|
-
After
spending 40 years working a 9 to 5 job, it’s every retiree’s dream to pack a
bag and move to a warmer place where the weather would be kinder on the joints.
Some people work their entire lives tirelessly to achieve their dream of retiring
in a tropical paradise. For some, that tropical paradise is Costa Rica.
Why Costa Rica?
Tucked
between Nicaragua and Panama, this tropical country has the highest standard of
living among all countries in Central America. The spring-like weather all year
round is one of its selling points. In fact, majority of the 50,000 Americans
who reside in this country are retirees who own real estate in Costa Rica.
Although the
country’s charm lies in the simplicity that comes with living close to nature, such
simplicity is not accompanied by deprivation from the comforts and recreational
facilities that many Americans may be accustomed to. The Central Valley is one
of the most popular places for retirees to settle in because of its proximity
to the airport. For those who want to get away from the city, Guancaste is the
place to go.
Cost of Living
Even as its
relatively high standard of living makes it the most expensive residence among
countries in the region, Costa Rica allows comfortable lives at much lower
costs than in North America or Europe. In a month, a retiree only needs $1,000
to $2,000 to live comfortably. Rents run
as low as $500 and go up to $3,000 for large houses, while labor needed in home
construction is inexpensive. Looking up the Multiple Listing Service of Costa Rica properties on sites like
Dominical-Real-Estate.com, it is evident that property in rural areas is more
affordable than in urban centers.
Visa Requirements
Retirees have
a choice between getting a rentisa or a pensionado visa. A rentisa visa
requires holders to show proof of $2,500 income a month. A pensionado visa
requires holders to show proof of $1,000 monthly from a pension account. Both
require that the holder live in the country for at least 4 months a year.
Retirement
should be about spending the best years of your life doing what you love. Afternoons
should be spent on the beach even in the year’s later months. If this is your
idea of what retirement should be, Costa Rica may be the right place for you.
|
-
Costa Rica, a
Spanish name that means ‘rich coast’, is most apt for a place blessed with a
mild climate and lush with beautiful beaches and exotic plants and animals. And
apart from being a tropical hotspot of natural wonders, the country now has enhanced
financial and social services for local and foreign investors alike. Here’s why
realtors and investors of real estate in
Costa Rica and across the globe are taking a closer look.
Economic/Financial Benefits
Properties in
Costa Rica are subject to fluctuations—the kind that investors are mostly happy
about. The only movement Costa Rica properties do is up. Annually, they’re
estimated to rise by at least 10%, and on worst market conditions, their value
stays the same.
Realtors
advise that you must first decide on the specific property you are looking for—whether
it is vacation home or a viable investment.
Determining the purpose that the properties in Costa Rica would serve will enable competent agents like those in
Dominical Real Estate to find suitable ones for you. An agent can show you income-generating
properties along the Central Valley metropolitan areas, where most of the
country’s prime business and service institutions are located. Owning properties along the waterfront,
though, is strictly controlled.
 Environmental Benefits
To stay true
to its name, the Costa Rican government has taken steps to protect its beaches
and flora and fauna. This country’s vigilance over its natural resources got
the Environmental Performance Index to rank Costa Rica fifth in the world for sound
environmental policy for public health and vital ecosystem. Costa Rica
continues to be a popular destination among water sports enthusiasts,
backpackers, and vacationers on the watch for promising refuge islands. Its island
fare of abundant fruits and seafood served in dining eateries and resort hotels
add to the allure of vacation packages to this country.
Government Services
Property
ownerships here do not require you to pay capital gains tax; property tax is only
1% of its total value. The country grants the same property ownership right to
citizens and foreigners. Medical care in hospitals, especially those in the
metropolitan area, provide world-class healthcare, which makes the country a premier
choice among medical tourists for major procedures such as eye surgery and
joint replacements. These benefits accorded to foreigners make Costa Rica an
attractive addition to your portfolio of investments.
|
-
• 1,800 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 3 story
-
$369,000
Dominical, Puntarenas
-
This is a great 2 bedroom home located just 3 min off of the paved coastal highway halfway between Dominical and Uvita and just minutes from Playa Hermosa. The house is 3 storys and the ocean views are amazing no matter where you are.
