Find Great Value in the Southern Zone

Costa Rica’s Southern Zone has been drawing a lot of attention recently. This is hardly a surprise considering its natural beauty is unparalleled and prices of property are very much within reach. International Living Magazine says this is the place where you can find “ocean views that won’t break the bank.” Despite a growing interest from buyers and agents there are still amazing homes and properties available at excellent prices. According to International Living the prices for ocean view homes in the Southern Zone (starting at $150,000) are one quarter the price one would pay for a similar property in Southern California. But even if we look at prices of comparable properties in other parts of Costa Rica, the Southern Zone is still a bargain by comparison. Homes in the region are still a fraction of the price of similar homes in the very popular Guanacaste region.

With all the attention that the area has been receiving lately, is it possible that we are on the brink of a boom? Is the Southern Zone the “new” Guanacaste? While we can definitely expect a steady increase in prices as more attention, amenities and comforts arrive to the area, there are a lot of factors to counterbalance this. First, there is a tremendous amount of protected acreage. But second, there is the simple fact that it’s the views and nature in all its simplicity that draws people to the region. It is precisely the lack of sprawling resorts and condominium high rises that attract potential buyers to the area. We probably won’t be seeing large-scale disruptive development, or huge condo complexes anytime soon. But if you haven’t thought about the Southern Zone, you should probably start paying attention to the region. Property values are surely on the rise.

If economic factors are not motivation enough, you get so much more than just value in the Southern Zone. The area is home to 3% of the world’s species. Here, you’ll find more acres of preserved land than in all of Costa Rica. Ballena National Marine Park is great for spotting humpback whales (giving rise to the nick-name “Ballena (Whale) Coast”). The landscape is postcard perfection with expanses of lowland rainforests and green mountains that melt into the seascape. The new coastal highway makes it an easy three-hour trip by car from San Jose. You’ll also find a growing population of expatriates who have brought with them new restaurants and a variety of international dining options. For someone looking to connect with nature and get back to the real, unspoiled Costa Rica, the Southern Zone is the perfect place.

If you are interested in exploring this beautiful region, Joshua Kanter is one of our Properties in Costa Rica’s best resources for finding a home in the Southern Zone and was recommended in International Living’s article. He lives full-time in Dominical and knows the ins and outs of finding the perfect property in the area.

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