Best Places To Buy a House In Costa Rica

The real estate market in Costa Rica is doing nothing but increase year after year, remaining strong and driven mainly by the thriving tourism in this paradise destination.

Buying property in this Central American country can be a very good investment as properties usually sell for a fraction of what it would cost in the United States for something similar; property taxes are reasonable, and whether you live here permanently or vacation occasionally, you can be assured that your investment is worth it.

If you are considering purchasing vacation rentals, a condo, a permanent house, or any property located in the city, the imponent mountains, or the unspoiled beaches of dreamy Costa Rica, the information presented below will interest you. Our goal is to guide you on the right path to your property search.

Can Anybody Buy a Property in Costa Rica?

Yes, anybody can buy property in Costa Rica. Foreigners can purchase real estate under the same conditions as any Costa Rican, even if they only have a tourist visa. If the property you are interested in has a price greater than or equal to $200,000.00 you can request a legal residence permit in the country.

Different Home Investment Types

Finding the perfect place to acquire Costa Rica real estate depends on your particular taste, not only on location but on the type of property you are interested in. You can choose between an exclusive gated community or condo, a vacation home, an apartment, a rental house, or just buying land. Whether you prefer coastal properties, the city, or a landscape with stunning mountains in the background, you can find it all in Costa Rica.

Luxury Homes in the Central Valley

If you want to stay close to the city while still enjoying astonishing mountain views then you might feel an inclination to the towns of Escazu and Santa Ana. Properties in these two cities of the Central Valley are among the most sought-after since they are well-developed and safe areas to live in.

Escazu

Escazu, located only 5 miles west of San Jose downtown, is one of the most important cities in the country, combining the rustic and modern, due to its very high social and economic development. It is known for having trendy houses and luxurious apartments and condos.

Escazu is an upscale town with many international restaurants, private medical offices and a hospital, bilingual schools, cinemas, exclusive shops, and more. On the other hand, another part of Escazu remains old-style, proudly showcasing reminiscences of how life used to be like for Costa Rican ancestors.

Santa Ana

Santa Ana is situated right next to Escazu, it is also conveniently close to the capital city, but at the same time far enough that you get a sense of fresh air and tranquility. Just like Escazu, this town is commercially thriving, fully meeting the standards of a comfortable life (banks, schools, doctors; offices, spas, shopping, and dining, among other amenities).

Dreamy Real Estate on the Southern Pacific Coast-Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Uvita

Located about three to three and a half hours away from San Jose, there are three little towns that offer dreamy real estate: Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Uvita. These beguiling, neighboring Costa Rican towns are close to sandy sea shores on the magical Southern Pacific Coast in the Puntarenas province. For nature lovers who seek greater contact with flora and fauna these three towns are a great fit. They offer a more authentic, rustic, natural and peaceful surrounding for those willing to do without the nuances of a big city.

Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Uvita have a local charm with a balance between outstanding biodiversity and comfort. They are surrounded by everything you can think of in terms of nature: waterfalls, rivers, mountains, national parks, wildlife everywhere, and mind-blowing beaches. Purchasing property in these areas located between the lush tropical jungle and the Pacific Ocean has been a decision reached by many expats. Real estate options include but are not limited to villas, vacation homes, condos and more.

These three small and charming towns have the resources available to live well such as a wide variety of restaurants, gyms, yoga studios, shops, supermarkets, banks, and drugstores, to name some options. From these towns you can do day trips to Nauyaca Waterfalls, Corcovado National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Marino Ballena National Park, Caño Island and many different beaches.

The North Pacific Jewel of Guanacaste

A privileged location surrounded by stunning natural beauty (including numerous beaches, volcanoes, dry tropical forests, national parks and more) the development of infrastructure including many luxurious resorts and all sorts of real estate, high-profile commerce and an airport that allows traveling to other destinations on the planet, are the strong points that have convinced many expats to buy property in Guanacaste.

The real estate in this region has been continuously growing and it doesn’t seem to stop anytime soon, providing many investment opportunities. The most relevant places in this area are Papagayo Gulf, Flamingo, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Tamarindo and Nosara, among others.

Best Time to Buy Property in Costa Rica

The three rainiest months in Costa Rica going from September to November are traditionally the best time of the year to invest in real estate, as this one depends greatly on tourism. During this time, there are fewer people, meaning fewer possible buyers or less demand, and therefore more opportunities to bargain and get good deals.

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Buying Property in Beautiful Costa Rica

The process of buying your dream property in Costa Rica is not an easy job and can certainly be smoother with the help of a real estate agent. That is where the Special Places of Costa Rica team can be of great help and provide reliable assistance at every step of the buying process. Feel free to reach out to them, you will be in great hands!