services
A US-style mortgage on a Costa Rica home
Two lenders we point buyers to, Volo Loans and Second Street, both offering 30-year, US-dollar mortgages on Costa Rica homes for North American buyers.
These are the lenders we point buyers to when they would rather not pay cash. Both lend in US dollars on Costa Rica homes the way a mortgage works at home, with U.S. credit approval. Their terms differ, so compare them for your purchase. Whichever you choose, have your own Costa Rican attorney review the loan alongside the purchase.
Volo Loans
A U.S. lender that finances homes in Costa Rica, with no foreign credit history required.
What they offer
- Financing for U.S. and Canadian citizens*
- Purchase and refinance options
- 30-year amortizations
- Close in as few as 45 days
- US$100,000 minimum loan amount
- No life insurance required
- No pre-payment penalties
- Loans funded in US dollars and serviced in the United States
Current programs
- 30-year fixed
- 5/6 adjustable**
- 7/6 adjustable***
Limits
- Up to 75% loan-to-value on purchases and cash-out refinances
- 45% maximum debt-to-income
Costs
- Origination fee: 3.5% of the loan amount
- Third-party costs: appraisal, legal and government fees
*, **, *** Terms, eligibility and the adjustable-rate details apply; Volo sets them, and they change. Rates are not published here. Confirm everything with Volo before you rely on it.
Volo Loans, LLC · 155 N 400 W, Suite 170, Salt Lake City, UT 84103 · NMLS #2459494. In Volo's own words, it is supervised in Costa Rica by SUGEF solely with respect to anti-money laundering, and SUGEF does not supervise it in financial matters.
Second Street
A lender for Americans buying in Costa Rica, offering 30-year fixed-rate mortgages in US dollars. In its own words, it is backed by an institutional U.S.-based financial partner.
What they offer
- 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages in US dollars
- Purchases, refinances and cash-out refinances
- For a primary residence, a second home or an investment property
- No prepayment penalties
- U.S.-based loan servicing, with help paying property taxes and home insurance
- About 4–6 weeks from pre-qualifying to closing, and a pre-approval in a few days
Who can borrow
- U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents; Second Street's home page also lists Canadian citizens, so Canadians should confirm with them directly
- A minimum 720 FICO score
- Self-employed and retired borrowers are considered
Limits
- US$150,000 minimum loan; loans over US$2 million are subject to additional review
- Generally at least 25% down on purchases
- The home must be fully completed, on titled land, with legal access to power and water: no construction, unfinished homes or bare land
Second Street sets its own rates and fees, which are not published here and change without notice, and approval is not guaranteed. Confirm everything with Second Street before you rely on it.
Second Street CR, S.R.L. · a private lender registered with SUGEF · 2211 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA 92612.
Figures as published by each lender, October 2026.