Untitled - Viva Tropical
Transcription
Untitled - Viva Tropical
Table of contents About the Authors 4. Jaco 15. Potrero Introduction 5. Punta Leona 16. Esterillos Chapter 1: Costa Rica Market Overview 6. Tamarindo 17. Parrita 7. Manuel Antonio 18. Puerto Viejo 8. Playa Coco 19. Arenal 9. Hermosa 20. EscazÚ 10. Uvita 21. Nosara 11. Samara 22. San JosÉ 1. Introduction 12. Quepos 23. Santa Ana 2. Dominical 13. Ojochal 3. Playa Flamingo 14. Playa Conchal Next steps Chapter 2: Homes in Costa Rica Chapter 3: Land in Costa Rica Chapter 4: Towns in Costa Rica Work With Us Click to learn more 2 Table of contents About the Authors 2002 through 2006 were good times for real estate investors. And during those years the Viva Tropical founders, Park Wilson and Josh Linnes, were able to amass a portfolio of over 200 real estate transactions in both commercial and residential sectors, with valuations well into 8 figures. But in 2006, they began to notice that investment fundamentals no longer made sense. The market was awash in capital and prices had been pushed through the ceiling. This signaled the time to exit. Josh had been investing in Costa Rica for 10 years, so at his suggestion they decided to broaden their scope for investments and investigate opportunities abroad. After 9 months of due diligence, they began to get a grip on the inefficient markets of the Latin Tropics. After several scouting trips, the founders packed up their families, moved to the region, and founded Viva Tropical, the fastest growing online magazine for living and investing abroad. Since that time, they’ve completed several successful real estate projects in Panama, including a 400-acre private island. And next they’ve got their sights set on Costa Rica. During their time in the tropics, Park and Josh have learned a lot about the real estate market. Not by attending seminars, talking to realtors, or looking at market comps. Instead they’ve gained experience by scouting more than 3 million acres of property, driving the Pacific Coast all the way from Mexico to Ecuador, exploring remote areas they could only reach on foot or by boat, talking to locals, and–most importantly–purchasing and developing property for themselves. This boots-on-the-ground approach has made them able to better evaluate individual properties, as well as entire markets, and make sound decisions about what to purchase. They currently have a large, satisfied investor pool of individuals with a net worth of $3M+ who enjoy the benefit of owning land in Latin America without the hassle of managing it on a daily basis. Post, and numerous other publications. Learn more about Park and Josh at www. vivatropical.com or email them directly. Josh [email protected] Park [email protected] Park and Josh have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Huffington Work With Us Click to learn more 3 Table of contents Introduction The Costa Rica Real Estate Conundrum Costa Rica is an incredible place to live or invest in real estate. However, the problem the authors of this report kept running into, and probably the same one you’ve encountered yourself, is that finding accurate market data in Costa Rica, much like the rest of Central America, is tough. Impossible even. There’s no MLS. Buyers, and sellers, can’t go on Zillow.com to find sales history, comparable homes, and a “Zestimate.” Even looking at market comps is pretty futile, since property sales in a given area can often be all over the board. There’s simply no single source where someone can find information, such as the number of listings in an area or the median home price, much less detailed info like the average price per acre for large tracts of land, the average cost per bedroom, or a comparison of the prices for beach vs. mountain homes. This is all data that would be tremendously helpful to anyone looking to buy, rent, or invest in property in Costa Rica. But a single, comprehensive resource detailing this and other relevant information has just never existed. Until now. The document before you contains everything I just mentioned and more, plus some pretty awesome photos of places all across the great nation of Costa Rica. It’s based on an exhaustive amount of research on home prices in the most popular areas in Costa Rica. And it’s something you won’t find anywhere else out there. The Method Behind the Madness If information on the Costa Rican real estate market is so difficult to come by, you may be wondering how the authors managed to put together this report. Well, it goes without saying that it was no easy feat. 314 cities in Costa Rica. Next, they took some additional steps to analyze and clean up the data. They even went so far as to hire a data scientist (Yes, that’s a thing.) to help validate the data. They had him do all sorts of statistical data analysis to identify and remove duplicate entries or property listings that were outliers (e.g. $50 million dollars for an acre of land). And, of course, since the data in Costa Rica can be so unreliable, they then had to manually verify huge samples of the data. Once they were sure the data was as accurate as possible, they converted it to a whole bunch of easy-to-read charts and graphs and Voila! The result is the report you have in front of you, the only comprehensive report of its kind detailing the real estate listings in every major city in Costa Rica. They started by gathering data on over $12.4 billion dollars worth of property, which represented over 15,000 property listings in Work With Us Click to learn more 4 Table of contents How to Use This Data So, you have all these numbers and fancy charts in front of you. But what does it all mean, and how can it help you as you navigate the Costa Rica real estate market? Well first, let us define some terms to help you understand what you’re looking at. If you’ve ever shopped for a home in the U.S. then you’ve probably heard the phrase “median home price.” What exactly is that? Well, it’s pretty simple. It’s the one in the middle. In the areas we surveyed, we sorted all the listings in order from lowest to highest and pulled out the one in the center. So, when we say the median home price in an area is $300,000, that means half the homes on the market are listed below that price; the other half is priced higher. Median prices give a more accurate reflection of the market since averages tend to be distorted by $20 million McMansions. listings in areas that are popular among expats. As a result, the level of services and amenities are higher than in lesser developed parts of Costa Rica and, consequently, so are the home prices. Keep that in mind as you read the report. If the median price seems higher than what you expected, know that there are plenty of lower-priced options. Armed with the highest possible amount of data, you can go into any real estate transaction with more confidence that you aren’t overpaying for your dream home or investment property or, for sellers, that you are getting the absolute maximum amount you can hope to receive for your property. How This Data Helps Buyers, Sellers, and Investors So, for buyers, this data can help you see the scope of the home prices in the area(s) you’re considering and make a better determination as to whether or not a home or tract of land is priced correctly. On a larger scale, investors and developers can look at an area as a whole and compare data across cities or regions. This same information proves helpful to sellers when deciding where to price their properties. Real estate professionals will also find this data useful when advising their clients on setting prices and making offers on properties. It is important to note that we only surveyed Work With Us Click to learn more 5 Table of contents CHAPTER 1: COSTA RICA MARKET OVERVIEW We love Costa Rica. For a number of reasons. For starters, it’s breathtaking. From the lush mountains with their sweeping panoramic views to the pristine beaches and their amazing sunsets. Prices by Property Type And then there’s the level of value and amenities that Costa Rica delivers, something that’s unrivaled by any of its tropical neighbors. Top notch infrastructure that’s evolved from decades of expat influence. A culture of healthy and active living that’s shared by locals and foreigners alike. We also love Costa Rica real estate. While not the cheapest in the region, for the aforementioned reasons, buying property in Costa Rica is just a smart decision. There are options to suit any tastes and fit every budget. So, whether you’re looking for a small condo in a bustling city, a sprawling ranch in the rolling hills, or a cozy beach bungalow, here’s an idea of the going rate for exactly what you’re seeking. While most of what you’ll find for sale on the Costa Rica real estate market is single family homes, there are plenty of other housing options available. Above you’ll see a representation of the median price for dwellings in each category. Work With Us Click to learn more COSTA RICA MARKET OVERVIEW 6 Table of contents However, keep in mind that there’s still a wide range of home prices in each of these categories. You should also consider that factors like the quality of the mountain view and the proximity to the beach itself also contribute heavily to the price of a particular property. Median Home Price in Costa Rica The orange line in the chart, and the ones that follow, represents the total number of listings we examined in each category. Another thing to consider when pricing homes in Costa Rica is that location plays a big role in determining the cost of homes in a particular area. As you might imagine, mountain homes are the least expensive. Properties in the city, as well as in Costa Rica’s many beach towns, are considerably more on average. Work With Us Click to learn more COSTA RICA MARKET OVERVIEW 7 Table of contents Understandably where the population is most dense, in the cities and the more established coastal communities, land is a bit harder to come by and, consequently, demands a higher premium. However, if you’re willing to step a short distance outside of your target area, there are often much bigger bargains to be had on the outskirts of the more populated areas. Land Price Per Acre: Smaller Lots Costa Rica also has much to offer in the way of vacant land for you to build your dream home or even just hold onto as an investment. It’s never been easier or cheaper to find quality labor and access to building supplies in Costa Rica, so building is a great option right