Best Places to Buy Rental Property in Costa Rica

The beautiful country of Costa Rica is the perfect vacation spot for travelers seeking breathtaking landscapes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. But why pay for a hotel when you can purchase your own vacation rental while generating income?

Several areas in Costa Rica have emerged as “up-and-coming” hotspots for holiday rental investments in recent years. These best places to buy rental property in Costa Rica offer stunning natural beauty and a growing tourist appeal, making them excellent choices for foreign buyers looking to capitalize on the country’s booming tourism industry.

Buying property in Costa Rica is not hard, but you need the right guidance to have a good return on your investment. In this article, we’ll go over the top three provinces in Costa Rica (and their respective cities) that are considered among the best places to buy rental property in Costa Rica due to their popularity, tourist attractions, and potential for rental revenue.

#1

Guanacaste Province: One of the Best Places to Buy Rental Property in Costa Rica

Guanacaste, located in northwestern Costa Rica, has made significant progress in recent years, making it a desirable region for real estate investors. The area offers a variety of attractions for both adventure and relaxation seekers, including vibrant beach towns, lush national parks, volcanoes, and an established infrastructure (including Liberia international airport).

If you would like to buy property in Costa Rica investing in a vacation home in this dynamic province can yield remarkable profits due to the growing popularity of the “pura vida” lifestyle that Costa Rica is famous for.

Some of the best areas in Guanacaste to invest in the vacation rental business are:

Playa Flamingo

Playa Flamingo on the Gold Coast of Guanacaste is fast becoming a preferred destination for tourists who want both luxury and a peaceful atmosphere. This area has everything, from clear blue waters to beautiful white sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets, top-tier resorts, fine dining restaurants, championship golf courses, and exciting water sports. Playa Flamingo is a perfect spot for property investors who want to take advantage of the increasing demand for holiday rentals and earn a handsome profit.

 Las Catalinas

Las Catalinas is an irresistibly charming beach town that effortlessly blends modern living with an authentic coastal vibe. This carefully planned community is designed for pedestrians, encouraging both locals and visitors to explore its vibrant streets on foot or by bike. With its beautiful beaches, trendy shops, and delicious dining options (all at walking distance) Las Catalinas offers something for everyone seeking a serene coastal escape. Vacation homes in Las Catalinas are highly sought after, making them an attractive opportunity for investors.

Tamarindo

Tamarindo, a well-known beach town with a lively atmosphere and a strong tourism economy offers fantastic surfing conditions, outstanding beaches, many outdoor activities, and a lively atmosphere with a variety of dining, shopping, and nightlife options. If you are looking to buy real estate, Tamarindo is a popular location for rental property investment, attracting both short-term tourists and long-term renters.

Nosara

Nosara is located on the northwestern coast of Costa Rica, in the Nicoya Peninsula. This charming, small town is quickly becoming a popular holiday rental market in the country, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful forests and beaches. The town focuses on sustainable tourism while offering visitors all the necessary amenities to live comfortably. For renters, Nosara offers a variety of attractions, including great surfing conditions, excellent yoga studios, wellness centers, and vibrant nightlife. In recent years, the demand for property in Nosara has steadily increased.

The average property cost is lower than in other well-established vacation rental markets, making it an attractive option for potential buyers looking to generate significant rental income.

#2

Puntarenas Province: Another One of the Best Places to Buy Rental Property in Costa Rica

Puntarenas, situated along the Pacific coast, is one of the top provinces in Costa Rica to buy rental property. Some reasons include diverse tourist attractions, a well-established tourism infrastructure, accessibility from the two international airports in Costa Rica, a stable market, and more. A couple of great locations to invest in this province are:

Dominical

Dominical is a stunning coastal town on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica that is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. It offers a lesser-known vacation home market with peaceful, unspoiled beaches, lush forests, and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Its various attractions and amenities as well as property costs and rental revenue potential make Dominical a lucrative opportunity for investors. With proper property management, investors can generate significant income from their properties in this thriving location.

Manuel Antonio

Situated on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio has firmly established itself as a top destination due to its well-known popularity as a tourist hotspot. It is widely famous for having one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica, many coastal attractions, and a warm climate, among other reasons. Manuel Antonio is a magnet for wildlife lovers and ecotourists, creating a niche market for vacation home rentals that cater to those seeking a close connection to nature. 

#3

San Jose Province: The Other Best Place to Buy Costa Rica Rental Property

While the capital city of San Jose itself is not a beach destination, it serves as a strategic location for tourists exploring various parts of the country. Many travelers arrive in San José and use it as a base to explore nearby attractions.

Escazu and Santa Ana

Both Escazú and Santa Ana are wealthy and upscale neighborhoods, located in an exclusive area of the Central Valley, to the west of San Jose. They are renowned for their luxurious homes, modern facilities, and vibrant expat community, offering enticing opportunities for investment. Their close proximity to Juan Santamaria International Airport makes them convenient for travelers seeking vacation rentals.

These upscale and secure neighborhoods boast modern amenities and a diverse array of cultural and recreational activities. They also present potential for long-term rentals, as many expats and professionals working in San Jose seek accommodation in these areas. The stable real estate market in Escazú and Santa Ana, coupled with their desirable location and amenities, ensures a steady demand for rentals.

Why Choose Special Places for Full-Service Property Management

To buy property in Costa Rica and create a successful investment portfolio in its holiday rental market, the first step is to make a purchase. However, it’s crucial to partner with a reliable property management company to maximize returns and ensure a seamless rental experience for both owners and guests.

At Special Places of Costa Rica, we have extensive experience and offer a comprehensive range of services for property owners seeking full-service management. Our services include personalized marketing strategies, taking care of reservations and guest inquiries, managing property maintenance and housekeeping, providing legal and financial support, and offering round-the-clock customer support. If you want to find unique opportunities to buy property in Costa Rica, please contact us.

The Costa Rica real estate market is a safe investment option since it presents a tourist attraction in continuous growth. Buying real estate in the suggested areas mentioned above will yield remarkable profits due to its popularity, tourist attractions, and potential for rental revenue. Special Places offers full-service property management for owners seeking to maximize returns and ensure a seamless rental experience. By partnering with us, you can rest assured that we can help you find the perfect property, and your investment will be in capable hands, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of owning a slice of paradise in Costa Rica’s tropical haven.