Properties in Costa Rica Blog

Monthly Archives: March 2015


Steady Improvement of Real Estate Investment in Costa Rica

Steady Improvement of Real Estate Investment in Costa Rica

March 25, 2015

Properties in Costa Rica

As a real estate company trying to provide a quality service in the main areas of Costa Rica, we are very interest in the development of the market in Dominical.

Dominical used to be a fishermen town, according to 2011 government´s census the Bahia Ballena´s population was 3306 people and 500 of them were permanent residents of Dominical. Known mostly for its big waves, the beach is a surfer´s paradise but with time it´s becoming more appealing to potential buyers who want to own a vacation home or become permanent residents.

An article recently published in the New York Times and written by Kevin Brass points that Dominical´s real estate market is experiencing a rise. Joshua Kanter, one of our real estate agents in the Dominical area was consulted for this article. He was asked about the impact that the new paved road finished in 2010 had on the market “Bad timing” said Josh “… you could make an offer for 30 percent off and get it”.

The 2009 recession came affecting all areas of real estate and Dominical was no exception. Properties were selling for 30%, 40% and even 50% off their original price. Home owners were selling their properties abroad to avoid losing their homes back in their country. Most of the buyers in Dominical are American and they had to leave Costa Rica.

We have experienced an increase in the sales since 2012, and is has gotten better every year since, allowing us to think that this area is developing rapidly and attracting more buyers every year.

The area´s natural resources and tourist attractions, not to mention the proximity to the Whale´s Tale, one of the most famous attractions of Costa Rica, make this small town a buyer´s paradise.

 

 




Wondering What is the Best Place to Buy a Vacation Home in Costa Rica?

Wondering What is the Best Place to Buy a Vacation Home in Costa Rica?

March 20, 2015

Properties in Costa Rica

by Andrés Murillo

It’s no secret that Costa Rica is quickly becoming one of the top destinations where expats from United States, Canada and Europe want to buy property, either as a vacation home or as a full-time residence. But although Costa Rica is a relatively small country, its coasts, cities and beach towns are as diverse as can be, leaving many prospective property owners wondering, “Where should I buy?“.

Truthfully, it’s hard to go wrong when buying property in Costa Rica, but through the years people has discovered what we consider the prettiest, most idyllic beach town, located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, near the international airport and close to a seemingly endless list of incredible eco-tourism opportunities. Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is being recognized as the best beach town in Costa Rica to buy your vacation rental home.

Let’s clarify that vacation rental home, what we mean is that you can buy a property in Tamarindo, Costa Rica primarily for your own vacation use, but also rent that property to other vacationers when you’re spending time in your home country… You can actually enjoy your property for vacations PLUS it is paying itself and even better: it is generating real income after expenses!

Here are just a few of the main reasons why owning a vacation home in Costa Rica will not only provide you and your family with unparalleled entertainment, but is also an extremely sound investment in terms of resale:

– It’s close to Liberia International Airport. At just 45 minutes from the international airport in the city of Liberia, Tamarindo is easily accessible. Finding a shuttle, a rental car or a taxi to take you from the newly renovated airport to your doorstep is not only a breeze, it’s very affordable.

The tourism is unmatched. World-famous waves, beautiful estuaries, dormant volcanoes, miles of clean beach, great shopping, excellent food and outdoor activities are right at your doorstep. Tamarindo is one of the fastest-growing towns in Costa Rica, touristically speaking, meaning you’ll never be in short supply of incredible experiences to take advantage of.

A return on investment that’s virtually guaranteed. Anyone from this town will assure you that land values in Tamarindo have increased steadily over the years. It’s almost unheard-of that a property might sell for less than its purchase price. Tamarindo is a highly desirable place to live and vacation, and for you that means resale prospects.

Beach
Tamarindo has one of, and maybe the, strongest vacations rental market in all the Pacific Coast

Strong vacations rental market. Tamarindo has one of, and maybe the, strongest vacations rental market in all the Pacific Coast… That said, you could expect an excellent return on your investment while you can also enjoy the property with your family and friends. Depending in the property and its location, properties can be returning between a 4% to a 10% after ALL expenses (property taxes, HOA fees, utility bills and maintenance expenses).

Key to all is: 1. Having a proper marketing program for your property and 2. Hire the right property management company – Ask for advise and we will provide it.

