2 – 5 years. Bank interest rates vary between 6 – 8% annually (9% in 2018). So, be ready to pay more or less the same as you would pay the bank. This is why sellers like offering owner financing for the short term. Most sellers of a home here will not be able to allow for owner financing because they need to buy another home.
Some developers offer owner financing options for foreigners without residency. Check with your American European Real estate Group affiliate if there are any finance options in that particular area of the country.
Private lending
Your real estate agent can connect you with a private lender
Another option to finance a home purchase in Costa Rica is to get a private loan. But mortgage rates are usually anywhere between 10 – 18% annually and most will lend 50% LTV or less. Many will only lend for 1 year and will request renewal costs and commissions every year. Interested in contacting a private lender (residential loans only)? Then fill out the form below and we’ll have a private lender get back to you.
Home Equity loan
Talk to your banker about a Home Equity Loan
You might be able to find a lender in your home country for an equity loan on the assets that you own.
Not all lenders will allow you to use an equity loan for an investment in a foreign country. Some do. The advantage would be that your interest rate will be considerably lower than any interest rate in Costa Rica. Even if they are regular bank rates.
Check with your banker for equity loan options.
1031 Exchange
Regarding an international 1031 Exchange, the rules are clear:
- US property can be exchanged for another property in the US
- A foreign property can be exchanged for another foreign property
- US property cannot be exchanged for a foreign property
Retirement funds
You can use your retirement funds to purchase an investment property
You might be able to use your retirement funds to finance a home purchase. If you have any. Such as an IRA, a 401(k) or a Canadian RRSP will work if you know the rules. You are not allowed to live on the property when using your retirement funds. But, there are several options for you to use for funds when buying an investment property.
VA Loan
Looking for a VA loan? Then read this article.
U.S. Territories and Possessions, where you are able to apply for a VA loan to buy property, are Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. These do NOT include Costa Rica.
Rent a home
You can rent a home until you have your legal residency
If you plan to move soon and you will not be able to secure a mortgage or finance a home purchase, I recommend you rent first until you are able to get your legal residency. Once you have your legal residency, our agents will help you with pleasure to find a home with the necessary financing that you are looking for.
Used in Featured Image: Image by 8photo on Freepik
