Looking for the perfect house to meet your needs can be a daunting process even for the most experienced buyer, purchasing property in a foreign country requires a different approach and expertise. Whether you are searching for a villa close to the beach, apartment or condo close to town, a casita or farm tucked up in the mountains, Costa Rica has a rich diverse selection of real estate in a wide price range that can fit just about any budget, desire or situation.
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Costa Rica real estate prices continue to rise. In the last ten years, even the Osa Peninsula, known as the edge of the world, has experienced a robust market as development continues to spread south. This small vibrant country has become an expats’ paradise. In many countries, buying property as a foreigner can be a complicated, nerve-wracking process. Costa Rica law makes the process fairly simple, which is a huge selling point. Beyond the natural beauty, sustainable lifestyle and great climate, a big selling point, it is relatively easy and uncomplicated for foreigners to establish residency and buy property in Costa Rica. Foreigners are entitled to the same ownership rights as citizens.
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Independence Day in America conjures up images of red, white and blue, lots of flag waving, parades, marching bands, baseball and hotdogs galore. It’s the classic Americana celebration. While Costa Rica’s version of 4th of July may be more understated and absorbing some of the local influences of Tico culture but due to the large numbers of expats, the day is hard to ignore. From the white sandy beaches of Tamarindo to bustling San Jose to deep in the Osa Peninsula, there are pockets of expat gathered throwing their own celebration. Initially attracting surfers, adventure seekers and nature lovers, Costa Rica has grown in popularity among retirees and families, and these expats are continuing their traditions including a colorful, festive 4th of July celebration.
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According to a recent New York Times article, green communities are gaining popularity among downsizing retirees. A combination of factors including a desire to cut cost of living and wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle are driving this trend. Costa Rica does not have a shortage of green homes or planned communities. The high quality of life combined with a low cost of living continues to attract retirees from North America and Europe seeking a slower pace of life without sacrificing quality. The demand for green homes and communities is expected to significantly grow in the coming years. Costa Rica is also on track to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021. It’s become a global model for other countries to follow. The climate is very conducive to solar powered homes, and a large number of developers are building sustainable homes as well as communities. It’s a major priority in Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica was recently crowned the world champion surf capital. Last week Costa Rica’s team won a gold medal in the International Surfing Association (ISA) 2015 World Surfing Games held in Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua. It was another historic moment for this team. Costa Rica continues to hold it’s legendary reputation as the world surf capital. There is great surfing in places popular with tourists as well as off the beaten path places you can trek to for mind-blowing breaks and legendary tubes. Surfing and Costa Rica are synonymous.
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The recession is officially over in the United States and economies are picking up. More foreign buyers are turning their attention to Costa Rica to purchase property. Both European and American buyers are attracted to this Latin American country known for its high quality of life. Costa Rica’s stable economy and government, as well as near perfect weather makes it popular among foreign buyers. Today, second homes are more than a place to retreat for a vacation they are also a smart investment opportunity. People with large cash reserves are turning their attention to real estate as an alternative investment opportunity to diversify their portfolios. There are few countries in the world as friendly to foreign buyers as Costa Rica. The country grants foreigners the same property rights to non-citizens as citizens.
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With so many parcels of land available in Costa Rica, prefab (or modular) homes are gaining in popularity as buyers seek simple relatively inexpensive ways to build a home on recently purchased lots. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to go with a modular home or to build a custom design home. With a modular home, you are choosing from a limited number of models where portions of the home are built in a factory and then assembled on site. With a custom designed home, you start from scratch working with an architect to design the home and a contractor to build a home on site from the ground up.
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If you are looking for a relaxed warm friendly beach town, explore Tamarindo. A popular spot for expats relocating to Costa Rica, it attracts visitors from Europe, Canada and the US. The town’s mantra is “surf, eat and party.” Located in the Nicoya Peninsula of the Pacific Coast in the Guanacaste province, it is relatively accessible and only a 50-minute drive from Liberia International Airport.
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Micro farming is a growing global trend, and common practice in Costa Rica that attracts foreign buyers. The country’s year-round growing season and climate makes it a great place to garden and farm. Small-scale farming is part of the global movement toward self-sufficiency and supporting a sustainable lifestyle. Across the diverse eco-system and microclimates of Costa Rica, there is rich terrain in both the high lands and low lands that provide optimal conditions for micro farming.
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