The first floor has plenty of storage, laundry, and a 1 car garage. The second floor has the kitchen, living room, a full bathroom, a guest bedroom, and an amazing balcony that wraps around half the house and looks out at the jungle, mountains, and the ocean! The third floor is the master bedroom with bathroom! Out front is a nice pool where you can see the ocean and listen to the nearby creek!
The property is split down the middle by the road which dead ends just 500 meters past the house. On the other side of the road there is ample flat open space where at least 2 more homes could be built. That side of the property goes back into the jungle and has an all year creek. The owners have planted many fruit trees including anona, 3 types of bananas, carambola, maranon, aki (jamaican brain fruit), mangosteens, mamochinos, cinnamon, lemon, 2 types of mangos, guanabana, guava, guayaba, miracle fruit, coconut, pineapple, cocote, and caimito.
This is a unique opprtunity to buy a great ocean view home with room to build more and no restrictions on what you can build. You could have a restaurant, cabinas, hotel, rental homes, or anything else you can think of!!
Property information
|
-
It’s one thing to live in Costa Rica and enjoy its tropical
weather, lush rainforests, and varied wildlife. It’s another to figure out
where you’re going to live. One way to figure this out is to browse through multiple listing services for Costa Rica
properties.
How Multiple Listing Services Work
A multiple listing service (MLS) is a database where brokers and their affiliates create, update, and share comprehensive information about real estate. To maintain the quality of this information, the National Association of Realtors regulates most multiple listing services. An MLS may be privately owned or connected to a local organization of realtors.
How to Use a Multiple Listing Service
If you’re satisfied with only basic information about your
desired home, you can browse an MLS in
Costa Rica on your own. You could find properties from real estate firms
like Dominical Real Estate. Otherwise, you have to ask a broker to set up a
home search for you. From your broker, you can get information such as price
range, number of bedrooms, number of garages, and the like.
To make it easier for you to browse an MLS, figure out what
you want in a home first. Consider your family’s needs, the nearby
establishments, the cost of living in the area, and the like. List all of these
down, and match them to your expectations of your dream home location. With the
help of your broker, filter the thousands of homes listed on the MLS according
to your specifications, and you’re good to go.
 Benefits of a Multiple Listing Service
Through an MLS, you can gain information about houses that
you otherwise won’t glean from traveling around Costa Rica or from possibly
outdated brochures, leaflets, and the like. An MLS lets you find homes faster
because it makes looking for your dream house only a few clicks away. As for
the sellers’ part, they get to have a larger pool of buyers because of these
services. Brokers likewise find it easier to close transactions through multiple
listing services.
Looking for a great home in Costa Rica doesn’t have to feel
like navigating Costa Rica’s rain forests. All you need is a good idea of what
you want in a home and a willingness to do the necessary online research to
find that home. A lot of the time, an MLS is a good place to start.
|
-
• 10,000 sq. ft., 5 bath, 7 bdrm 2 story
-
$850,000
Portalon , Puntarenas
-
This amazing estate property will blow your mind!! Located in Portalon, just a few kms north of Playa Matapalo, it has easy 2 wheel drive access, it's minutes to the beach, and half way between Dominical and Quepos. A 3 min drive off of the paved highway brings you to the impressive gates that open to a long private driveway.
The main 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom house was built 30 years ago and has more character than any other house that I have seen in Costa Rica! It is build from exotic hardwoods, has river rock walls, red brick and hardwood floors, huge windows, original custom made wooden doors, and 2 huge outdoor patios!! There is also a studio style guest house that is under renovations but would be easy to finish up. There is also a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom caretaker's house built with the same character and style as the main house. There is a huge 2 car dehumidified garage with several large storage bodaegas inside. Above the garage is a second storey open air loft that could easily be converted into more living space. As if that isn't enough, there is a large shop with a 2 car covered carport as well. Every building on the property has a nice ocean view. All of these building have recently been renovated and modernized!
