How to Sell Property Abroad as a US Owner: Taxes, Process and Timelines in Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua and El Salvador

When a US owner sells a beach home or lot in Latin America, two tax systems take a turn: the country where the property sits, and the IRS. Here is how capital gains, withholding, transfer taxes, closing costs and timelines compare in Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua and El Salvador, and what changes on your US return.

Siargao Real Estate: The 2026 Guide to Buying Surf Property in Siargao and the Philippines as a Foreigner

Foreigners can't own land in the Philippines, but they can lease it, own a condo unit or hold a minority stake in a Filipino-majority company. Here is how each route works on Siargao in 2026, how to tell a real title from a tax declaration, what the protected-area and shoreline rules mean, and what land costs from Cloud 9 to Pacifico.

Private Islands for Sale: How to Buy an Island in 2026 (A Surf and Beach Buyer's Guide)

You can buy an island in many countries, but what you actually get ranges from full freehold title to a 25-year lease, and the purchase price is often the smallest number you will deal with. Here is how island ownership works country by country in 2026, what islands really cost to buy and run, and what surfers should check before they fall for a reef pass.

Costa Rica Surf Towns Real Estate: Nosara, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Pavones and More (2026)

A town-by-town guide to buying near the surf in Costa Rica, from Tamarindo, Playa Grande and Nosara in Guanacaste to Santa Teresa, Jacó, Dominical, Pavones and Puerto Viejo. For each town: the wave, who it suits, indicative 2026 asking prices, title and maritime-zone notes, water, and how far it is from an airport.

Rosarito Real Estate: The 2026 Guide to Buying a Surf Home in Rosarito, Ensenada and Northern Baja

Northern Baja is the closest foreign surf coast to Southern California, and Americans can buy there through a bank trust. Here is how the fideicomiso, closing costs, ejido risk, water, safety and 2026 asking prices work from Playas de Tijuana and Rosarito to K-38, La Misión and Ensenada.

Nicaragua Real Estate: The 2026 Guide to Buying Beachfront in San Juan del Sur, Rancho Santana, Gigante and the Emerald Coast

Foreigners can own beachfront land in Nicaragua almost exactly as citizens do, and prices still sit well below Costa Rica. Here is how the coastal law, title checks, taxes, residency and 2026 political risk actually work, and what you get for your money from San Juan del Sur to Rancho Santana, Gigante, Playa Colorado and El Astillero.

Pavones, Costa Rica Real Estate: Buying Near One of the World's Longest Lefts (2026 Guide)

Pavones sits at the end of the road on Costa Rica's southern Pacific, in front of one of the longest left point breaks on earth. Here is what buyers need to know in 2026 about the wave, the villages, access, the area's complicated land history, the maritime zone, prices and due diligence.

Mexico Surf Real Estate by Town: La Saladita, Troncones, Cerritos, Puerto Escondido & More (2026)

A town-by-town guide to Mexico surf real estate, starting with La Saladita and Troncones and running through Michoacán, Colima, Oaxaca and both coasts of Baja. For each town: the wave, the season, the nearest airport, what property costs and what can go wrong.

El Salvador Beach Real Estate: Houses, Land & Investment Property on the Surf Coast (2026 Guide)

El Salvador has gone from a surfers' secret to one of the most talked-about beach markets in Latin America. Here is how the surf coasts compare, what foreigners can own, what buying and renting actually cost, and what to check before you send money in 2026.

The Best Surf Towns in the World to Live and Buy Property (2026 Buyer's Guide)

Where should a surfer actually buy? We profile 12 of the best surf towns in the world, covering the waves, the everyday infrastructure, the property picture and the ownership rules foreign buyers need to know before they sign.

Puerto Rico Real Estate for Surfers: The 2026 Guide to Buying in Rincón, Aguadilla, Isabela and Beyond

Puerto Rico is the easiest Caribbean surf market for Americans to buy in: no foreign-ownership limits, US dollars and US title insurance. But closings run through a notary under a civil-law system, beaches are public, and hurricanes, power and the 2026 Act 60 changes all belong in your due diligence.

Panama Real Estate for Surfers: The 2026 Guide to Buying Surf Property in Santa Catalina, Playa Venao, Bocas del Toro and Beyond

Foreigners can own titled property in most of Panama, but much of the best surf land is held as rights of possession, and the beach itself stays public. Here is how titles, coastal rules, taxes and visas work in 2026, and what you get for your money from Santa Catalina and Playa Venao to Bocas del Toro.