I get the question all the time. What can I buy for "xxxx," with those quotes typically filled with an arbitrary number in the mind of one of our clients or friends. It is a great question and one that I think most first time buyers probably should ask themselves, to gain a better understanding on a macro level of the values in Costa Rica. The question, of course, results in a clarification to our clients, that the price and value depend greatly on what areas of the country they are looking for, what type of property are they looking for and similar factors that influence pricing in any part of the world. While prices vary drastically based on some of the answers to the questions previously mentioned, this article will help shine some light on everyone's curiosity, on what $500,000 will buy them in different destinations in Costa Rica including Escazu, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Uvita and Santa Teresa. I will provide some options both for land for sale, condos, as well as luxury estates and homes for sale.
Escazu / Santa Ana / Sabana
I have grouped these three locations together in representation of the western suburbs of the city, as these three are the top destinations both for locals and expats, due to favorable weather, state of the art developments, convenient access, as well as the abundance of amenities including bilingual education, international restaurants, banking, entertainment and business centers.
This is one of my personal favorites; located in a new, state of the art condo building located in the area of Rohrmoser/Sabana, this development offers impressive amenities and modern day conveniences for its residents providing the perfect place to come to home to after a long day at the office. The amenities include an impressive lap pool surrounding by a sun deck, cascading water feature, multiple jacuzzis and lounging areas, as well as a sauna, multiple gyms, bar/lounge, coworking area, as well as a bombshell two story atrium lobby for guests and residents. The development, called Qbo Skyhomes is located directly in front of a lush park with an abundance of trees, creating the perfect escape from the interiors right outside of the front door. The particular condo was purchased in preconstruction, and its owners, who are also real estate developers, custom designed and finished the apartment with spectacular taste and finishes.
Located in the exclusive neighborhood of Laureles, within minutes to every possible modern day convenience, yet tucked away at the end of a cul de sac for extreme privacy, this development La Ribera Laureles, offers an exclusive setting of both condos and single family homes in the heart of Escazu. This penthouse, was purchased in preconstruction, and the owners, connoiseurs of architecture and style, created this impressive space with two story ceilings, and eclectic, contemporary finishes. It is priced to sell with the best value in the building and is an irreplaceable property in a unique development.
Jaco / Los Suenos
The area of Jaco and the resort development of Los Suenos, are the closest beach destinations to the city and also boast an impressive level of infrastructure both for local residents and tourists alike including a wide variety of restaurants, shops, cafes, banks, grocery stores, and every type of amenity you could possibly imagine. Jaco is sought after by investors who seek beachfront condos as it is one of the few beaches in Costa Rica that offers condos right on the sand, whereas Los Suenos is for those investors seeking a resort community with a focus on golf, and fishing/boating.
By far, this is the best value and opportunity in the Los Suenos development at the moment, boasting a fully furnished, ocean, golf course and resort views for under $500,000. Foriegners and Costa Ricans alike agree that Los Suenos is the most successful beach resort development in the country, and offers a great weekend escape from the city for the whole family, just minutes from Jaco.
Ok, so I am fudging a little on the price barrier, but this one is worth the creativity. The premiere beachfront condominium in Jaco, Vista Las Palmas boasts a resort like atmosphere, with an unbeatable beachfront location at the south end of Jaco. The building has been a great success both from a sales perspective (sold out in preconstruction years ago) as well as a highly sought after rental property. Stunning views from terrace, listen to the sounds of the ocean in the morning or at sunset, and enjoy the sandfront, infinity edge pool with family and friends.
Manuel Antonio
The iconic destination of Manuel Antonio, historically known as the country's number one tourist destination due to its abundance in flora and fauna, adventure activities, home to the Manuel Antonio national park, and how, home to a world class marina and village in the heart of the town. With a local airport, an impressive new marina set to grow in the coming years, and the previous history of the town and its dynamic vacation rental market, make Manuel Antonio a top choice for all serious investors.
Ok, so I slightly pushed the $500,000 limit on this, but oh is it worth it. Over one acre of land, staring down at the brand new marina and village, this lot boasts an irreplaceable opportunity for a visionary looking to build an estate home, or rental villas on this property.
How about value here, for a 4 bedroom, panoramic view home for just $479,000, one of the best values for a home in Manuel Antonio to date.
Looking for land for sale, how about this 55 hectare parcel for under $500,000!
For just $469,000 you can purchase this luxury, ocean view condo in Manuel Antonio, with ocean and coastal views, fully furnished, for the ideal spot in the heart of Manuel Antonio.
Dominical / Uvita
Dominical and Uvita have become one of the hottest destinations in Costa Rica due to the incomparable jungle, mountain and coastlines that are seen here. The drastic contrast from mountain to see, as well as the lush rain forest and stunning sunset and coastline views draws visitors and investors from all over the world who share in this vision for a more remote Costa Rican experience. The area is vast and opportunity just as rampant as seen by the short list below:
Check out the value in this property for sale boasting 33 acres of ocean view parcel hovering in the hills of Uvita.
Don't want to build ,and prefer to buy an ocean view home, you will be hardpressed to ever see a deal like this one again, at just $449,000 for this contemporary ocean view villa!
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is probably the fastest growing coastal community in Costa Rica, known for its world class surfing, yoga and healing, impressive gastronomic scene, and laid back, barefoot lifestyle. the combination of the above, and the international press for this off the beaten path destination has created a must see and the time is now destination for investors to pay close attention to. Here are some of our top picks:
Over one acre of dizzying ocean views, with two building platforms in the heart of Northern Santa Teresa. This is an excellent opportunity for some looking for land in order to build their Santa Teresa dream home, or one or two rental villas in this dynamic tourism destination.
One of the area's only gated communities, Maramar Santa Teresa, located steps from the beach, this ocean view condo is the ideal turnkey opportunity for someone looking to invest in a place that they can enjoy as often as they like, while renting when they are not in the country.
Check out the ocean views from this lot for sale, and I think anything that I see will be less valuable than the image.
This is simply a snapshot of so many opportunities that we have right now, but should give you an idea, if you are in the market for property in Costa Rica, and have a budget of about $500,000, what you will be able to find!