The property is extremely well landscaped and has countless fruit trees. A good portion of the property is jungle with some massive old growth trees and tons of wildlife. There are several more building sites and the property is subdividable. The neighbour has 1200 acres of protected forest that wraps around this land. I can't describe in words the beauty of this property. The lower half of the property is open flat pasture land perfect for a small hobby farm. There is plenty of room for horses, cows, chickens etc. Properties this nice are hard to find.
Property information
|
-
Some people have lived in the same city for so long, they start feeling a slight sense of stagnation almost every time they roam the streets. The experience becomes somewhat similar to a premature case of déjà vu, in which they are sure to find the same group of people sitting outside the same café, telling the same stories, and even having the same snacks. If you're starting to feel the chill wind of staleness at every nook and cranny of the city, you may want to consider moving to a new place like Costa Rica.
Acclaimed as a very beautiful country, Costa Rica boasts of a modern capital city surrounded with long stretches of deserted tropical beaches, breathtaking mountain getaways, and spectacular lake regions. It is located in Central America, bordered by equally scenic places like Panama to the Southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica properties are increasingly becoming popular among many North Americans and Europeans seeking for a change of lifestyle. Here a few reasons to take the next flight to Costa Rica.
Real estate in Costa Rica is relatively cheaper compared with United States and Canada. In fact, people can live comfortably in the country on $1,000 to $2,000 per month, depending on lifestyle. Utilities like water and electricity are also more affordable, ensuring lesser worries every month.
The average daily temperature in Costa Rica, particularly in residential areas like Central Valley, is 72 degrees year round. Dry seasons occur during December to April, while the winter or rainy season goes from May to November. Air conditioning is almost necessary unless you live on the beach.
The country prides itself on having relatively low crime rates. When compared with US cities like New York or Miami, one can say Costa Rica cities are a haven. Crimes tend to be only petty rather than violent.
Most properties of real estate Costa Rica agents offer, such as those from companies like Dominical Real Estate, are located alongside beautiful rainforests, beaches, picturesque mountains, and remarkable volcanoes. There's virtually no need to take long trips to escape from the hustles and bustles of city life. Simply put, it's like the whole world is at your doorstep.
|
-
• 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story
-
$645,000
Hatillo, Puntarenas
-
Sophisticated European design for the sophisticated traveler. Clean lines yet warm beautiful dark wood cabinetry and doors, stainless steel appliances add to the feeling of warmth and luxury. The entire facade of your villa is glass - enhancing your view and connection with nature. Enter your villa by the winding stone staircase bathed by the warm glow of your villa.
Views: 2-Story villa provides unobstructed views of the pacific coast and sweeping views to Manuel Antonio from both the Master Bedroom Suites with private balconies as well from the other bedrooms and the rest of the villa..
Location: 5km (3mi) north of Dominical on the central pacific coast. Surrounded by natural tropical forests and only 1km (as the Toucan flies) to the beach. (If you're not a Toucan then it's a short 10 min ride). So close that you can hear and see the waves crashing on the beach.
This Villa is part of Paradise Breezes, a 10 acre luxery vacation destination made up of 4 seperate rentals. If the buyer wishes they may use Paradise Management to rent the unit. This includes concierge services, on site property manager, security, advertising, responding to inquiries, check in and check out of guests, etc. The newly built gym is state of the art and available for use by all owners and guests. The home is also being sold fully furnished.