now. Work With Us Click to learn more COSTA RICA MARKET OVERVIEW 8 Table of contents Costa Rica also has great options for developers looking to build something magnificent or even just develop and subdivide lots to sell to individual buyers. This is exactly what we’ve spent the past few years shopping for, and we just found the perfect spot in Dominical, a rapidly growing beach town that’s featured in a later chapter. Land Price Per Acre: Larger Parcels Work With Us Click to learn more COSTA RICA MARKET OVERVIEW 9 Table of contents Do you want to know where the #1 place to live and invest in the Latin Tropics is? Here’s a hint: it’s in Costa Rica. In fact several of the Top 57 are in Costa Rica, but there are others in Nicaragua, Panama, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. This book has hundreds of pages containing pictures, graphs and more…and it’s completely free. Get the book here and start discovering your own paradise. Work With Us Click to learn more COSTA RICA MARKET OVERVIEW 10 Table of contents CHAPTER 2: HOMES IN COSTA RICA This section gives an overview of the median home price for properties of all types (single family homes, condominiums, farms, etc.) in the most popular cities in Costa Rica. To allow for more of an apples to apples comparison, we’ve separated them according to beach vs. mountain destinations. Home Prices at the Beach Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful coastal communities you’ll find anywhere, each with its own distinct appeal. There are towns to accommodate everyone from backpacking surfers to young families with children. There are also property listings to suit almost every budget. You’ll notice there’s quite a wide range between the city with the most expensive median home price, Conchal, and that with the lowest, Parrita. You should also be aware that, while the property listings included in this category are all located in beach towns, they aren’t necessarily beachfront. As you can imagine, home prices only increase the closer you get to Costa Rica’s remarkable coastline. Work With Us Click to learn more HOMES IN COSTA RICA 11 Table of contents Just as beach lovers can be assured of finding a home that fits within their price range, likewise the mountain towns of Costa Rica offer a wide selection of price points. Homes in Grecia come in at the lowest price, with properties in highly coveted Santa Ana averaging considerably more. Home Prices in the Mountains Work With Us Click to learn more HOMES IN COSTA RICA 12 Table of contents EVER Wonder Why Offshore Investment Matters? You have probably heard investing offshore can be a good thing, but you may not know why. Here is a free 150 page guide on why investing outside your home country really matters and why you need to consider it. Misinformation, political agendas, and secrecy have made this process seem complicated, but it really isn’t and here is how you get started. Get the free guide here and start protecting yourself and your money. Work With Us Click to learn more HOMES IN COSTA RICA 13 Table of contents CHAPTER 3: LAND IN COSTA RICA Land in Costa Rica is a great investment, whether purchased to develop, to build your dream home, or just to hang onto for a while. Here are some examples of what you can expect to pay for lots in some of the more popular cities in Costa Rica. Land Prices at the Beach This chart shows the median price for parcels of land in several popular beach communities. You can also see, as represented by the orange bars, how that breaks down into price per acre. Work With Us Click to learn more LAND IN COSTA RICA 14 Table of contents Here we’ve done the same for land in the mountains. This gives you an idea of the midpoint of the listings currently on the market, as well as the price per acre for each city. Land Prices in the Mountains Work With Us Click to learn more LAND IN COSTA RICA 15 Table of contents Want 19 Years of Investment Experience in One Day? Grab Pay Dirt! for free and you’ll be more informed than 98% of the population on how and where to invest in Latin America. Over 200 pages of investment know-how completely free. Get it here. Work With Us Click to learn more LAND IN COSTA RICA 16 Table of contents CHAPTER 4 - Towns in Costa Rica: Introduction INDIVIDUAL CITIES INTRODUCTION As you saw in the overview, the prices for land and homes in Costa Rica is quite subjective from one type of setting to the next and, even more so, from one particular city to another. So, we’ve taken that a step further and broken down those costs among 19 of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. What Information Will I Find for Each City? In the following chapters you’ll find a description of each city, as some may be ones you aren’t familiar with or haven’t already considered in your search for your tropical paradise. For each city, you’ll find median prices for homes, condos, land, etc. For homes, you can also see how that price breaks down per bedroom, since homes in Costa Rica can vary greatly in size. You can also find information such as how many total listings we found in each category. Oh, and since we have written articles and recorded podcasts about a lot of these locations, we added links to those where available. Just check out the left side column; it is your window to deeper learning. Work With Us Click to learn more introduction 17 Table of contents DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA Dominical is an up-and-coming beach town that’s conveniently located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, along the newly paved South Pacific Highway. Popular with surfers and nature lovers, this town is seeing a big surge in newcomers thanks to its improved access. The towering cliffs that line the coast allow for the rare opportunity to live in a dense jungle overlooking the beautiful blue water below. Ecotourism and a number of water sports, like fishing and snorkeling, abound. The town of Dominical has decent amenities and is consistently adding more. There’s a bank, a doctor’s office, a few internet cafes, and other necessities. It’s still quaint, though, with mostly dirt roads and no major chains to sully its rustic vibe. Work With Us Click to learn more DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA 18 Table of contents Articles about Dominical Learn more about Domincal and the surrounding area by reading these articles. Click Here Work With Us Click to learn more DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA 19 Table of contents Here you can see the total inventory that’s currently available in Dominical in each of the major categories. There’s quite a bit of real estate for sale in Dominical. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA 20 Table of contents The chart shows what you might expect to pay for a typical home, condo, or lot in Dominical. This is the median price, so half the listings in Dominical are lower; the other half is higher. Just as prices go up for homes with jawdropping views or immaculate construction, they also go down if you move back a little further from the shore or subtract a bedroom. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA 21 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA 22 Table of contents Homes in Dominical range anywhere from single-bedroom condos all the way up to 10+ bedroom mansions. Here’s a breakdown of the median price per bedroom, so just do the math to see what you might need to shell out for the size of the home you’re seeking. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA 23 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Want to hear what is happening in this Real Estate market? Dominical, Costa Rica and surrounding area is the subject on this episode of our Real Estate Podcast. Get up to date on pricing information, building costs, and much more. Click here to Listen or download for later Interest in Dominical has increased considerably over the last decade, and as a result several developers– ourselves included–are in the process of undertaking some pretty major developments in the area. As a result, land in Dominical is hot right now. Work With Us Click to learn more DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA 24 Table of contents As you saw above, there are plenty of homes for sale in Dominical right now. Some are updated and modern. Others could benefit from some much-needed renovations. You might find an impressive home with a less than remarkable view or one at a great price that just doesn’t fit your vision for your tropical paradise. Land Price Per Acre: Lots One way that you can never go wrong is by choosing the lot that offers the view and location you desire and then building a home to your exact specifications. You can see the median listing price for lots in Dominical. Work With Us Click to learn more DOMINICAL, COSTA RICA 25 Table of contents PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA One of the first Costa Rican beaches to receive international attention, Playa Flamingo (or Playa Blanca as it’s often called for its pristine white sand) is among the most beautiful you’ll find anywhere. As a result it’s attracted some of the country’s most lavish and exclusive developments. With no actual village center, activities in Flamingo Beach are limited to water sports and a few other tourist offerings like restaurants. For shopping, nightlife, etc. there’s the town of Brasilito nearby. What it lacks in commerce, Playa Flamingo recoups in natural surroundings. There are abundant mangroves, incredible bay views, and the nearby Marino Las Baulas National Park, which is home to a number of birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and the endangered leatherback turtle. WITH 2 NEARBY AIRPORTS AND PAVED ROADS, PLAYA FLAMINGO IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY LAND OR AIR. Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA 26 Table of contents Articles about Playa Flamingo Learn more about Playa Flamingo and the surrounding area by reading these articles. Click Here Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA 27 Table of contents The graph shows the total inventory of properties in each category, as well as the number of listings that total represents. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA 28 Table of contents Here you can see the median price for various types of property in Playa Flamingo. Keep in mind that this is merely the midpoint of a wide range of properties in each category. However, as you can see, real estate in Playa Flamingo demands a premium that reflects its desirability. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA 29 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA 30 Table of contents The size of the home does much to drive the price of a single family home higher or lower. To get an idea of the cost to purchase a home the size you’re seeking, here’s what you can expect to spend per bedroom for homes in Playa Flamingo. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA 31 Table of contents Land in Playa Flamingo is also priced at top dollar, as you can see in the chart. However, that hasn’t slowed down the development in this high-demand area. Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA 32 Table of contents Developers aren’t the only ones with their sights set on Playa Flamingo. There are also plenty of opportunities for expats and investors to purchase lots to use to build their dream home or just hold onto as an investment. Here you can see the median listing price, as well as the price per acre. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA FLAMINGO, COSTA RICA 33 Table of contents JACO, COSTA RICA The closest beach to the capital of San José, Jaco is also one of Costa Rica’s most frequently visited. The area is well-developed with plenty of consumer options, like banks and health clinics, as well as world renowned surfing. In addition to its coastal water sports, Jaco also boasts numerous inland rivers and streams where residents and tourists can enjoy white-water rafting and hiking to a number of impressive waterfalls. Because it is a huge tourist draw, Jaco is also known for its nightlife and party scene, which does include some drug activity and prostitution. However, in the hours leading up to 10 p.m., the town is quite relaxing and laidback. Work With Us Click to learn more JACO, COSTA RICA 34 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more JACO, COSTA RICA 35 Table of contents As you can see, we were able to review a lot of listings in the Jaco area. The bars show the total value of all the inventory on the market, and the line shows the number of listings that represents. You’ll notice there are a lot of condos for sale in Jaco. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more JACO, COSTA RICA 36 Table of contents As is common, you can expect to pay more for a single family home in Jaco than a condo. Due to the high level of development and relative scarcity of land, vacant lots in the Jaco area come with a rather high price tag. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more JACO, COSTA RICA 37 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more JACO, COSTA RICA 38 Table of contents Since our median price for homes and condos is only the midpoint for properties that range greatly in size, you can use this average price per bedroom to see what you could expect to pay for the number of rooms you’re hoping to have in your dream home. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more JACO, COSTA RICA 39 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Are you thinking about building your own house? Listen to this interview about building in Central America, how to control costs, build while you are not on site, and other tips. Click here to listen now. Because Jaco is so developed, it isn’t the place for real estate developers or investors to expect to find a bargain on a large tract of land. You’ll see in the above chart that the median price for tracts of land is almost $1 million. Work With Us Click to learn more JACO, COSTA RICA 40 Table of contents Likewise, lots for building homes in Jaco are also on the higher side. However, they’re still a small price to pay for the level of development and amenities, not to mention natural beauty, that the town offers. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more JACO, COSTA RICA 41 Table of contents PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA Punta Leona is a relatively unknown nature preserve on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. Flanked by a pristine white sand beach, the town is located just an hour west of San José. The area is home to over 300 bird species, spider and white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and a whole host of butterflies. Work With Us Click to learn more PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA 42 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA 43 Table of contents For its size, there’s a significant amount of property for sale in Punta Leona. Here you can see the total inventory available and the number of individual records we included in our survey. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA 44 Table of contents Here you can see the average price for listings in each major category of property in Punta Leona. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA 45 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA 46 Table of contents This chart further breaks down that median home price to show what you might expect to pay for a home in Punta Leona, based on the number of bedrooms you’re looking for. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA 47 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! The Most Infuential Company in Latin American History The United Fruit conglomerate. Company, banana Listen to how they changed culture, rigged elections, and even got Che Guevara to take action. It all started in Costa Rica. Check it out here Although not a lot of land is for sale in Punta Leona (per the earlier chart showing the total number of records) there are bargain parcels available for large-scale developers looking for the site for their next project. Work With Us Click to learn more PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA 48 Table of contents Smaller lots are also available for anyone wanting to build their dream home in this relatively undiscovered Costa Rican paradise. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more PUNTA LEONA, COSTA RICA 49 Table of contents TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA Located in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo has become the area’s top tourist destination. As a result, it boasts many amenities and North American conveniences. Yet it still retains the laid back atmosphere and authentic local culture that people love about the region. The surfing is incredible, with several international surf competitions being held in Tamarindo. There are spots to suit every skill level. It’s also a haven for sport fishing, as well as a number of other water sports. Another popular attraction near town is the Tamarindo National Wildlife Refuge, which is made up of about a thousand acres of protected forest, mangroves, and estuaries. There’s also the Marino Las Baulas National Park where leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Work With Us Click to learn more TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA 50 Table of contents Articles about Tamarindo Learn all about one of the most popular beach towns in Northern Costa Rica. Click Here Work With Us Click to learn more TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA 51 Table of contents As you can see, there’s a good amount of property for sale in Tamarindo. Whether you’re looking for a single family home, condo, or vacant land, there are 100+ listings in every category. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA 52 Table of contents The graph shows the median home price for each type of property in Tamarindo. However, this is just the midpoint of a very wide range. Prices for condos, homes, and land can vary greatly depending on factors like size, location, and condition. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA 53 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA 54 Table of contents For example, this chart shows how that price breaks down per bedroom. So that $429,500 median home price would likely buy you a 3-bedroom house. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA 55 Table of contents There are still opportunities for developers looking to get into Tamarindo, with large parcels of land available at a median price of less than $30k per acre. Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Work With Us Click to learn more TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA 56 Table of contents There are also smaller lots that are all ready for you to build your dream home. They come at a relatively high premium. But, with building costs in Costa Rica significantly lower than in recent years, buying a lot and building on it is a great way to get exactly what you want and still pay less than the average cost for a so-so home built by someone else. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA 57 Table of contents MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA Manuel Antonio is another popular destination, known for its beautiful beaches, striking coastline, and abundant wildlife. Home to the Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s one of the few places in the country where you can see four types of monkeys: howler, spider, white-faced, and the endangered squirrel monkey. The beaches offer great surfing and incredible sunsets. The steep cliffs that plunge into the Pacific Ocean also make for a stunning drive along the coast. Manuel Antonio has become one of the country’s most popular beach destinations and, as a result, boasts many amenities and modern conveniences. Work With Us Click to learn more MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA 58 Table of contents Manuel Antonio Resources Learn more about Manuel Antonio and Costa Rica. Just click here Work With Us Click to learn more MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA 59 Table of contents Here you can see that there’s a great deal of available property listings in Manuel Antonio, particularly single family homes. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA 60 Table of contents The median prices for homes, condos, and land are what you’d expect for properties in such a desirable location. There’s still a wide range of prices within each category, though, so keep in mind that this number is merely the midpoint of that range. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA 61 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA 62 Table of contents This chart can give you a better idea of what you might expect to pay for the size of home or condo you’re looking for in Manuel Antonio. For example, while the median home price is over $500k, you might be able to find a 2-bedroom home for under $350k. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA 63 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! The Central American Real Estate Show Learn about real estate markets in the Latin Tropics, from Mexico to Ecuador. Get inside information and on the ground insight in every show. Check it out here Chalk it up to the sweeping views and the high level of development in the area, but large parcels of land in Manuel Antonio bring top dollar. The median price for the listings we surveyed was almost $800k. Work With Us Click to learn more MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA 64 Table of contents Even smaller lots that are being offered as home sites are on the higher end of the spectrum. However, buying a lot and building your dream home is still an attractive option when you consider the cost of building vs. the average price for a home already constructed. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more MANUEL ANTONIO, COSTA RICA 65 Table of contents PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA Playa del Coco or Coco Beach, is quite popular with the country’s younger crowd. It’s also a favorite among partying tourists, making it one of the more lively beach destinations in costa rica. Situated in a horseshoe-shaped bay, it offers white-grey sand and blue-gray waters, in contrast with the blue-green that’s normally seen in the area. The beach stays pretty crowded, especially during late November and December when many locals come there on holiday. The town center has plenty of restaurants and bars, as well as casinos and discos. There are also a number of shops and supermarkets, although most look rather run-down compared to the more luxurious amenities found elsewhere along the northern coast of the Guanacaste region. As a result, most things in Playa del Coco are also more affordable. Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA 66 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA 67 Table of contents You can see what kinds of available properties we found when surveying the current listings. Note the large number of condos available in Playa del Coco. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA 68 Table of contents Homes and land in Playa del Coco are considerably less than the national average, with a median price of under $250k for single family homes. With a median price of only $210k, the large number of condos available are also easily affordable. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA 69 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA 70 Table of contents To give you an idea of what that $250k or $210k might buy you, here’s how much the average home costs based on the number of bedrooms it has. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA 71 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Learn about Central American Real Estate on the go! Get updates from ground level about pricing, up-and-coming areas, and find out which place could work for you. Check it out here The fact that the median price for parcels of land in Playa del Coco is over $1.6 million (and at only $116k an acre) should tell you that there are some big chunks of land for sale in this area, making it a great place for a developer to score a deal on a future resort or luxury home community. Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA 72 Table of contents Playa del Coco is also an affordable beach destination for those who want to buy a lot to build their dream home, without paying a fortune like in some of the more developed areas. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA COCO, COSTA RICA 73 Table of contents HERMOSA, COSTA RICA Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, about 3 miles south of Jaco, Playa Hermosa is one of the top surfing destinations in the country. However, as a result, it can be a dangerous place to swim. Playa Hermosa has a wildlife refuge that’s a protected area for Olive Ridley turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs. Also nearby are the Manuel Antonio National Park and the Carara National Park, home to monkeys, iguanas, and a large assortment of birds. It’s location is great, only about a 2-hour drive from San José. What can be confusing is that there’s another Playa Hermosa that’s located in the Guanacaste province. This isn’t that one. Work With Us Click to learn more HERMOSA, COSTA RICA 74 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more HERMOSA, COSTA RICA 75 Table of contents There’s a good amount of property for sale in Hermosa, although relatively few condos. In this chart you can see how many of each type of property we surveyed and the total inventory currently listed for each. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more HERMOSA, COSTA RICA 76 Table of contents While properties in Hermosa range drastically, depending on a number of factors, you can see that the midpoint of that range is under $400k for both homes and condos. The median price for land is under $200k. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more HERMOSA, COSTA RICA 77 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more HERMOSA, COSTA RICA 78 Table of contents Here you can see, based on the average price per bedroom, the size home you could expect to get when paying the median home price of $395,000 or $389,000. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more HERMOSA, COSTA RICA 79 Table of contents At a median price of only $13,712 per acre, land is a steal in Playa Hermosa. If you’re a developer or investor looking for bargain real estate in Costa Rica, this area is worth looking into. Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Work With Us Click to learn more HERMOSA, COSTA RICA 80 Table of contents Even if you want to buy a small lot to build a place to move or retire to, Hermosa is a more affordable option than some of its beachfront counterparts. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more HERMOSA, COSTA RICA 81 Table of contents UVITA, COSTA RICA The town of Uvita is a convenient commercial hub for the many popular beach destinations nearby. Its own beach, part of the Marino Ballena National Park, is a great place to watch migrating humpback whales. It’s also, ironically, shaped like a whale’s tale due to the fact that it’s situated where two neighboring bays meet. It’s great for swimming and snorkeling and spotting the Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles that come onshore to lay their eggs. The area is growing in popularity, though still a little less widely known as its more happening neighbors. Land activities include hiking to waterfalls that some say are the best in Costa Rica. Work With Us Click to learn more UVITA, COSTA RICA 82 Table of contents More Information About Uvita Uvita is the center of the Southern Zone of Costa Rica and is the gateway to many beach communities. Learn more here Work With Us Click to learn more UVITA, COSTA RICA 83 Table of contents You won’t find a lot of condos for sale in Uvita, but there are plenty of single family homes to choose from, as well as vacant land just waiting for you to build your dream home. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more UVITA, COSTA RICA 84 Table of contents Properties in Uvita are a good value based on the level of amenities and the incredible natural beauty the area offers. And with a median home price of only $462,000, single family homes cost generally a little less than in most Costa Rican towns near the beach. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more UVITA, COSTA RICA 85 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more UVITA, COSTA RICA 86 Table of contents Here you can see that, in most cases, that median home price should get you a minimum of 3 bedrooms, maybe more. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more UVITA, COSTA RICA 87 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Real Estate Prices, Up-and-Coming Areas, Cost of Construction, Tips and Tricks. Check out this episode where we scout 100 acre farms on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. We start in Uvita. Check it out here The price for land in Uvita has increased as more and more developers have begun projects in the area. It’s grown significantly in recent years, though more as a commercial and business hub than an expat hotspot. Work With Us Click to learn more UVITA, COSTA RICA 88 Table of contents That being said, for those looking to build a home in a destination that’s a little further off the beaten path, small lots for home sites in Uvita represent quite a bargain. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more UVITA, COSTA RICA 89 Table of contents SAMARA, COSTA RICA Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Samara is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and safest beaches in Costa Rica, with its pristine white sand and sparkling turquoise water. This, combined with its tropical flora and laid-back lifestyle make it an ideal paradise for some. In the village you’ll find all the services you need. The coast offers plenty of water activities, like sport fishing, snorkeling, and perfect swimming conditions. Bird watching is another popular pastime. Samara is easier than ever to access, with regional flights from Nosara, regular buses from the nearby large cities, and the newly constructed Highway 150 from Nicoya. Work With Us Click to learn more SAMARA, COSTA RICA 90 Table of contents Learn More About Samara and the Surrounding Area We have tons of articles about the Latin Tropics, from Ecuador to Mexico. Learn about all the different options if you want, or just focus on Costa Rica. Click Here to check out articles about Samara Work With Us Click to learn more SAMARA, COSTA RICA 91 Table of contents There’s a fair amount of property for sale in Samara. Here you can see the number of listings we surveyed in each category, as well as the total inventory for sale. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more SAMARA, COSTA RICA 92 Table of contents Given the attractiveness of Samara, particularly among wealthy Ticos, you might be surprised by how affordable its homes are. With a median home price of $335k, much less for condos, homes in Samara are much cheaper than many comparable beach towns. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more SAMARA, COSTA RICA 93 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more SAMARA, COSTA RICA 94 Table of contents You can see that the median home price breaks down to just under $125k per bedroom (under $90k for condos). Given that information, you can estimate what you might expect to pay based on the size of the home you’re looking for in Samara. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more SAMARA, COSTA RICA 95 Table of contents For anyone looking to develop land in Samara, or merely hold it as an investment, the median price for large parcels of land is $375,000. That’s a great deal, averaging only $12,987 per acre. Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Work With Us Click to learn more SAMARA, COSTA RICA 96 Table of contents Lots for building a single family home are quite affordable, with a median price of only $120,000 for a small lot. At that price, you could customize your dream home and still likely spend less than the average for a home already constructed. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more SAMARA, COSTA RICA 97 Table of contents QUEPOS, COSTA RICA Once a town solely dependent on banana plantations, Quepos now relies mostly on tourism to keep its economy going. Most visitors come for the fantastic sport fishing, particularly marlin, however there are a number of other attractions in and around the town. Also nearby are the Butterfly Botanical Gardens, the Damas Estuary and Caves, and some great places for white-water rafting and horseback riding. Beachgoers will find easy access to Manuel Antonio and its national park. With plenty of restaurants, supermarkets, a hospital, a post office, and more, Quepos makes a great jumping off point for adventure throughout the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. Work With Us Click to learn more QUEPOS, COSTA RICA 98 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more QUEPOS, COSTA RICA 99 Table of contents Here you can see the total of all the current listings in Quepos, as well as the number of listings available in each category. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more QUEPOS, COSTA RICA 100 Table of contents This chart shows the median price for each type of property in Quepos. However, there’s still a wide range of listings available in each category, so that price can fluctuate depending on a number of variables. This number is merely the midpoint of that range. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more QUEPOS, COSTA RICA 101 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more QUEPOS, COSTA RICA 102 Table of contents Size is one example of a factor that influences cost. Given the average price per bedroom, you can get a good idea of what you could expect to pay for the size of the home you wish to purchase. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more QUEPOS, COSTA RICA 103 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Want to Get Started Making Money with Real Estate Investment? Check out this podcast where Park and Josh discuss the fundamentals of great investment. Tips, Tricks, and Pointers are all included in this deep dive into Latin Tropics Real Estate. Get it now For developers looking to take advantage of the growing tourism industry in and around Quepos, there are large parcels of land for sale. While the median price is $1.4 million, that’s a bargain at only $8k per acre. Work With Us Click to learn more QUEPOS, COSTA RICA 104 Table of contents Lots in Quepos are affordable with a median price of just over $100k per acre. Due to the large number of tourists who frequent the area, it would make a great place to build a home that could also double as a rental to generate income. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more QUEPOS, COSTA RICA 105 Table of contents OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA Those looking for a place just a little farther off the beaten path should look no further than Ojochal, Costa Rica. Located between Uvita to the north and Coronado to the south, it offers a few basic amenities and not much else in the way of consumer options. However, what Ojochal lacks in commerce it makes up for in access to some great natural attractions. The town itself sits just off the coast, with nearby Playa Tortuga offering great access to the coast. The waters there are great for swimming and scuba diving. Also nearby are the Nauyaca Waterfalls, the mangroves of the Rio Terraba, and the world famous Corcovado National Park which is known for its incredible biodiversity. Work With Us Click to learn more OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA 106 Table of contents Read More About Ojochal Ojochal is another gem in Southern Costa Costa Rica. Read more here Work With Us Click to learn more OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA 107 Table of contents Despite the town’s small size, you can see that there’s quite a bit of property for sale in Ojochal, particularly single family homes. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA 108 Table of contents Here’s the median home price for the three most common types of property in Ojochal. We’ll show you next how some of that breaks down further, depending on the size of the home or parcel of land. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA 109 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA 110 Table of contents For properties with dwellings, you can see the relatively low price you might pay per bedroom. Multiply that by the number of bedrooms you want, and that will show you roughly how much your dream home would cost in Ojochal. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA 111 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Plan on Growing Your Own Food? Why not learn how to do it the Bio-Dynamic way. This methodical practice to growing anything is the absolute way to get your green thumb. Learn how it works on this podcast. Click Here to Listen Large parcels of land in Ojochal represent a great value. Not only is the cost per acre relatively low, but there are parcels small enough to be affordable for any developer looking to enter this market. Work With Us Click to learn more OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA 112 Table of contents Individuals looking to build their dream home will also be pleasantly surprised that half the lots in Ojochal are under $100k. Its remote location allows for a lower price tag than in many more popular towns near the beach in Costa Rica. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more OJOCHAL, COSTA RICA 113 Table of contents PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA Playa Conchal is located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, which is known largely for its beautiful beaches. What’s notable about this one is that it’s comprised of millions of tiny crushed seashells that sparkle in the sunlight, and its crystal clear Pacific water rivals any you’ll find in the Caribbean. Its coastal location provides opportunities for sport fishing, snorkeling, and swimming. Visitors can also hike or camp in the nearby national parks and nature reserves. For those who aren’t so outdoorsy, there’s also the luxurious Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort and Golf Course, which offers lodging as well as day passes for visitors. While there isn’t much else in the way of consumer options in Playa Conchal, the town of Brasilito is within walking distance and offers a number of hotels, restaurants, and bars. Playa Flamingo is also only a short drive away. Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA 114 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA 115 Table of contents Condos represent the bulk of the properties for sale in Playa Conchal. There are also plenty of single family homes, as well as a few listings of land for sale. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA 116 Table of contents As you might expect, for property in such a gorgeous destination, the median home price for a single family home in Playa Conchal is almost $900k. Keep in mind, though, that this means that half of the properties listed are lower than that amount. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA 117 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA 118 Table of contents To get an idea of what you might pay for a home the size you’re looking for, just multiply the average price per bedroom by the number of bedrooms you’re hoping to have. Remember, though, that this price can still fluctuate a lot depending on whether you’re buying an updated place with an ocean view or a fixer-upper a little further inland. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA 119 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Ever Thought About Disappearing and Going Underground? Josh speaks to an expert on disappearing on this episode of Viva Tropical Radio. Strategy to stay underground is discussed in depth on the show. One thing is for sure, it is easier to go underground in Central America. Check it out here. With a median price of $1.5 million and over $60k per acre, land in Playa Conchal is not cheap. You can argue that you’re getting what you pay for, as scenery as beautiful as this is hard to come by. Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA 120 Table of contents With a median price of $199,000 and a price per acre of over $1 million, you can reasonably guess that most of those listings are very small lots for homes, likely in planned communities being developed. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more PLAYA CONCHAL, COSTA RICA 121 Table of contents POTRERO, COSTA RICA Another great destination in Guanacaste, Potrero is a small fishing village with a neighboring beach, Playa Potrero, where lush mountains cascade down to tranquil palm-lined beaches. The area is full of exotic flora and fauna and flanked by a range of volcanoes. Water activities in Playa Potrero include scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing for marlin, swordfish, and tuna. The town is adjacent to the more populated Playa Flamingo, which has a full service marina that offers excursions and rentals. On land, there’s the Santa Rosa National Park, as well as the Palo Verde Natural Reserve. Potrero is conveniently located only a 45 minutes drive from Liberia’s International Airport. Work With Us Click to learn more POTRERO, COSTA RICA 122 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more POTRERO, COSTA RICA 123 Table of contents With about 50 or so single family homes, around 35 parcels of land, and 25 condos, there’s a good amount of real estate available in this small community. