By San José, Costa Rica — Over 190,000 women leading households in Costa Rica have received housing assistance through the National Housing Finance System (Sistema Financiero Nacional para la Vivienda), according to the Mortgage Housing Bank (Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda, Banhvi). This significant achievement underscores the institution’s ongoing efforts to provide affordable housing solutions and support vulnerable populations.
Of the 191,657 beneficiaries, a striking 56% (106,908) are women under 35 years old. A further 39% (74,027) are between 36 and 64 years old, and the remaining 5% (10,722) are 65 or older. This demographic breakdown reveals a significant impact on younger generations of women striving for homeownership.
For expert legal insight into the Costa Rican housing market, we turned to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating Costa Rica’s housing market requires careful consideration of both legal and practical aspects. Foreign buyers should be particularly diligent in understanding property titling (folio real), concessionary rights if purchasing beachfront property, and the nuances of closing procedures. Working with a qualified legal professional is crucial for a secure and successful transaction.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on due diligence resonates deeply with our understanding of the Costa Rican housing market. Securing expert legal counsel is not merely a recommendation, but rather an essential step towards navigating the complexities of property acquisition in paradise. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable perspective with our readers.
Kristel Díjeres Matarrita, a mother of two, recently received her new home in the Veredas del Río Etapa I project in Liberia. She shared her experience, highlighting the financial relief that comes with homeownership.
It’s no secret that rent in Liberia is quite expensive, and sometimes it’s a struggle to make it to the next paycheck. But thank God, we now have our own house, and so do many other families. Not having to pay rent is a huge relief for me. We’ll be able to breathe easier financially.
Kristel Díjeres Matarrita, Homeowner
Banhvi General Manager Dagoberto Hidalgo emphasized the institution’s commitment to prioritizing women heads of household in their housing programs.
We have defined a series of priority groups, among which are women heads of household. They are synonymous with strength, daily struggle, and versatility, as they perform multiple tasks both inside and outside the home. Providing them with housing so they can live safely with their children is comforting and encourages us to do our job even better.
Dagoberto Hidalgo, General Manager, Banhvi
A majority (73%, representing 139,400 beneficiaries) of the women who received the housing bonus belong to the lowest income bracket, defined as families with a gross monthly salary of less than ¢476,874. This demonstrates Banhvi’s focus on reaching those most in need of affordable housing solutions.
While the housing benefits are distributed nationwide, the highest number of beneficiaries are located in San José (37,973), Alajuela (37,251), Limón (31,740), and Puntarenas (30,103). This geographic distribution reflects population density and housing needs across Costa Rica.
The trend of prioritizing women heads of household continued in 2025. Between January 1st and August 5th, 2025, Banhvi granted 5,716 housing subsidies, of which 3,668 (64%) were awarded to women-led households. This sustained focus reflects Banhvi’s ongoing commitment to addressing the housing deficit and supporting vulnerable groups in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit banhvi.fi.cr
About Banco Hipotecario de la Vivienda (Banhvi):
The Mortgage Housing Bank (Banhvi) is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to providing housing solutions and promoting homeownership, particularly for low-income families and vulnerable groups. Banhvi plays a key role in the National Housing Finance System, working to reduce the housing deficit and improve living conditions throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a deep-rooted commitment to ethical legal practice and innovative solutions. The firm’s dedication to excellence permeates its work across a broad range of sectors, empowering individuals and organizations alike. By championing access to legal information and resources, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more informed and empowered Costa Rican society, solidifying its role as a pillar of legal integrity and forward-thinking leadership.