Features:
- high speed internet - local telephone service - individually controlled a/c in every room - direct tv w/ 32" flat screen tv - home entertainment center w/ CD/DVD surround sound - flat screen tvs in all bedrooms - in room safe
Property information
|
-
• 1,600 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story
-
$499,000
Dominical, Puntarenas
-
This is a unique opportunity to buy a turn key developement with 4 lots and an amazing house on the 5th lot. The house is 4 years new and is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 storey home with ocean and mountain views. The construction was done with excellent detail including tongue and groove wood ceilings and granite countertops. All of the furniture is included as well as the stainless steel appliances. The lot with the house has been landscaped and has a great swimming pool. This house is turn key and could rent for up to $2000 a week. Then you get 4 more lots with huge mountain views starting at 1.5 acres and up. They all have power and water. The seller has drilled a well that supplies ample water for the entire development. The property is located 7 km from Dominical and 5 km from Baru. You drive through the community of Lagunas on an excellent gravel road and can be at the beach in less than 20 min. It sits at about 1400 ft elevation and has nice cool breezes. It is also a great climate for growing fruits and vegetables. The owner has planted hundreds of fruit trees and 1000 hardwood trees. This house and property has a great fell to it that you experience from the minute you arrive!!!
Property information
|
-
• 1,320 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story
-
$135,000
Platanillo, South Pacific
-
This is a great opportunity to own a house in Costa Rica at a great price. This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house is only 200 mts off of the paved road in Platanillo, a short 15 min drive to the beach and town of Dominical. It`s only 20 min through the mountains to the quickly growing city of San Isidro. The house is well built with lots of character and charm. The property has another flat area below the house perfect for an open air rancho and bbq area. The rest of the property is cleared and perfect for planting fruit trees. It rolls down a hill to a creek and jungle. The mountain view is spectacular.
Property information
|
-
• 2 bath, 2 bdrm 2 story
-
$1,500 USD
Weekly
Guapil , South Pacific
-
Casa Del Bosque is a 3500 square foot luxury home located on 10 acres of the most biodiverse primary rainforest in the Northern Hemisphere! The home was placed on a 750ft high ridge to provide a jaw-dropping 180 degree view of the ocean below, covering more than 60 miles of coastline. One can easily see Manuel Antonio in the North, the Osa Peninsula in the South, and a clear view of Cano Island off shore. On an average day you can easily monitor 100's of square miles of ocean surface from the residence. The area where the home is located in a private area, 1 minute off the coastal highway.The first floor includes a large, American-style, fully-equipped kitchen, big counters with bar stools, dining table and chairs, plus a TV area with large comfortable sofa-beds. A bedroom and full bathroom are also on the first floor. This bedroom sleeps 3. The bathroom includes a shower/bathtub combo. A laundry room with washer and dryer is also on the first floor.
The giant master suite consists of the entire second story where you find a vaulted ceiling and floor made of dark tropical hardwoods. It is richly furnished. There are two beds (one California king and one queen), two sofa beds, a large coffee table, two large reading chairs, an entertainment center with satellite TV, stereo, and VCR. The bathroom has two sinks, a huge shower, plus a separate Jacuzzi bathtub. Also, there is a large outdoor patio With a translucent roof for tanning,relaxing, reading, and birdwatching, even when it is raining hard!
A outside covered patio surrounds the first floor patio area where you will find hammocks, ping pong table, fooseball table, sofas, chairs, gas barbecue, and coffee table. The main feature is a beautiful ceramic tile swimming pool and heated Jacuzzi from which you can view the ocean and jungle environment.
Jan 06 - Aug 31 $2000/Week Sept 01 - Oct 31 $1500/week Nov 01 - Dec 21 $2000/week Dec 22 - Jan 05 $3250/week
Property information
|
-
• 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story
-
$1,500 USD
Weekly
Dominical, Puntarenas
-
Oceanfront rentals at Beach House Incognito. Located just 2 kms. South of Dominical, nestled between mountainous rainforest and tropical beach, right on the Ocean. Enter and exit your oceanfront hideaway through an electric security gate that ensures your privacy.
Choose from our large 2 story beach house that sleeps up to 6, with 2 bedroom, 2 bath, jacuzzi, and 2 car garage. Or our 1 bedroom guest cottage with queen futon that can accommodate up to 4. Just completed in late 2005, both beachfront house and guest cottage comes with every amenity you could desire to make your vacation a memorable one. Comfortable lounge chairs surround our large 18 by 36 pool for sun-worshippers, or if you prefer a shady spot, choose one of the numerous hammocks for reading, relaxing, or a siesta.
