Puerto Rico Closing Costs Guide 2026
This guide breaks down Puerto Rico closing costs for 2026 — Property Registry fees under Ley 91-1970, notary and title costs, what sellers pay, the closing process, and practical ways to lower your cash to close, including Pronto pa’ tu casa.
Buyer Closing Costs in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico buyer closing costs include Property Registry fees for the deed and the mortgage under Ley 91-1970, notary fees, loan fees, title insurance and prepaid items.
| Fee | Typical Amount | On a $250,000 Purchase ($240,000 Loan) |
|---|---|---|
| Registry presentation fees | $15 per document | $30 (deed + mortgage) |
| Registry inscription — deed | $50 for first $25,000 + $4 per $1,000 above | $950 |
| Registry inscription — mortgage | $50 for first $25,000 + $4 per $1,000 above | $910 |
| Notary fees | Set by the Notarial Law | Ask your notary for a quote |
| Loan origination fee | ~0.5–1% of loan amount | Varies by lender |
| Lender’s title insurance | Set by the title insurer; based on loan amount | Get a quote |
| Appraisal | Paid upfront or at closing | Varies |
| Homeowner’s insurance and property tax escrow | Prepaid at closing | Varies |
These are estimates only. Actual closing costs depend on your lender, notary, title company, loan type and purchase contract. Your lender must give you a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving your application.
Seller Closing Costs in Puerto Rico
| Fee | Typical Amount | On a $250,000 Sale |
|---|---|---|
| Cancelling the seller’s existing mortgage | Registry fee on the principal of the mortgage cancelled, same schedule as inscription | Depends on the balance |
| Real estate agent commissions | Negotiated | Varies |
| Property tax debt | Seller-owed fees and back taxes can’t be paid with Pronto pa’ tu casa funds | Per CRIM account |
| Seller concessions | If negotiated; VA caps seller concessions at 4% of reasonable value (va.gov) | Negotiated |
Under Ley 91-1970, cancelling a mortgage still in force is charged on the principal amount, using the same inscription schedule; cancelling a mortgage no longer in force costs $4.
Puerto Rico Property Registry Fees
The Property Registry charges a presentation fee for every document and an inscription fee for each right recorded on a property — so a purchase with a mortgage pays for both the deed and the mortgage. The schedule is set by Ley 91-1970 (30 L.P.R.A. § 1767a).
| Value of the Right Recorded | Inscription Fee | Example |
|---|---|---|
| $1,000 or less | $2 | — |
| $1,001 to $25,000 | $2 per $1,000 or fraction | $25,000 → $50 |
| Over $25,000 | $50 + $4 per additional $1,000 or fraction | $250,000 → $950 |
| Presentation (each document) | $15 | Deed + mortgage → $30 |
| Registry certification | $15 | — |
Fees are paid with stamps, receipts or electronic payments authorized by the Department of the Treasury (Hacienda), and the Registry will not accept a document for presentation without proof of payment. For condominium units under the horizontal property regime, the fee is based on the appraisal reflecting market value. The OGP compilation of the law notes it is not the official text; confirm current fees with your notary.
Title Insurance in Puerto Rico
Title insurance premiums are set by the title insurer. Ask your title company for a quote on both policies, and confirm in your contract who pays for each.
| Policy Type | Who Pays (Customary, Negotiable) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Owner’s title insurance | Set by your purchase contract — negotiable | Protects the buyer from title defects, liens and encumbrances |
| Lender’s title insurance | Buyer | Protects the lender’s interest in the property |
A title study can uncover liens or other issues that must be cleared before closing; Pronto pa’ tu casa, for example, requires a property free of liens. Confirm with your title company and agent who pays for title insurance in your transaction.
Closing Process in Puerto Rico
After closing, the deed and the mortgage are presented to the Property Registry for inscription.
- Registry presentation: Each document is presented with proof that all Registry fees have been paid
- Two inscriptions: The deed of sale and the mortgage are each inscribed and charged by value
- Change of owner with CRIM: When you buy a home, file a change-of-owner request with CRIM (CRIM portal)
- Exoneration: Ask CRIM about the principal residence exoneration on the first $15,000 of assessed value
- Pronto pa’ tu casa buyers: AFV reserves the grant for 60 calendar days and works with your lender on closing documents
How to Reduce Your Puerto Rico Closing Costs
- Use Pronto pa’ tu casa: Eligible buyers can use the grant for up to 100% of the down payment and reasonable closing costs
- Use Vivienda Joven financing: Eligible graduates can finance up to 7% for closing costs, including mortgage insurance
- Negotiate seller concessions: On VA loans, seller concessions are capped at 4% of the home’s reasonable value (va.gov)
- Compare lenders: Loan origination fees vary; comparing Loan Estimates from several lenders is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs. This is where working with an experienced Brokered Mortgage Advisor can help you save time and money throughout your transaction, by shopping rates and costs with several different lenders before your loan package is submitted.
- Ask for notary and title quotes: Request written quotes before you sign
