Tagged “legal guide”

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.

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.

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.

Buying Property in Portugal as a Foreigner: The 2026 Surf Buyer's Guide to Ericeira, Peniche, Nazaré, Lisbon and the Algarve

Foreigners can buy property in Portugal with no nationality restrictions, but 2026 brought a flat 7.5% transfer tax for non-resident buyers, tighter local rental rules and a Golden Visa that no longer accepts real estate. Here is how the process, taxes and coastal rules work, and how Portugal's surf towns compare on waves, seasons and price.

Buying Surf Property in Indonesia as a Foreigner: The 2026 Guide to Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and the Mentawais

Foreigners can't own freehold land in Indonesia, but they can legally hold surf property through Hak Pakai, a registered lease or a foreign-owned company. Here is how each route works in 2026, what the Bali crackdown on nominees and illegal villas means for buyers, and which coasts work in which season.

Popoyo, Nicaragua Real Estate: Buying on the Emerald Coast Surf Strip (2026 Guide)

Popoyo and Nicaragua's Emerald Coast offer offshore winds, world-class reefs and land prices well below Costa Rica. Here is how the surf strip breaks down, what Nicaragua's coastal and border laws mean for buyers, and how to handle title and political risk in 2026.

Can Americans Buy Property in Mexico? The 2026 Guide for Beachfront & Surf Buyers

Yes, Americans can legally buy property in Mexico, right down to the beach. Here is how the restricted zone, bank trusts, ejido land, closing costs and taxes actually work for surf and beachfront buyers in 2026.