Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Santa Ana is literally the borderline or transition place from the city to the country.

The main access is highway 27 which connects Santa Ana to major important Costa Rican landmarks in matter of minutes: CIMA Hospital and Multiplaza Mall 10 minutes, Airport 15 minutes, San Jose downtown 20-25 minutes, Central Pacific beaches less than 1 hour

Santa Ana by itself has it’s own amenities and lifestyle. Beautiful residential neighbourhoods, commercial plazas with restaurants, shops, stores and clubs, all the top supermarkets are present within minutes, banks, clinics, gas stations and all you can imagine without the need to leave town.

Known also as Valle del Sol or Valley of the Sun, Santa Ana enjoys a privileged sunny weather with temperatures ranging between 65º to 85º F year round… which is warmer and drier than Escazu, Sabana or San Jose downtown.

I can testify that some days it is dark and raining in Escazu and as you drive down to the valley of Santa Ana you see clear skies! This weather allows for outdoor activities and sports.

Runners and cyclists all over Costa Rica come to train and do their their routes around the Santa Ana Valley and it’s towering mountains. Golf lovers have the opportunity of playing in the gorgeous Valle del Sol course and those who enjoy playing tennis, there are several academies where they can play either outdoors or indoors. Being soccer the most popular sport of Costa Rica, there are also several soccer fields and basketball courts where people can get together for a match.

Learn more about the advantages of living in Santa Ana while looking at the Real Estate opportunities in Santa Ana.

Looking for the perfect house to meet your needs can be a daunting process even for the most experienced buyer, purchasing property in a foreign country requires a different approach and expertise. Whether you are searching for a villa close to the beach, apartment or condo close to town, a casita or farm tucked up in the mountains, Costa Rica has a rich diverse selection of real estate in a wide price range that can fit just about any budget, desire or situation.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

First you must do your research. This includes taking trips to Costa Rica, exploring the different parts of the country, talking to people and researching the real estate market. You want to get a feel for the country pinpointing where you enjoy spending the most time. Your main objective for purchasing a property will also impact your decision.

For instance, are you looking to purchase a property to establish residency and make the country your home year round? Are you looking to purchase a vacation property? Are you purchasing an investment property that you want to rent out most of the year? These factors will impact where you buy, as well as what kind of property is most useful to you. You also want to decide on the location. Do you prefer to be close to the beach or in the mountains? They are very different environments. Also, some areas offer more of a resort experience whereas other areas are remote surfing towns. You want to buy where you will be comfortable.

ENGAGE AN AGENT OR ATTORNEY

Working with an attorney or agent in Costa Rica who is knowledgeable about the area, reputable and a solid track record is the easiest and most resourceful way to go about finding a property. They can help you pull listings that match your search and guide you toward areas and neighborhoods that match what you are looking for in a destination. Engaging the services of someone who can help guide you through the process is a critical step in purchasing property in a foreign country.

GENERATE A LIST OF PROPERTIES

Create a list of potential properties matching your requirements and then schedule a viewing. Go out and start looking for properties. Once you have a list established, you can more forward looking at various listings.

CLOSE THE DEAL

Once you have narrowed down your search, start the initial paperwork to close the deal. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity to secure your ideal place because you took too much time moving forward with the offer and initial paperwork. Once you find the property you want, start the process of purchasing it.

DUE DILIGENCE

Once you hone in on a properties that match your requirements, you can begin to due your due diligence investigating the property’s history and condition. A reputable broker will be very helpful here in negotiating the details of evaluating the property as well as researching the chain of title. You want to make sure the property is a match, and all the details are in place.

Following these general guidelines will help ensure that you make the right purchase when buying property in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica real estate prices continue to rise. In the last ten years, even the Osa Peninsula, known as the edge of the world, has experienced a robust market as development continues to spread south. This small vibrant country has become an expats’ paradise. In many countries, buying property as a foreigner can be a complicated, nerve-wracking process. Costa Rica law makes the process fairly simple, which is a huge selling point. Beyond the natural beauty, sustainable lifestyle and great climate, a big selling point, it is relatively easy and uncomplicated for foreigners to establish residency and buy property in Costa Rica. Foreigners are entitled to the same ownership rights as citizens.