There are incredible deals to be found on vacation properties. Despite a spike in popularity over the last dozen or so years, land values in Tamarindo are fairly low, making it a very viable option for homebuyers looking to purchase a second, or vacation, home in Tamarindo.

The variety is endless. Tamarindo housing types are as varied as any town or city. Tamarindo is home to multi-million dollar estates with panoramic ocean views, luxury ocean view condos, and quiet homes located off the beaten path. You’ll likely find that whichever type of vacation home suits your tastes, the prices will compete with anything you might find back home.

Great people and excellent infrastructure. Costa Rica is anything but a third-world country. Instead, it is very well developed, with excellent roads, great cellphone reception, and reliable electricity and water service – especially in Tamarindo.
Further, the people who live in Tamarindo, both the locals and the expats who have already made their full-time or part-time homes here, are extremely friendly and welcoming to newcomers. In Tamarindo you can find a real multicultural mix with residents from ALL over the world living in this small beach town.

Once you see the supreme natural beauty that Tamarindo has to offer, we’re certain you’ll be as convinced as we are that it’s by far the best place to buy a vacation property in Costa Rica.

Contact Properties in Costa Rica today so we can begin finding you your dream vacation home in Tamarindo, or wherever you’re dreaming of.

 

 

 




Medical Tourism in Costa Rica

Medical Tourism in Costa Rica

March 18, 2015

Properties in Costa Rica

Medical tourism or health tourism, currently has a dual function for a large percentage of the population in developed countries, as the possibility of surgery and medical treatment at a lower costs that otherwise they could not afford. On the other hand is a source of income for countries that offer the services. As PROMED (An organization founded in 2009 to promote and regulate medical tourism in Costa Rica) indicates it is a possibility for 49 million Americans that do not have health insurance and 108 million who do not have dental insurance, a situation that is similar in other European countries.

This represents an interesting opportunity for countries like Costa Rica where the cost of medical treatments represent a third of the United States. Also the quality of Costa Rican medical professionals and excellent hospital infrastructure also plays an important role. It is estimated that the country receives about 100,000 tourists each year who go through some type of medical procedure.

Medical tourism or health tourism is a new way to attract visitors, where medical services (surgeries, medical checkups, rehabilitation) represent the main attraction but also mean another set of related services like lodging, transportation, recovery and nutrition. In other words it’s not just health care and lodging, but also the enjoyment of the country and its numerous attractions.

Another key factors are the well trained doctors and the prestigious government and private universities training all these future doctors. In fact, the need to provide a quality health service and guidance is what led to the creation of PROMED, which aims to find the positioning of Costa Rica as one the countries providing world class medical services that go hand to hand with the tradition of Costa Rica as a warm welcoming country with lots to offer. All this will be possible by joining efforts between the Costa Rican government and the private sector.

There is a special interest from the governement and private institutions in promoting medical tourism in Costa Rica, and the advantages of the country are evident.

Source: PROMED




Pura Vida Retirement!

Pura Vida Retirement!

March 6, 2015

Properties in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is in the top 5 of best countries to retire to, according to International Living Magazine. They did a deep study compiling information from correspondents from all over the world.

The quality of life in Costa Rica , founded on security, political and economic stability, access to primary health care and the natural beauty, mild climate and the warmth of the population, make Costa Rica a very desirable destination for retirees. Army-free since 1949 makes us stable and peaceful.

According to the US State Department there are approximately 50,000 US citizens living in Costa Rica at the moment. After decades of working hard and saving for their “golden years” many North Americans and Europeans choose our country as their home.

Most of them come looking to live near the coast, but because of our variety in natural beauty many expats also look to live in-land. Places like Atenas and San Ramon are very popular between those who want country living surrounded by green sceneries.

Most retirees choose our pristine beaches as their home, beach towns offer all necessary facilities along with the benefit of colorful sunsets and warm waters year round.

Costa Rica offers everything from Caribbean and Pacific beaches (Jaco, Los Sueños, Manuel Antonio, Dominical, Tamarindo, Nicoya Peninsula, Uvita etc.) to lush rain forests to towering volcanoes. More than 10% of the country is protected national parkland, and it is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world.

No wonder we are called the “Land of Pura Vida”.

 

 

 

 

 



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