A photorealistic image of a vibrant Costa Rican landscape seen from a home office window. In the foreground, a casually dressed young adult, wearing a comfortable shirt and jeans, is seated at a wooden desk, working on a laptop with a calculator and papers spread out before them. The midground features a close-up of an open spreadsheet displaying figures and graphs related to loan-to-value calculations, with a lush, green garden visible through the glass window in the background. Soft natural light filters into the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The overall mood conveys focus and professionalism, with the serene beauty of Costa Rica enhancing the scene.

Property Financing Without LTV Calculations in Costa Rica

August 21, 2026
Property-Backed Loans

Property owners in Costa Rica often ask whether they need to calculate a loan-to-value ratio before requesting financing. GAP Equity Loans does not publish or require a specific loan-to-value calculation for property-backed financing. Requests start at US$50,000 and up, with terms from six months to three years. Supporting information may include title information, lien details, planos, tax records, and proof of income, depending on the individual property and file. For requests over US$1 million, additional property and file documents may be requested.

How Request Amounts Are Determined

The request process begins with the property that will secure the financing. GAP Equity Loans reviews the property file, title status, and relevant documentation for each request. The lender receives first-lien position on qualifying Costa Rica real estate. If a property has an existing lien, it must be paid off before closing or as part of the financing at closing. In either case, the lender must receive first-lien position. Owners do not need to perform ratio calculations or meet preset percentage thresholds; the review focuses instead on the property itself and the complete file.

Costa Rica property documents and financing review

Supporting Information That May Be Requested

Depending on the individual property and file, supporting information may include planos, title information, lien details, tax records, and proof of income. Planos are Costa Rica property cadastral documents that describe boundaries and registered details. The specific documents requested vary by property and request. GAP Equity Loans provides professional handling throughout closing, and qualified files can close in about 10 days. This direct process differs from traditional banks, which can involve strict requirements and lengthy processes.

No Credit Score Is Requested

No credit score is requested for property-backed financing with GAP Equity Loans. The focus remains on the qualifying real estate in Costa Rica and the supporting property file. This approach serves foreign property owners, expats, and residents who prefer straightforward property-secured financing without consumer-credit review. The terms remain flexible, ranging from six months to three years, and the request process centers on the property rather than external credit histories.

Costa Rica property financing discussion

How This Approach Differs from Traditional Bank Lending

Traditional banks in Costa Rica can involve strict requirements, complex application procedures, and lengthy approval timelines. GAP Equity Loans simplifies the process by focusing on the property, the title, and the supporting file. Owners receive clear communication about which documents are needed for their specific request. There is no requirement to calculate ratios in advance or meet published percentage targets. The lender reviews the complete file and works directly with the property owner through closing. Qualified files benefit from efficient timelines and straightforward terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to calculate a loan-to-value ratio before requesting property financing in Costa Rica?

No. GAP Equity Loans does not publish or require a specific loan-to-value calculation. The review focuses on the property, the title, and the supporting file. Supporting information may include title information, lien details, planos, tax records, and proof of income, depending on the individual property and file.

What are the minimum and maximum request amounts?

Requests start at US$50,000 and up. GAP Equity Loans does not publish a maximum request amount. For requests over US$1 million, additional property and file documents may be requested.

Is a credit score required for property-backed financing?

No credit score is requested. The financing relies on qualifying Costa Rica real estate, with the lender receiving first-lien position.

How long does it take to close a qualified file?

Qualified files can close in about 10 days. GAP Equity Loans provides professional handling throughout closing, making the process efficient compared to traditional banks.

What happens if my property already has a lien?

If a property has an existing lien, it must be paid off before closing or as part of the financing at closing. In either case, the lender must receive first-lien position.

Ready to discuss a property-backed financing request in Costa Rica? Contact GAP Equity Loans at +506 4001 6413, USA/Canada 855-562-6427, or info@gap.cr.

Article by Glenn Tellier (Founder of CRIE and Grupo Gap)