The booming Costa Rica housing market is not expected to slow down anytime soon. Prices continue to rise. While Costa Rica does not report median homes prices, the available data suggests the strong growth experienced in 2014 will continue through 2015. Foreign buyers are driving market prices. It is also important to note that Costa Rica’s economy is stable with steady GDP growth projected through 2015. Right now ¼ acre beach lots sell for $40,000 to $200,000, and beachfront homes start at $165,000 going as high as $3 million plus. For Americans, the strong dollar also means being able to get a lot more for your investment.

Regardless of whether you are looking to purchase something in the low six figures or high sevens, the majority of the available housing inventory in Costa Rica is desirable. The surging real estate market in the southern pacific offers a different lifestyle than exploding Guanacaste province. Dominical is known for its laid back rustic lifestyle, whereas Tamarindo has become a golfers’ paradise. From retirees on a fixed budget to the independently wealthy to young families looking for a more self-sufficient lifestyle, Costa Rica attracts different types of people with widely varying reasons for purchasing property here. Depending on your tastes and lifestyle choices, you can find your niche as an expat.

An added benefit of purchasing Costa Rica property is the potential investment income. Costa Rica is a popular vacation spot with year round near perfect weather, which means you can rent out your property a good nine months and create a secondary income source. Owning property in a foreign country is a means to protect your assets and wealth, and beautiful, stable Costa Rica is one of the top destinations for foreigners for good reason.

If you are considering purchasing property, take a few trips to Costa Rica to become familiar with the nuances of the different areas and explore what the country has to offer. Also, reach out to experts and expats for input and information.

Independence Day in America conjures up images of red, white and blue, lots of flag waving, parades, marching bands, baseball and hotdogs galore. It’s the classic Americana celebration. While Costa Rica’s version of 4th of July may be more understated and absorbing some of the local influences of Tico culture but due to the large numbers of expats, the day is hard to ignore. From the white sandy beaches of Tamarindo to bustling San Jose to deep in the Osa Peninsula, there are pockets of expat gathered throwing their own celebration. Initially attracting surfers, adventure seekers and nature lovers, Costa Rica has grown in popularity among retirees and families, and these expats are continuing their traditions including a colorful, festive 4th of July celebration.

4th of July is a classic holiday for Americans living and traveling in Costa Rica. There are a ton of festivities taking place throughout the country. Costa Rica has a long history as a favorite destination for adventurous Americans to vacation. Since the 1950s, expats have gathered to celebrate America’s Independence Day. Sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, the 1st annual 4th of July celebration in Costa Rica took place in the 1950s. Beginning in the 1950s, Expats celebrated the day at the American Colony Committee. Traveling here regularly, purchasing properties, and some even permanently moving here, the number of Americans discovering the ideal lifestyle Costa Rica offers continues to increase each year. As a result, expat communities have popped up throughout the different regions of Costa Rica.

Neighborhoods and towns with strong expat communities throw Independence Day parties that everyone can enjoy, especially in San Jose. During the rainy season, the capital city remains one of the most active areas in the country. It’s a place for people to gather together from the more remote areas of Costa Rica, as well as a top destination among visitors. July is the slow season. Since it is not the high season for rentals, many homeowners take their vacations here during this time. While it is not as busy a time of year as December/January, there is certainly a strong showing of Americans in the country, and enough to celebrate the classic holiday. With plenty of parties, barbeques and fireworks, it’s a day for everyone to enjoy.

According to a recent New York Times article, green communities are gaining popularity among downsizing retirees. A combination of factors including a desire to cut cost of living and wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle are driving this trend. Costa Rica does not have a shortage of green homes or planned communities. The high quality of life combined with a low cost of living continues to attract retirees from North America and Europe seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing quality. The demand for green homes and communities is expected to significantly grow in the coming years. Costa Rica is also on track to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021. It’s become a global model for other countries to follow. The climate is very conducive to solar powered homes, and a large number of developers are building sustainable homes as well as communities. It’s a major priority in Costa Rica.

