Costa Rica Property-Backed Loan FAQ
Clear answers about property-backed loan requests, first-lien security, closing, and what to prepare before starting.
Property-backed financing starts with the property and the plan.
GAP reviews the property and the proposed loan structure to help qualified borrowers move forward with clear next steps.
What is the minimum equity loan request?
Loans from US$50,000 and up. Requests above US$1 million require additional documentation and due diligence. The amount available depends on the property, LTV and overall assessment.
How long are the loan terms?
Terms range from 6 months to 3 years.
How does LTV affect my rate?
Lower LTV generally supports a better rate. GAP prefers 30% or less. A 40% request is more favorable than borrowing at the 50% maximum. Property quality and the overall file also affect pricing.
Are payments interest-only?
Standard loans have interest-only payments during the term. Principal is due at the end. Your payment schedule and repayment obligations are set out in the loan documents.
Do I need a credit score?
No. GAP does not require or pull a credit score.
Is there a fixed down-payment requirement?
No. There is no fixed down-payment requirement. The proposed structure depends on the property, available equity, requested amount, purpose, repayment plan, and overall file.
Can foreign buyers or borrowers apply?
Qualified borrowers of any nationality can be reviewed.
What does GAP review for an equity loan?
GAP reviews the property, title, liens, location, marketability, value, loan purpose, repayment plan, and exit strategy.
A clear property file makes a stronger starting point.
What security does GAP work with?
Every GAP lender must hold first-lien position. GAP never arranges second-position loans. Smaller loans are commonly secured by a registered first-position mortgage on the Costa Rica property. Some transactions may use a trust structure when appropriate, while preserving GAP’s first-lien position.
Can a property with an existing mortgage be reviewed?
Yes. Any existing mortgage must be paid off before or at closing so the new GAP lender holds first-lien position. GAP reviews the debt, title, available equity and payoff arrangements before proceeding.
Does location matter?
Yes. Location, access, marketability, nearby services, property condition, and realistic value all help clarify the property.
What if the property is owned by a corporation?
GAP may review the corporation name, shareholder authority, corporate status, taxes, signing authority, ownership records, and existing obligations.
What information helps GAP begin the review?
Start with the property location or pin, requested amount, estimated value, use of funds, existing debt or liens, repayment plan, ownership details, Plano Catastro, photos, and identification.
Good preparation helps closing move properly.
What costs are involved in closing?
The borrower pays all loan-related fees, deducted from the loan proceeds at closing. The closing breakdown shows the total loan amount, fees, existing-debt payoffs and remaining cash received. Ask GAP for your exact figures before you commit, so you know how much cash you will receive. The closing attorney or Notary Public prepares the legal documents and handles registration.
How long can closing take?
Once the complete file is in and GAP due diligence is finished, qualified loans close within 10 business days. Timing can depend on property documents, legal work, banking, and closing requirements.
What helps the closing process?
Complete property documents, clear ownership information, current lien details, and a clear repayment plan help keep the process organized.
How do I start?
Send the basic property and loan details through the Loan Request form. GAP will review the information needed to begin.
Standard Loan Valuation And Repayment Terms
Who determines the property value?
GAP determines the property value used to calculate LTV, with input and acceptance from the lender. The borrower’s estimate does not determine the approved value or loan amount. Any calculator result is an illustration until GAP and the lender complete their review.
Early repayment
Early repayment carries a penalty. The amount and conditions vary by lender and will be explained when GAP reviews your proposed loan terms with you.
These are standard property-loan guidelines. Major-project financing from US$50 million is assessed separately.
The GAP Borrower Advantage
Property-backed private lending · Fast approvals · No bank bureaucracy