The nearby rancho, with it's gas BBQ is perfect for outdoor grilling and dining, or just checking out the friendly iguanas. Enjoy incredible beach sunsets from your balcony or stroll the secluded mile long beach, shelling or searching out flocks of parrots, toucans, sloths or monkeys.
Guest Cottage Low season, April 14th - December 14th..... $ 600/week Guest Cottage High season, December 15th - April 15th.....$ 700/week Beach house Low season, April 14th - December 14th........$1500/week Beach house High season, December 15th -April 15th........$2000/week. Daily rates available, upon request.
Property information
|
-
• lot / land
-
$43,500
Dominical, Puntarenas
-
Right on the Baru River these affordable lots are a great way to buy close to the beach but in a jungle setting. It's less than a 2 km drive down a beautiful river side road to reach the town of Dominical with it's great surfing and friendly vibes. You need not touch the highway to get home. With the river in your front yard and a mountain across the street there is plenty of opportunity to view the local wildlife and birds right on the property. The lots are ready to be built on with power and water and at this price you can't go wrong.
Lot #1 - Reserved Lot #2 - $43,500 Lot #3 - $44,500 Lot #4 - $45,500 Lot #5 - $47,500
There is also an option to purchase the property with a turn key home starting at $179,000.
Property information
|
-
• 1 bath, 2 bdrm 3 story
-
$98,000
Dominical, Puntarenas
-
The River House is built on a 1100 sq/m parcel and is conveniently placed to leave the majority of the lot available for something else of your own design. The parcel has around 60 meters of Baru River frontage, mature landscaping and two wheel drive access via the river road from Dominical. The construction has three levels. The foundation and first level are constructed of concrete and block. The second and third level are wood frame. The interior ceiling is exposed hardwood beams with drywall above, insulation for heat and noise resistance and painted corrugated metal on theexterior. The house utilizes a spring for it’s water source and a septic tank for waste water.
There is a one car covered garage that opens on to the first level which contains a large washing sink (easily converted to a washer dryer), ample storage area and stairs to the main level. The main level contains the kitchen, bathroom, and living room that opens onto a deck and the first bedroom. The deck has fantastic views of the confluence of the Baru and Guabo Rivers. Off the deck is a bedroom that could also serve as a study with the same fantastic river views as the deck. From the living room stairs lead up to a large loft bedroom with standing headroom and windows on each end.
The River House comes with free and clear title and has a great rental history. Please ask about seller financing.
Property information
|
-
• lot / land
-
$660,000
Guapil , South Pacific
-
Top of the mountain privacy!! This 15 acre property is the uppermost lot in La Guapil Tropical Estates, a gated community just a few kms north of Dominical on the coastal highway. This community has been praised for it's preservation of the jungle. All of the lots in the community are very large, minimum 10 acres, and can not be sub divided and can only have a maximum of 2 homes. It is serviced with water and electricity and the roads are maintained by the association. Even though this is the highest lot, it is still only 3/4 of a km from the nearest beach, Playa Guapil. It is hard to find a property this beautiful and private any where in the world, and whoever builds their home there will be a very lucky person!!
Property information
|
-
• lot / land
-
$425,000
Dominical, Puntarenas
-
THE BEST VIEW IN COSTA RICA!!!!!! This lot has an extemely large building site with another smaller one down below. There is ample space to build a mansion, pool, garage, guest house, and anything else you could possibly imagine. It is in the community of San Martin Norte, a million dollar neighbourhood with the best views around. It is only 5 min south of Dominical on the paved coastal highway, and 300 meters up a well mainained dirt road. It has 180 degree ocean views, looking north to Punta Dominical, south towards the Whales Tale and the Osa Peninsula, and the waves out front break over volcanic reefs. The power and water are in place. When you see this lot you will want to build your dream home there!!!!
Property information
|
|
|
|