Green communities offer the opportunity to live among like-minded retirees who want to live a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s a community of people who share a common purpose. Costa Rica has a large number of planned green communities. Boomers retiring are conscious of the environmental concerns plaguing the planet. Cutting their personal energy consumption is a priority and living in a green community or home contributes to creating a sustainable world. They are also concerned with rising energy costs. Green homes save both energy and money. There are green homes that offer top of the line amenities in beautiful communities here. These homes provide the opportunity to live a high quality of life without sacrificing the needs of the future. It’s a winning combination for everyone.

Whether you are looking to buy a parcel of land to build your dream green home or purchase a home in an established community committed to sustainability, there are many choices. With the cost of green homes ranges anywhere from five to seven figures, anyone looking to purchase a sustainable home is able to finding something that fits his budget. From the simple casita to the luxury home both offer a high quality of life and comfort comparatively. Low tech or high tech, it’s about utilising the best of modern design practices and local materials to build and design these homes.

Buyers must their research before purchasing a green home of moving into a green community. There is a wide spectrum of what people define as “green.” Examine the home’s energy use and output, and if you are moving into a community, ask them the same questions. It’s also best to work with a reputable realtor who can help guide you in the right direction. Purchasing green or moving into a green community raises your overall quality of life and contributes to creating a sustainable world. Costa Rica is an ideal place for those looking to purchase a green home and live a sustainable lifestyle.

Costa Rica was recently crowned the world champion surf capital. Last week Costa Rica’s team won a gold medal in the International Surfing Association (ISA) 2015 World Surfing Games held in Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua. It was another historic moment for this team. Costa Rica continues to hold it’s legendary reputation as the world surf capital. There is great surfing in places popular with tourists as well as off the beaten path places you can trek to for mind-blowing breaks and legendary tubes. Surfing and Costa Rica are synonymous.

Here are some of Costa Rica’s best surfing destinations:

DOMINICAL

Known as the gateway to the southern zone is Dominical, a surfing capital and a must stop for all surfers headed to the remote Osa Pensinsula. Dominical is very laid-back and the surf is consistently good here. It’s a beach break with a river mouth, and when the swells are strong the waves can get pretty huge.

PLAYA HERMOSA

Playa Hermosa located in Jaco, the central Pacific region of Costa Rica, is a daring surf adventure. With strong swells and waves getting as high 13 feet, the surfing is for experts, not beginners. Every year, it attracts pros from all over the world. It is also home to the International Quicksilver Surf Championships.

PLAYA TAMARINDO

Playa Tamarindo is probably one of the most heavily trafficked surfing destinations in Costa Rica. It is perfect for beginners, surfers getting a refresher and child friendly. Close by there are a few more challenging breaks in the area such as Ollie’s Point and Witches Break more suitable for pros. The general area is home miles of beach breaks friendly to both beginners and experts.

CARIBBEAN COAST

Along the Caribbean Coast, there are many top surf spots. Just offshore from Porto Limon is Isla Uvita an incredible barrelling left wave that peels around the islands reef and is quite a sight to behold. There is also Cahuita, home to the largest coral reef in Costa Rica and accessible only by boat or foot.

PLAYA JACO

Playa Jaco is a world-renown surf destination and home to some of Costa Rica’s most famous surfers. The small beach town is filled with surf shops and surf camps. The surf attracts both beginners and experts, and it is the first stop in everyone’s surfing itinerary. This popular spot gets crowded but a great place to land and get your footing in Costa Rica’s legendary surf. Jaco features a small beach break with lots of peaks and waves here can get as high as ten feet.

MAL PAIS

Along the southern tip of Nicoya Peninsula are Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Mal Pais. These are some of the Pacific Coast’s best beaches. Mal Pais is the most rustic of the three areas and offers incredible surfing. This rustic destination is also very popular with younger crowds. There are several excellent surfing spots in the area. Suck Rock is a right-hand break that can get pretty big with eaves as high as 20-feet. Playa Hermosa is never crowded and has a great right-hand point break that works well in medium and low tides. Playa Carmen produces the most consistently good waves in the region. La Lora is also consistently good and home to several surfing competitions.

