A picturesque scene in Costa Rica illustrating the theme of loan rejections. In the foreground, a middle-aged man in casual clothing sits at a rustic wooden table outside a small café, looking frustrated as he reviews a stack of loan application documents. His facial expression conveys disappointment and concern. In the middle ground, a friendly bank officer in professional attire gestures empathetically, explaining the rejection, with a laptop open between them displaying graphs and statistics about loan approvals. In the background, lush green hills typical of Costa Rica under a bright blue sky add a vibrant atmosphere to the image. Natural sunlight bathes the scene, creating a warm and inviting feel, while the overall mood reflects a mix of hopefulness and challenge within the financial landscape of Costa Rica.

Pay Off Expensive Debt With a Property-Backed Loan in Costa Rica

September 30, 2026
Property-Backed Loans, Refinancing & Bridge Loans

Debt that is expensive, urgent or badly structured can take over your finances. Think of credit card balances, a personal loan with heavy monthly payments, a supplier who wants to be paid now, or a loan that has come due. If you own property in Costa Rica, a short-term, property-backed loan from GAP Equity Loans can pay those debts off in one go and give you breathing room to plan your next step.

How it works

You borrow against the equity in your titled property: its value minus anything you owe on it. The loan pays off the debts you choose. Instead of several creditors, you have one loan with one interest-only payment each month, and the principal is due at the end of the term.

Loans from US$50,000.
Up to 50% of the property’s value, with around 30% or less preferred.
Six months to three years.
No credit score required, which helps if the debts themselves have hurt your credit.
Closes within 10 business days once the required documents are complete.
Nothing to pay before closing. Fees are deducted from the loan at closing.

A worried man with a hand on his forehead beside a stack of papers while another man shows him a chart on a tablet

When this makes sense, and when it does not

We want this to be the right decision for you, not just a loan. It tends to make sense when:

the debts you are paying off cost more, or squeeze you harder each month, than the new loan would;
you face a deadline, such as a loan coming due or a payment you cannot delay;
you have a clear way to repay within three years, for example selling a property, refinancing later or money you are expecting.

It may not make sense if you have no realistic way to repay by the end of the term, or if the new loan would cost more than the debt you are replacing. Interest-only payments lower your monthly outlay, but they do not by themselves reduce the total cost of borrowing. Compare the full picture before you decide.

If there is already a mortgage on the property

GAP loans are always in first position. If your property already has a mortgage, it is paid off at or before closing as part of the new loan, and the rest can go toward your other debts. Read more about first-lien position.

Loan paperwork, a calculator, a phone, reading glasses and property photos spread across a wooden table

Build your repayment plan first

Before you apply, write down three things:

exactly which debts you will pay off, and how much each costs you now;
what your single monthly interest payment would be;
how you will repay the principal at the end of the term.

Bringing this to your first conversation with GAP speeds everything up and helps us structure the right loan.

Things to know

The property must be titled and registered in the National Registry. Beach concession property does not qualify.
Borrowers of any nationality are welcome. Residency is not required.
Early repayment carries a penalty, explained during loan review.
Loans are in US dollars.

A man reading documents at a terrace table with a glass of orange juice, houses and hills behind him

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the loan to pay debts outside Costa Rica?

The loan is secured by your Costa Rican property. How you use the funds is discussed during review.

Will bad credit stop me?

No credit score is required. The loan is based on your property and your plan to repay.

How fast can I pay off the debts?

GAP closes within 10 business days once the required documents are complete.

Get started

WhatsApp us at +506 4001 6413 to get started, call or email info@gap.cr. You can also send a loan request.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Consider speaking with a financial adviser about your debts. Every loan is subject to review and approval.

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