New maps provide security for property in Costa Rica

A brand new initiative designed
to identify properties using a ‘cadastral map’ has been implemented by the
Registro Nacional (National Register) in Costa Rica.  A new real estate certificate will include a two dimensional
aerial view of the land or property and is designed to provide more security to
owners and potential buyers of property in Costa Rica.

Map designed to take aerial photos of property in Costa Rica

A cadastral map shows the boundaries
and ownership of land parcels. Some cadastral maps show additional details such
as unique identifying numbers for parcels, positions of existing buildings or adjoining
and adjacent street names.

Inside Costa Rica reports that ‘the process of the cadastral map is
to take aerial photographs of the entire national territory, following will be
an ortho-photography and then perform the mapping that divides each of the
properties and characteristics information.’

Dagoberto Sibaja, Director of the
National Register, said: “Subsequent to collecting photographs and
ortho-photographs, the mapping information that is collected will be divided by
district and county and a field check will be conducted to verify whether the
measurements are correct.”

If information on the map is
incorrect, owners can file the errors with the registry.

The new real estate certificate
will be available in digital format from the Registry at a cost of ¢5,000
colones.

Cadastral map brings several benefits

There are several main reasons
for the implementation of the map scheme. 
Firstly, it provides additional security for owners of property in Costa
Rica.  Secondly, the map will also
show properties in the country that violate the land-sea area (properties
closer than 50 metres from the coast).

Sibaja added: “This project will
lead to many concerns, as there are many buildings in the coastal areas, as
well as indicate those properties invading some protected areas like parks and
reserves.”

The cadastral map will also help
in identification and collection of the ‘luxury’ home tax.

The cost of implementing the
system is US$92 million, of which US$65 million will be financed by the Banco
Internacional de Desarrollo (BID) and the balance from the government.