PAVONES and MATAPALO

In the southern zone in the Osa Peninsula bordering Corcovado National Park and across the Golfo Dulce is Pavones. This area is known as the edge of the world. The area is home to several legendary breaks that for a long time were only known through word of mouth by surfers in search of the ultimate wave. Accessible only by boat, this surfing mecca attracts surfers from all the over the world. It also home to this year’s world surfing champions. It has a left-point break that is the world’s longest wave in the world. On a good day, it can last as long as two to three minutes. Puerto Jimenez is also a not to be missed legendary break in the region. At the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula is Matapalo with three right point breaks.

If you are looking for world-class surfing and adventure, there is nowhere in the world that can top Costa Rica. It is the best of the best and a place not to be missed.

The recession is officially over in the United States and economies are picking up. More foreign buyers are turning their attention to Costa Rica to purchase property. Both European and American buyers are attracted to this Latin American country known for its high quality of life. Costa Rica’s stable economy and government, as well as near perfect weather makes it popular among foreign buyers. Today, second homes are more than a place to retreat for a vacation they are also a smart investment opportunity. People with large cash reserves are turning their attention to real estate as an alternative investment opportunity to diversify their portfolios. There are few countries in the world as friendly to foreign buyers as Costa Rica. The country grants foreigners the same property rights to non-citizens as citizens.

The real estate market is predominantly cash based here and therefore stable. Unlike the US, there is little threat of a major real estate crash because there is very little debt financing involved in the market. Year round great weather at a fraction of the price of comparable beach communities in the US or places such as the South of France makes purchasing property in Costa Rica a very attractive option for many foreign buyers.

The steps to purchasing property in Costa Rica are fairly straightforward. First, it is critical to check the chain of title through the National Registry and verify ownership rights. In Costa Rica, there is a large of amount of untitled land and concession property, which is not privately held. While it is possible to possess property not held under a title, it does not grant ownership rights. Most foreign buyers want to avoid concession and untitled property because of the risk involved in taking possession without a title.

Once you are ready to make a purchase, you begin the process through an option purchase agreement or promissory note, which is notarised. At this point in the process, you do all the necessary legal research and due diligence on the property including checking the title, borders and boundaries. Once the research is completed, a conveyance deed is drafted up. This document transfers the ownership title to the new owner. Next the notary public must register the property with the National Registry. It is the last and vital step in purchasing property in Costa Rica. Ownership is not officially transferred until the title appears in the National Registry.

Choosing a reputable notary public is critical in ensuring a smooth transition of property ownership. Once the conveyance deed is recorded, the owner or a representative must declare the property with the local municipality for tax purposes. When purchasing property in Costa Rica as a foreigner, it is not essential to be in the country. An attorney can also represent you. When it comes time to select someone to represent your interests in purchasing property in Costa Rica, research and do your due diligence. Working with reputable individuals who not only possess expertise in the real estate market but also have strong relationships with the local culture and municipalities will help streamline the entire process.

With so many parcels of land available in Costa Rica, prefab (or modular) homes are gaining in popularity as buyers seek simple relatively inexpensive ways to build a home on recently purchased lots. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to go with a modular home or to build a custom design home. With a modular home, you are choosing from a limited number of models where portions of the home are built in a factory and then assembled on site. With a custom designed home, you start from scratch working with an architect to design the home and a contractor to build a home on site from the ground up.

Here are some of the pros and cons of prefab homes:

PROS

Eco-friendly

Modular homes use fewer resources, and many companies create green designed homes. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, use fewer resources and create less waste then a prefab home is the preferred option

Fast and easy to build 

You’ll have your own home up and inhabitable much faster than if you custom design a house. If you need to build a home quickly than a modular home is the best choice. It can be completed in a matter of weeks.

CONS

Limited choices

If you are looking to build your dream home than its time to hire an architect to help you construct your ultimate vision. While there is some flexibility, modular homes offer designs with limited customizable options.

Resale price

Also, with a modular home you will save in cost with the initial cash outlay but the resale value will be less than with a custom design home. In the long run, a prefab can cost you money.

It all depends on your intention for purchasing the property and designing the home. If your main purpose is to have an investment property and you have the cash available than a custom design home would be the preferred option. However, if you are planning to live in the home, hold onto the property long term and have limited funds available than a modular home may be the best option. Also, keep in mind that the cost of land can be equal to that of purchasing a property with an existing home. Take the time to think through both your short term and long-term goals when making a decision about whether to go the prefab or custom design route.