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more POTRERO, COSTA RICA 124 Table of contents Here you can see the median home price for the various categories of listings we surveyed. At well under $500k, single family homes in Potrero are lower than what you might expect for most Costa Rican beach towns. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more POTRERO, COSTA RICA 125 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more POTRERO, COSTA RICA 126 Table of contents To give you an idea of what that median home price will get you in Potrero, we’ve broken it down to show you the average price per bedroom for both single family homes and condos. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more POTRERO, COSTA RICA 127 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Want to Start Your Own Business in the Tropics? There is a lot to learn starting your own business in a foreign country, but what if you could learn to make it easier? You can and it starts with this podcast episode where Josh welcomes his friend and NY Times Bestseller author Patrick Vlaskovitz. They discuss business philosophy to make starting a business less risky. This was the inaugural episode so bear with it. Download or Listen Now With a median price of $355k for larger parcels of land, that means that half the current inventory on the market is at or below that price. Potrero could be an ideal spot for a small scale developer looking for his next project. Work With Us Click to learn more POTRERO, COSTA RICA 128 Table of contents The ability to buy a lot and build your dream home is a feasible option in Potrero where smaller lots can be had for a median price of under $200k. With building costs lower in Costa Rica than in recent years, it’s entirely possible to get exactly what you want for less than the cost of buying a home that doesn’t check all your boxes. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more POTRERO, COSTA RICA 129 Table of contents ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA Playa Esterillos is one of those rare places where you can stroll down an incredible brown sand beach lined with palm trees and not see a single other soul. This area offers clean surf breaks, with waves frequently breaking head high, that are consistent year-round. The beach increases drastically in size at low tide, leaving plenty of sand to comb. Beyond the shore lies dense secondary forest that rises up lush hillsides. Plenty of other nearby towns make living in secluded Esterillos even easier. There’s Quepos for stocking up, Manuel Antonio National Park for wildlife, and Playa Hermosa for a beach with a little more action and some more great surfing. Work With Us Click to learn more ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA 130 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA 131 Table of contents This chart shows the total inventory we surveyed in Esterillos, including the number of properties represented in each category. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA 132 Table of contents Here you can see the median home price for properties in three of the most popular categories: single family homes, parcels of land, and condos. However, this number is only the midpoint of a wide range of property prices within each group. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA 133 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA 134 Table of contents At an average of under $100k per bedroom, homes in Esterillos are a good value, compared to the cost of comparable homes in other beach communities. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA 135 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Are you interested in buying or investing but don’t know where to start? We have you covered, check out this podcast that breaks down the details of how to get a good deal and where to begin when you decide it’s time to find paradise. Click it here to Listen or Download The median price of almost $2.5 million for large parcels of land means that there are some big, albeit pricey, tracts available for large-scale developers looking for a site for their next project. Work With Us Click to learn more ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA 136 Table of contents Potential expats looking to build their dream home have come to the right place in Esterillos. With a median price of only $72,500 for smaller lots, it’s a great place to buy what could be the future site of your own personal piece of paradise. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more ESTERILLOS, COSTA RICA 137 Table of contents PARRITA, COSTA RICA Parrita is a small town that lies on the road to Manuel Antonio. Located in an African oil palm farm, it’s the production of this edible plant oil that largely drives the town’s economy. It’s surrounded by a number of rivers, including the Damas and Parrita. These offer white-water rapids to attempt, estuaries to explore, and some great fishing. Work With Us Click to learn more PARRITA, COSTA RICA 138 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PARRITA, COSTA RICA 139 Table of contents The total inventory of properties for sale in Parrita is among the lowest of the areas we surveyed. You’ll note that only single family homes and parcels of land are available. There are no condos for sale in Parrita. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more PARRITA, COSTA RICA 140 Table of contents As evidenced by the median listing prices shown, property prices in Parrita came in at the very lowest of all the areas we surveyed. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more PARRITA, COSTA RICA 141 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PARRITA, COSTA RICA 142 Table of contents Given the average price per bedroom for homes in Costa Rica, it’s safe to say that you could get a home as large as 4 bedrooms for that $236,000 median home price. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more PARRITA, COSTA RICA 143 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! Want to power your home with water or the sun? We love the idea too and have applied several off-grid technologies on our projects, like Boca Chica Island in Panama. If you want to learn where to begin check out this podcast with Off-Grid and Adventure Specialist Eric Youngren. Learn how to plan and do your own off-grid power. Click here to listen or download While land is extremely cheap in Parrita, at under $12k per acre, the median price of $1.2 million indicates the majority of those listings are very large tracts. Large-scale developers could likely find a great deal on a property to turn into an ecolodge or similar venture. Work With Us Click to learn more PARRITA, COSTA RICA 144 Table of contents Likewise, lots suitable for building a single family home are quite affordable in Parrita. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more PARRITA, COSTA RICA 145 Table of contents PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA Puerto Viejo, on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, is known for a number of features. Most notably for its surfing and laid-back vibe, but also for its diverse population of locals and transplants alike. It has gorgeous white sand beaches, lush vegetation, and incredible wildlife in nearby Cahuita National Park and GandocaManzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. The area still observes many Native American traditions and its Asociación Talamanca de Ecoturismo y Conservación (ATEC) does much to educate visitors about the local indigenous culture. This organization also promotes sustainable tourism and cultural expression among the local population. Work With Us Click to learn more PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 146 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 147 Table of contents While Puerto Viejo also offers nothing in the way of condos for sale, it has ample listings for both parcels of land and single family homes. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 148 Table of contents Real estate listings in Puerto Viejo are on the affordable end, especially land which has a median price of only $100k. Of course, these median prices are only the midpoint of the wide range of listings we surveyed. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 149 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 150 Table of contents With an average of just over $80k per bedroom, it’s likely that you could get a 4-bedroom home in Puerto Viejo for that almost $240,000 median home price. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 151 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Read ! How to Narrow Down Your Choices for Paradise. There are lots of choices for where to live in the Latin Tropics, including Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Guatemala, etc. If you are trying to find the right fit you should check out this free e-book and begin the journey. Check it out here If you’re looking for land in Costa Rica at bargain basement prices, it’s in Puerto Viejo. With large parcels for sale that average less than $3,000 per acre, land in Puerto Viejo is the cheapest we saw in our survey. Work With Us Click to learn more PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 152 Table of contents Those rock-bottom deals on land are only for large, undeveloped parcels. You’ll pay a good bit more for a lot that’s suitable for building your dream home. Still, with a median lot price of $144,500, building a home in Puerto Viejo is not a bad proposition. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA 153 Table of contents ARENAL, COSTA RICA In this area lies one of Costa Rica’s most notable natural features, the Arenal Volcano. This 3,740 foot volcano has been inactive since 2010, but it’s still quite a sight to behold. It’s surrounded by mostly primary rainforest, teeming with various species of monkeys, birds, reptiles, and plants. With activities such as white-water rafting, fishing, hiking, and spelunking this area is a nature and adventure lover’s dream. Thanks to the volcano, there are also a number of hot springs in the area. Many have been converted into retreats featuring wet bars, water slides, and cold pools, making them an ideal place to end a day of adventure. Work With Us Click to learn more ARENAL, COSTA RICA 154 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more ARENAL, COSTA RICA 155 Table of contents There isn’t a ton of properties for sale in Arenal. Here you can see the number of listings we found and the total value that each category represents. