Have equity in a Costa Rican property? You might be able to use it to buy another. This article explores how U.S. citizens can leverage their existing real estate in Costa Rica—through a cash-out refinance—to reinvest in additional property. Whether you’re growing your investment portfolio or eyeing a second home, we’ll walk you through how Volo Loans can help you unlock equity and keep your capital working in paradise.
How to Tap Your Equity and Invest in Costa Rica Real Estate
What if your current Costa Rican property could help you buy your next one?
It’s not just a possibility—it’s a powerful strategy. For U.S. citizens who already own property in Costa Rica, refinancing their home could free up capital to expand their real estate footprint without liquidating assets or chasing high-risk loans.
At Volo Loans, we help qualified U.S. clients refinance their Costa Rican properties through a U.S.-regulated process. Our lending model is designed for speed, transparency, and full compliance, with every loan serviced right here in the U.S.
What Is a Refi-to-Buy Strategy?
It’s exactly what it sounds like. You refinance your existing Costa Rican property, pull cash out of the equity, and use those funds to buy another property—often in the same market. This approach lets your first investment fuel your second, all while keeping your money in motion.
And yes, this is different from how things typically work locally. We bring a streamlined U.S. lending process to the Costa Rican market, helping expats and investors avoid long delays, opaque terms, and offshore uncertainty.
Why Costa Rica?
Aside from the beaches and biodiversity? There’s real strategy behind the scenery.
- High demand for vacation rentals and expat-friendly housing
- Steady appreciation in key markets
- Dollar-linked economy with reliable title systems
- No barriers to foreign ownership
- A lifestyle that’s equal parts barefoot luxury and high-growth potential
For seasoned investors and lifestyle buyers alike, Costa Rica offers a rare mix of security, upside, and quality of life.
The Volo Advantage
Most U.S. lenders won’t touch international refinancing. We do.
Volo Loans is a U.S. Lender registered with the National Mortgage Licensing System. That approval matters. It means we operate with full transparency and accountability while aligning with both U.S. and Costa Rican compliance standards.
Here’s how we stand apart:
- Refinancing and purchase loans available for residential Costa Rican property
- Faster closings—typically 30 to 60 days
- U.S.-based servicing and support throughout the loan process
- Income and assets underwritten using Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, so borrowers benefit from a familiar qualification experience (but to clarify: these are not FNMA/Freddie-backed loans)
Our process brings clarity, speed, and a level of trust you won’t find with most local or offshore options.
Real-World Scenarios
Equity in Escazú, Opportunity in Osa
A U.S. expat living in Escazú refinanced their existing property, pulled out $200K in equity, and purchased a second home near the Osa Peninsula—now a profitable vacation rental with year-round bookings.
Santa Teresa to San José and Back Again
An investor with a paid-off property in Santa Teresa tapped into their equity to buy a centrally located condo in San José, creating a two-market rental portfolio with both beach and urban exposure.
Volo Loans made both refinances possible—backed by U.S. regulation, handled by licensed experts, and completed in weeks, not months.
How to Get Started
This strategy isn’t just for power investors. If you own property in Costa Rica and meet the credit and asset requirements, you’re already halfway there.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Existing Costa Rican property with usable equity
- Strong U.S. credit profile
- Proof of income and assets, per U.S. lending standards
The rest? That’s where we come in.
✅ Pre-qualify quickly
✅ Get expert clarity on your refinancing options
✅ Move forward with confidence, not confusion
Let’s Make It Happen
Your current property isn’t the end of your real estate story—it’s just the beginning.
Ready to put your Costa Rican equity to work? Let’s find out what’s possible.
Start with a Pre-Qualification Call.
