How to become a founding partner
Joining Marenal follows a structured process designed to protect both you and Franz. Every step includes legal safeguards and full transparency.
What a founding partner pays
We price all our lots equally at $175,000, although many could command more. Founder Partners in Phase One pay $150,000, which reflects a $25,000 Founders discount. The discount applies to Phase One only, and ends when the last Phase One lot is sold.
Seven positions are open: 6 lots at $150,000 each, and Lot 6, which has a recently completed home on it and is ready for occupancy at $475,000, lot discount included.
The payment schedule, and any financing arranged with MFGK S.A., are set out in your Purchase and Sale Agreement. You will have that agreement to review with your own attorney before anything is signed.
STEP 1
Schedule a virtual meeting
Every prospective founding partner visits the property before any agreement proceeds. The first meeting is virtual, and the visit in person follows once we both decide Marenal is worth pursuing.
At the virtual meeting you get a tour of the property and a direct, honest conversation about your plans and expectations. We then set a date for your visit.
STEP 2
Visit the property
Plan at least a full day. If you need somewhere to stay, we can reserve our farmhouse for you when it is available.
You will see everything that is built, and meet as many of the team as are on site that day. You can ask Franz anything about how the community is run. The full guidelines, rules and regulations are sent to you after your visit, before any money goes into escrow.
STEP 3
Submit the escrow deposit
During or after your visit, if we both decide to proceed, you submit $10,000 to our attorney’s Costa Rican escrow company and the Preliminary Purchase and Sale Agreement is signed.
This starts your 30-day due diligence period. During that time you can, and should:
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Hire a Costa Rican attorney to review all documents
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Verify property title with the National Registry
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Confirm our infrastructure claims through independent inspection
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Review the MPA formation documents
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Conduct any other verification you need
STEP 4
Sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement
Once due diligence is complete and you are satisfied, you and Franz sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement. It contains acceptance of the Guidelines, Rules and Regulations, the First Right to Repurchase, the payment schedule, and any financing arranged with MFGK S.A.
From the date of signing you can begin construction planning and permitting. You do not need to wait for title transfer to start.
You Can
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Begin the process of obtaining Costa Rican residency, if you want it
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Choose an architect to design your home
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Decide on timing and get cost estimates from our contractor
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Apply for building permits once your plans are ready
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Coordinate infrastructure connections with property management
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Take part in community management
STEP 5
Pay the balance
The balance is paid on the schedule set out in your Purchase and Sale Agreement. You may prepay any amount into our attorney’s escrow account at your convenience. Title is not transferred until the full purchase price is paid.
STEP 6
Title transfer
Legal title is transferred into your personal name and registered with Costa Rica’s National Registry. Note that if you want to take advantage of the favourable investor law, you cannot purchase your lot through a corporation.
As soon as the title is submitted you are the registered owner, with full legal property rights under Costa Rican law. You can sell your property again according to the terms in the agreement. When the MPA is activated you become a partner with governance authority, taking part in consent-based decision making on every matter concerning the community.
How you are protected at every stage
Escrow protection.
A third-party escrow company holds your $10,000 deposit, not Franz. It is refundable during the 30-day due diligence period for any reason.
Succession protection
If Franz becomes incapacitated before title transfer, all contracts are honoured. The property management team and the Marenal Partner Association continue.
Buyback protection
If you need to exit after signing, the agreement includes a first right of refusal, giving Franz or the MPA the option, but not the obligation, to buy back your property if you do not have an MPA-approved buyer.
Title protection
Title is registered with Costa Rica’s National Registry and protected by Costa Rican law.
Before you place a dollar in escrow, you will have the full partnership structure, the community guidelines and the purchase agreement to review with your own attorney.