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more ARENAL, COSTA RICA 156 Table of contents This chart shows the median listing price, the one in the middle, for each category. As you can see, single family homes in Arenal are quite affordable, but land is what represents the biggest bargain. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more ARENAL, COSTA RICA 157 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more ARENAL, COSTA RICA 158 Table of contents Average Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Listen ! 25% of Costa Rica’s Land Mass is Protected Costa Rica was way ahead when it came to protecting their land. It turned out conservation a crucial decision by the government because it eventually lead to the invention of ecotourism and billions of dollars for this tiny country. These days people can enjoy the natural world just as it was hundreds of years ago when visiting and living in Costa Rica. If you want to learn more about conservation and how the jungles of Central America are being protected check out this podcast with the founder of MongaBay. It is a tremendous discussion that will illuminate and inspire. Listen or download here This graph breaks down that median home price to show you about what you could expect to pay per bedroom for the home you’re purchasing in Arenal. Just do the math to see what you could expect to spend. Work With Us Click to learn more ARENAL, COSTA RICA 159 Table of contents With a median price of only $54,500, Arenal is a great place to buy a smaller lot to build your own retreat in this rich natural environment. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more ARENAL, COSTA RICA 160 Table of contents ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA Located on the slopes of Cerro Escazú, the city is divided into three distinct neighborhoods, each with its own feel and level of amenities. The higher the elevation the more quaint and unassuming the town becomes. The northernmost sections of Escazú offer some incredible views of the Central Valley. There are a number of hiking trails and vantage points to see and explore. Escazú is considered by most to be one of the most posh, trendy and upscale suburbs of the San José metropolitan area. Located 7.5 miles (12 km) from San José and just 3 miles (5 km) west of Sábana Park in the capital city, it is a great place to enjoy the same amenities of the larger, busier city, but with a more laidback feel. Just like Beverly Hills, CA, the city has tons of shopping, restaurants, Bed & Breakfasts, gyms and even golf at the exclusive Costa Rica Country Club where you’ll find an 18-hole championship golf course. Located just a few miles from San José, glittering Escazú is the choice of many expats who are looking for all the services and amenities you’d expect from a first world city. There are cafes, boutiques, movie theaters, fitness clubs, shopping malls, and any cuisine you can name. Work With Us Click to learn more ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA 161 Table of contents Articles about ESCAZÚ Learn more about Escazú and the surrounding area by reading these articles. Click Here Work With Us Click to learn more ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA 162 Table of contents As you can see there are a lot of homes and condominiums for sale in Escazú, although not as much vacant land, which is typical in this type of city setting. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA 163 Table of contents The median listing price for homes and land in Escazú is representative of the level of amenities the area offers. However, this is merely the midpoint of what is a very wide range of options available in each category. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA 164 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA 165 Table of contents This chart further breaks down the median home price into an average price per bedroom. So, while home prices may be somewhat higher than in less developed areas of Costa Rica, it might be entirely possible to spend much less on, say, a one-bedroom condo. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA 166 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! How To Get Costa Rica Residency Getting residency is not too hard, but it helps to understand how it works and what choices you have. To figure that out all you have do is listen to this podcast with a Costa Rica Attorney and Residency specialist. Click here to Listen or Download now With a median price of almost $1 million, land in the Escazú area is a hot commodity. Half of the current inventory is less than this asking price, but another half is in many cases much higher. Work With Us Click to learn more ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA 167 Table of contents The high price tag for land in Escazú, is echoed when it comes to smaller lots. As evidenced by the average price per acre, most of those lots are likely very small home sites in planned communities. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more ESCAZÚ, COSTA RICA 168 Table of contents NOSARA, COSTA RICA all utilities and services are well maintained. Its waters are great for surfing, as well as swimming, and the locals often gather in throngs on the beach in the evening to watch the breathtaking sunset. Yoga is a popular pastime in Nosara, and healthy living is the norm. While air travel to Nosara is possible via domestic flights from either international airport, ground transport can be a bit more challenging. The roads leading to Nosara are plagued with potholes and poor signage that can make travel difficult. Nosara’s beach town of Guiones is a tucked-away delight with lucrative real estate, vibrant flora, and a world-class white sand beach. The town, which has a sizeable population of expats, presents no shortage of accommodations. Many of these accommodations are private, luxurious, and immersed in natural beauty. Located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is a growing community that many young families find attractive due to its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and close-knit feel. Since it started (and has continued) as a planned community, its beaches are free of high-rise condos and Work With Us Click to learn more NOSARA, COSTA RICA 169 Table of contents Articles about Nosara Learn more about Nosara and the surrounding area by reading these articles. Click Here Work With Us Click to learn more NOSARA, COSTA RICA 170 Table of contents Since all the structures in Nosara are built to a small scale, there aren’t a lot of condos available. There are, however, plenty of options for single family homes or vacant land. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more NOSARA, COSTA RICA 171 Table of contents Most residents of Nosara would argue that the almost $420,000 median home price is a small price to pay for the amenities and excellent quality of life the area offers. Also, since this represents the midpoint of the listings we surveyed, there are plenty of other options both above and below that price. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more NOSARA, COSTA RICA 172 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more NOSARA, COSTA RICA 173 Table of contents That median home price breaks down to an average of just over $150k per bedroom. If you’re looking for a certain size home in Nosara, you can multiply that by your desired number of bedrooms to find out what you’ll need to spend for what you want. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more NOSARA, COSTA RICA 174 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! What is going on in the Nosara Real Estate Market? Get informed about prices, cost to build, real estate market dynamics, and general information right now on our podcast. The Nosara interview starts at 101:50 Click here to Listen or download for later Given everything we’ve told you about Nosara, it should be no surprise that the median listing price for large parcels of land is $1.2 million. Developers can still get into the market in Nosara, but it may be past the point of buying a bargain piece of property to develop. Work With Us Click to learn more NOSARA, COSTA RICA 175 Table of contents After the last chart, the median lot price of $150,000 is like a breath of fresh air. Buying a vacant lot and building a home to your exact specifications is not outside of your reach in Nosara. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more NOSARA, COSTA RICA 176 Table of contents SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA capital city and cultural hub. San José boasts restaurants, parks, museums, and other entertainment offerings. However, because it was established later than most Latin American capitals it lacks most of the colonial architecture and monuments that other cities claim. It’s a great jumping-off point for visiting many of the nearby beaches and national parks. Its international airport makes it easily accessible from almost anywhere in the world. Judging by its exterior, the capital city of Costa Rica, San José, is merely an ugly conglomerate of outdated commercial buildings and decrepit infrastructure—potholed streets and crumbling sidewalks that wind without reason through a mishmash of seemingly thrown together corrugated metal and plaster. San José enjoys the ideal temperate climate that characterizes Costa Rica’s Central Valley. As a result, many see it as a welcome relief from the heat and humidity of the coastal areas. While not quite as popular among expats as nearby Escazú, it still possess a certain charm as the nation’s Work With Us Click to learn more But beyond this superficial analysis, Chepe, as the city is referred to by locals, is a very cosmopolitan city that can be categorized as something in between a modern North American metropolis and the standard Central American capital. SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA 177 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA 178 Table of contents There’s a good representation of every type of property in San José. Here you can see how many listings we surveyed and the total inventory for each type. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA 179 Table of contents The median prices for properties in San José is what you might expect for a bustling city with all the services and amenities you need. Due to the large inventory, it’s easy to expect that you will see options drastically more and less than this midpoint. Median Prices by Property Type Work With Us Click to learn more SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA 180 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA 181 Table of contents A one-bedroom condo might be a good compromise for someone looking for city living on a budget, as the average price per bedroom is only $99k. Also a plus is that paying the median price for single family homes should easily guarantee at least 3 bedrooms. Median Home Prices & Price per Bedroom Work With Us Click to learn more SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA 182 Table of contents Land Price Per Acre: Large Parcels Listen ! The Aztecs Conquered How did a Conquistador conquer a King with just a few men? Learn how history unfolded and how fate changed the Latin Tropics for ever in this podcast episode. Click here to Listen or download for later Land prices in San José are surprisingly affordable, with the median listing price for large parcels of land averaging out to be only $9,313 per acre. Work With Us Click to learn more SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA 183 Table of contents Smaller lots in San José are still on the pricey side, though, as most areas in this crowded city are already developed and don’t represent a significant bargain. Land Price Per Acre: Lots Work With Us Click to learn more SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA 184 Table of contents SANTA ANA, COSTA RICA Another popular suburb of San José is charming Santa Ana, which lies about 15 minutes west of the capital city. It’s growing rapidly, including its large expat population, and boasts a quaint ambiance coupled with modern conveniences and authentic culture. Local artisans make pottery on old-fashioned kick-wheels and sell flowers and produce from stands throughout the city streets. Yet it’s still within close proximity to the country’s largest shopping center. It’s also conveniently located near the InterAmerican Highway, making it easy to explore other areas of the Central Valley, as well as points all over Costa Rica. Work With Us Click to learn more SANTA ANA, COSTA RICA 185 Table of contents Work With Us Click to learn more SANTA ANA, COSTA RICA 186 Table of contents There is a wealth of single family homes available for sale in Santa Ana, as well as plenty of condos and parcels of land. Survey Size Work With Us Click to learn more SANTA ANA, COSTA RICA 187 Table of contents The median home price in Santa Ana is $650,000, among the highest in our survey. Condos are surprisingly less at closer to $265k. However, these are simply the midpoint prices in a wide range of options available. MEDIAN PRICES BY PROPERTY TYPE Work With Us Click to learn more SANTA ANA, COSTA RICA 188 Table of contents Since the median home price is $650k, yet the price per bedroom is under $170k, this would indicate that many of the listings in Santa Ana are for large, sprawling 4+ bedroom villas. MEDIAN HOME PRICES & PRICE PER BEDROOM Work With Us Click to learn more SANTA ANA, COSTA RICA 189 Table of contents LAND PRICE PER ACRE: LARGE PARCELS Listen ! Smugglers Paradise? Central America has a colorful past, from drug smugglers to Aztecs and everything in between, but you couldn’t have the character of today without the past. Rather than shy away from the truth, we think it should be embraced. Why? Because this character is what makes the region great, plus there are great stories to be discovered. Take Brian O’Dea. Brian was at one time the biggest importer of marijuana in U.S. history, he ended up getting caught. Since he did his time, he can talk freely about all the details and how he built an multimillion-dollar import business. You can listen to the entertaining story on this podcast episode Anatomy of a Monster Drug Deal. Click to listen or download now With an average of over $60k per acre, buying large parcels of land to develop in Santa Ana is a pricey proposition. Work With Us Click to learn more SANTA ANA, COSTA RICA 190 Table of contents With a median price of $350,000, the price for smaller lots in Santa Ana is about the highest we’ve seen. That being said, if you bought a lot at that price and built a house for $300,000, you’d have the exact specifications you wanted and likely a much nicer home than if you’d bought another for that median price. LAND PRICE PER ACRE: LOTS Work With Us Click to learn more SANTA ANA, COSTA RICA 191 Table of contents SO NOW WHAT? So this report has equipped you with a whole bunch of stats about the Costa Rica real estate market, but it’s likely sparked a whole bunch of other questions that you now need answers to. Right? America. We hope you enjoyed this overview of the Costa Rica real estate market. Contact us if we can answer any questions you have about living and investing in the Latin Tropics. You know what homes cost, but you may be wondering about the cost of all the other aspects of living in Costa Rica. Or maybe you’ve decided you ARE interested in buying a home in Costa Rica and need to know more about the international home buying process. You might even want to know how living or buying a home in Costa Rica compares with other countries in Latin America. On our website we have a wealth of resources that answers all those questions and more. We also have other ebooks that cover topics like how to profit on overseas real estate investments, how to find your ideal tropical destination, the top 57 places to live and invest overseas, and the truth about offshore investments. We also have a podcast where we regularly discuss various markets across Central Work With Us Click to learn more SO NOW WHAT? 192 Table of contents COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE AGENCIES There are many fine real estate agencies in Costa Rica. In addition to thousands of listings on our site, here are several other agencies for you to explore: •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• CostaRicaRealEstateservice.com FirstChoiceNosara DominicalReality.com Wonderlusreality.com affordablecrrealty.com bluewaterpropertiesofcostarica.com caribesur-realestate.com costapropertyrica.com crcpmalpais.com eltucan.co.cr hiddencoastrealty.com hot-tropics.com affordablecostaricarealestate.com allthingscostarica.com/ american-european.net/blog.html chirriporealty.com/english/ costaricacommercial.com/ costaricarealestatestore.com/ crcpmalpais.com/ dominicalproperty.wordpress.com/ godutchrealty.com/ jaguarhills.com/ karenrealestate.com/ www.2costaricarealestate.com/ www.american-european.net/ www.andresz.com/ www.cbrealestatecr.com/santa-ana-real-estate.html www.century21cr.com/ www.coldwellbankertamarindo.com www.costa-rica-immo.com/ www.costa-rican-real-estate.com www.costa-rican-real-estate.com/2012/06/newoffice-new-ideas-in-costa-rica/ www.costaricapropertyfinder.com/ www.costaricarealestateinvestment.com/ www.costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com/ www.costaricatropicalparadiseproperties.com/ www.costaricaventanas.com/ www.costarima.com/ www.dominicalrealty.com/ www.emeraldshoresrealty.net/ www.godutchrealty.com/ www.infinitycostarica.com/ www.jacobeachinfo.com/ www.montezuma-realestate.com/ www.nosararealestatereport.com www.palmrealestatecr.com/ www.prestigecostaricaproperties.com/ www.propertiesincostarica.com www.remax-caribbeanislands.com/Costa-Rica.aspx www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com/ www.samararealty.com/ www.sancarlospropertiescr.com/ www.toucanestate.com/ www.tropisphere.com/southern-nicoya-peninsula/ www.welovecostarica.com/ www.coldwellbankercostarica.com www.godutchrealty.com www.propertiesincostarica.com kraincostarica.com lenteckhartproperties.com malpais-realestate.com Work With Us Click to learn more •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• moranlakearenal.com peninsulapapagayo.com palmsrealtycr.com primecostarica.com puntarenas-realestate.com remax-oceansiderealty.com remaxricorealty.com surfsidepropertiescostarica.com tamborhills.com www.1stcostaricarealestate.com www.2costaricarealestate.com www.abccostarica.com www.alliancecostarica.com www.atenas.co.cr www.atenasbestclimate.com www.caricohenderson.com www.cbrealestatecr.com www.century21cr.com www.century21jaco.com www.century21nosara.com www.coastalrealtycostarica.com www.coldwellbankerbeachproperties.com www.coldwellbankersamara.com www.coldwellbankertamarindo.com www.costa-rican-real-estate.com www.costarica1realestate.com www.costaricadevelopers.com www.costaricainvest.ie www.costaricanrealtygroup.com www.costaricaoceanheights.com www.costaricaprofessionalrealestate.com www.costaricarealestate.com www.costaricaretirementvacationproperties.com www.crbeach.com COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE AGENCIES 193 Table of contents •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• www.crsirealestate.com www.dominical-real-estate.com/ www.dominicalproperty.com www.dominicalrealty.com www.emeraldforestproperties.com www.firstchoicenosara.com www.flamingobeachrealty.com www.jacobeachrealty.com www.jacocostaricaproperty.com www.jacorealty.com www.lagunaazulrealestate.com www.latitude9.com www.marschu.com www.montezuma-realestate.com www.movetocostaricaproperty.com www.myhomecostarica.com www.oceansiderealty-cr.com www.osatropicalproperties.com www.palmrealestatecr.com www.pavonesrealestate.com www.playanegrarealty.com www.prestigecostaricaproperties.com www.propertiesindominical.com www.puravidalifecare.com www.puriscalrealestate.com www.queposrealty.com www.rainforestproperties.com www.remax-caribbeanislands.com www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com www.remax-ocr.com www.remax-tresamigos-cr.com www.richcoastrealty.com www.rpmrealestatecr.com www.therealestate.net •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• www.tropisphere.com www.vidarealtycr.com www.we-sell-paradise.com www.costaricaprofessionalrealestate.com www.rainforestproperties.com www.betterhomescostarica.com www.atcostaricarealestate.com www.playanegrarealty.com www.bargaincostaricarealestate.com Work With Us Click to learn more COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE AGENCIES 194 Table of contents