If you are looking for a relaxed warm friendly beach town, explore Tamarindo. A popular spot for expats relocating to Costa Rica, it attracts visitors from Europe, Canada and the US. The town’s mantra is “surf, eat and party.” Located in the Nicoya Peninsula of the Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste province, it is relatively accessible and only a 50-minute drive from Liberia International Airport.

The area has undergone a development boom expanding into the surrounding coastal communities. There are several supermarkets, a couple of banks, a farmers’ market and a handful of boutiques and surf shops. With a selection of upscale restaurants and bars, the town also has a lively nightlife to kick back in the evening after a packed day of outdoor adventure. There is also a strong wellness community in the area with plenty of opportunities for yoga, pilates, a facial or even a body scrub. With juice bars, sushi, Mediterranean food and more, this multi-cultural destination does not lack in culinary options either. With near perfect weather, there is always something to do in Tamarindo.

Tamarindo has three kilometers of one of the most beautiful white sand beaches you can find anywhere in the world. This surfers’ paradise has two professional level breaks: Pico Pequeno and El Estero. Here the waves rise as high as 12 feet in November and December. Along the coast, there are also many smaller breaks perfect for the beginner just learning how to surf. Other outdoor activities include: sport fishing, swimming, snorkeling, hiking and horseback riding. There’s also golf nearby. The Tamarindo National Wildlife Preserve is also a great place to hike the forest spotting wildlife and bird watching. The area neighbours Central America’s largest mangrove estuary, Estero de Tamarindo. For the eco-tourist and outdoor adventurer there are plenty of activities to enjoy here. There are many opportunities to relax, rejuvenate and take a breath here as much as there are for adrenalin pumping adventures.

During the tourist season, this town’s population swells from 500 to 5000. Attracting visitors from all over the world, Tamarindo is known as a place that has integrated the influence of foreigners into the native Tico culture nicely. Tamarindo’s small town cosmopolitan vibe makes it a popular spot for expats moving to Costa Rica who want to live in pristine place that is accessible to major airport. The town is the perfect escape from the hectic hustle of Western cities. Tamarindo offers the best of both worlds with its laid-back vibe and cosmopolitan flare. It’s a vibrant beach town that welcomes both expats and visitors escaping the high stress life of major cities.

Micro farming is a growing global trend, and common practice in Costa Rica that attracts foreign buyers. The country’s year-round growing season and climate makes it a great place to garden and farm. Small-scale farming is part of the global movement toward self-sufficiency and supporting a sustainable lifestyle. Across the diverse eco-system and microclimates of Costa Rica, there is rich terrain in both the high lands and low lands that provide optimal conditions for micro farming.

Micro farms refer to homeowners who grow their own food and raise their own livestock on several acres or less. The average family one need one hectare (2.5 acres) to grow their own food. There are many small parcels of land for sale in Costa Rica conducive to this popular practice. An increasing number of homebuyers are seeking a more self-sufficient lifestyle and purchasing land with this intention. To meet the foreign buyer demand for micro farms, developers purchase large numbers of acres, and then subdivide into the land into lots of about a hectare.

Micro-farms provide not only an opportunity to be more self-sufficient but also a secondary income opportunity. Popular cash crops include wild coffee, cocoa, fruits such as bananas and plantains, as well as medicinal plants. These crops also grow wild and can be foraged in the surrounding forests. There is also the possibility of raising Tilapia on farms as well as chickens and eggs, which can also be sold at the local markets. A micro farm provides an opportunity to live a sustainable lifestyle and make extra income. These farms can be purchased at very reasonable prices with many plots available for under $100,000.

For people moving to Costa Rica seeking a more self-sufficient lifestyle and escape from the high-pressure grind of industrial life in major urban centers, micro farms are a great option. While it does require some amount of training to master the various techniques required to run a small farm or large garden, it can be done by anyone willing to take the time to learn. These farms create an opportunity for a simple fulfilling lifestyle that also supports sustainability. It is a low stress way of life that offers many intangible rewards such as the opportunity to enjoy fresh organic food grown by your hands.