How the GAP Companies Work Together on One Plan

Most real plans in Costa Rica touch more than one service. A family sells a house abroad, buys here and has money left over. An owner needs cash to renovate before selling. The GAP companies were set up so that each part of a plan like that goes to people who handle it every day. This article shows how the GAP companies work together on one plan, using simple illustrations rather than real client files.

One contact, several teams

You do not have to split your plan into pieces yourself. Email info@gap.cr with the whole picture, and Grupo GAP directs each part to the right company:

• GAP Real Estate for buying, selling and listing property;
• GAP Equity Loans for borrowing against titled property;
• GAP Investments for lending money secured by real estate;
• CRIE, the immigration company, if the plan includes living in Costa Rica.

Illustration 1: sell abroad, buy here, lend the rest

A couple sells their home in Canada and moves to Costa Rica. GAP Real Estate helps them find and buy a house, with their attorney handling the checks and closing. Part of the sale money is not needed, so they speak with GAP Investments about lending it against Costa Rica real estate, with the lender in first-lien position at rates from 9% to 16% a year. CRIE helps with their residency. Their plan involves three teams, but they started with one email.

Illustration 2: borrow to renovate, then sell

An owner wants to sell a house that needs work. GAP Equity Loans arranges a short-term loan against the house, from US$50,000, with monthly interest-only payments. The renovation is done, and GAP Real Estate lists the property. When it sells, the loan is repaid from the proceeds at closing. The repayment plan was clear from the start, which is what a lender wants to see.

Illustration 3: own a lot, buy a home

A buyer already owns a titled lot and wants a house now. GAP Equity Loans reviews the lot as security, on stricter terms than a house, usually at a lower loan-to-value, while GAP Real Estate helps find the home. The buyer plans to repay by selling the lot or refinancing later.

What stays separate

When the GAP companies work together, their roles and your protections stay separate:

• Every loan is reviewed on its own, and approval is never guaranteed.
• Lenders decide for themselves whether to fund a loan.
• Your own attorney reviews your purchase or loan documents.
• Residency is handled by CRIE and is never required to buy, borrow or lend through GAP.

Who coordinates

Someone has to make sure the GAP companies work together smoothly. Glenn, the founder, began in mortgage financing in Canada in the 1990s and formed the GAP companies in 2008. Lawsen, director of operations, keeps day-to-day coordination moving. Projects of US$50 million and up are led by Steven. Our office is in Escazú.

For a closer look at each company’s role, read the GAP companies in Costa Rica: who handles what.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay more if I use more than one GAP company?

Each service has its own terms. For example, GAP Real Estate is paid only when a sale closes, and loan fees are deducted at closing. Ask each team to explain its costs for your situation.

Are these examples real clients?

No. They are simplified illustrations of common situations, not client stories.

Can I lend and borrow through GAP at the same time?

They are separate transactions reviewed separately. Explain your plan and GAP will tell you how each part would work.

Do I need residency for any of this?

No. People of any nationality can buy, borrow or lend through GAP.

This article is general information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. The situations described are illustrations, not client cases or offers. Every loan depends on property review, documentation and lender approval.

In practice that means GAP Equity Loans for borrowing, GAP Investments for lending, and GAP Real Estate for buying or selling the property itself.

Tell Grupo GAP about your plan → · WhatsApp us at +506 4001 6413 to get started, call or email info@gap.cr