Inspirations
The Top Spots in Costa Rica, Say Experts, to Purchase a Second Home
a
by Michael Palin
16-07-2024
Inspirations
a
by Michael Palin
16-07-2024
Costa Rica is always at the top of our list of suggested holiday places for a myriad of reasons, including its diverse fauna, tropical temperature, and delicious, freshly caught seafood. The flight time from Houston is less than five hours, the flight time from Atlanta is roughly four hours, and the flight time from Miami is three hours.
Vacationers frequently find that they are unable to tear themselves away from Costa Rican life due to all of its numerous advantages. Fortunately, it is not necessary for them to have to: "There are no restrictions to purchasing property in Costa Rica," Wagner Loria, a real estate agent and broker with Keller Williams Tamarindo, confirmed. Melanie Engel of Flamingo Beach Realty in Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, said that the only time this isn't the case is when applying for beachfront or coastal properties, where a percentage of ownership by Costa Ricans may be required. Investors from the United States enjoy the same protections as citizens of other countries. Your best bets are a competent real estate agent, an immigration specialist, a title company, an accountant, and a real estate attorney.
According to Loria, if you want to buy a vacation house in Costa Rica as an investment, you should be prepared to wait around one to three months for the whole process, which includes showings, offers, contracts, deeds, escrow, appraisal, inspections, and finally, taking ownership of the property.
Applying for residence as an investor grants a number of privileges, including an expedited immigration window for residency, the ability to import up to two automobiles tax-free, and one container that is exempt from taxes with households, if the investment amount exceeds $150,000.
Between four and five percent of the overall investment goes into buyer-related expenses. He elaborated by saying that annual real estate taxes range from 0.25% to 0.55%.
If you decide to make this Central American country your permanent home, you'll be located in or very close to one of the world's five Blue Zones. In the Blue Zone of Nicoya, Costa Rica, people tend to live longer and healthier lives, increasing the likelihood that they will reach the century mark.
According to Anna Velez, a real estate consultant with Coldwell Banker Coast to Coast Properties in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, "Investing in real estate for $150,000 or more can lead to potential residency options, which may be appealing for those looking to spend extended periods in Costa Rica."A tax-free import of two personal automobiles is one of several benefits that come with this.
While you look, you can also apply for a 180-day tourist visa or a new digital nomad visa, which lets Americans stay for up to a year without renewing their visa as long as they can prove a specific amount of money each month. Can you imagine working from the comfort of your beach home? Oh, absolutely!
Whether you're looking for a rustic escape or a lavish tropical paradise, Costa Rica has it all. Travel & Leisure was informed by Engel that the infrastructure and public amenities are dependable throughout. Unlike its North American counterpart, Costa Rica's real estate industry is remarkably steady and resistant to booms and busts. Anyone looking to buy a second house in Costa Rica or make it their permanent residence may rest assured that they are making a wise investment.
Also, real estate in Costa Rica is more affordable than in many American vacation spots, according to Velez.
When compared to their home towns in the US, our clients are always astounded by the quantity of land and houses they can purchase here for the same budget. "Vacation homes in this country have great rental income potential when you're not using them," Velez added, referring to the country's flourishing tourist industry.
If you think this is a great offer, we've compiled a list of the top places in Costa Rica where you can buy a second house.
You should stay here for longer than 10 minutes if you're a surfer. Wagner described the area as having a "chill lifestyle, ocean views, many activities, and strong resale value." Within 30 minutes, you can reach more than ten popular surf spots.
Engel states that there are numerous expat services at Tamarindo, which is around 90 minutes away from Liberia International Airport. According to Velez, it's usually more suited for younger people, although anyone is welcome. Plus, you can escape the pressures of being a US citizen.
"The vibe at Tamarindo is really carefree and full of joy," Engel chimed in.
There are more than a hundred restaurants, clinics, furnishing stores, private schools, and shops to keep residents and visitors alike busy all year. The weather is mild and the breeze is always a welcome relief.
The beach, stores, and the town's hundred or more restaurants are all within walking distance of most Tamarindo residences.
Luxury residences with beach views can cost up to $2 million, while starter homes cost between $350,000 and $500,000 on average. According to Velez, condos with two bedrooms and two bathrooms start at $250,000 and can go up to over $1 million for luxury units with beach views.
According to Velez, the nearest full-service beach town to Liberia International Airport is Playas del Coco (or Coco), which is just a 25-minute drive away. She is not exaggerating when she claims full-service: the town boasts a big hospital, supermarkets, banks, specialty shops, medical offices, and over 70 eateries and nightclubs.
"You can go swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, or paddle boarding on the tranquil beaches around Coco," Velez gushed.
For its reasonable prices, this location gets bonus points: Playas del Coco has some of the most affordable real estate in Costa Rica's beach towns. (In other words, if you're looking to buy a second house, your budget will go a long way.)
Between Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa, there are a number of posh new developments going up, including a Waldorf Astoria resort and apartments. In the vicinity of Playas Hermosa and Panama, an ultra-luxury hotel by One & Only is also in the works.
From $200,000 to$400,000, you can find starter homes on the market. Condos range from $200,000 for a two-bedroom and two-bathroom to $700,000 for luxury and ocean-view projects, and ocean-view and luxury villas cost from $800,000 to $1.6 million, according to Velez.
Go have a look at La Fortuna if you're looking for a place with winter weather and beautiful mountains.
Situated at the base of the world-renown Arenal volcano and next to the breathtaking Arenal lake, this town provides a wealth of local culture and numerous hiking possibilities, according to Velez.
La Fortuna may not have many mansions, but it does have some of the best hot springs on the planet, as well as what Velez called "enchanting waterfall hikes and jungles filled with hanging bridges and zip lines."
The cheapest homes in La Fortuna start at around $200,000, while the most expensive ones can cost anywhere from $400,000 to $800,000. Additionally, from time to time, you can find some quite sizable farms and acreages that come with attached houses for sale.
This is how many of us picture paradise: Among the many appealing features of this 2,300-acre luxury gated community at Playa Conchal are its white sand beaches, tropical blue waters, and laid-back lifestyle.
Engel claims that "here, you'll be amazed by tropical greenery, numerous bird species and Pacific sunsets that dazzle Playa Conchal." In addition to the fact that the place is private, lovely, and secure,
This community offers a wide range of amenities at varying price points. Lots range from $400,000 to $2.5 million, condos from $650,000 to $3 million, and homes from $750,000 to $10 million. On the one hand, you have a golf course, tennis courts, pickleball courts, a 60,000-square foot beach club, a state-of-the-art fitness center, 13 restaurants, two spas, zip lines, skate parks, dog parks, miles of biking and hiking trails, a 98-acre wildlife reserve, and one of the top three expat schools in the area, according to Engel.
W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal and The Westin Reserva Conchal are adjacent hotels that guests can indulge at when your guest room is full.
Buying a second house in Las Catalinas will put you ahead of the game.
With its "enchanting blend of lifestyle and investment potential," this modern car-free seaside town offers purchasers an appealing option, according to Engel.
The area, which includes the safe village of Dantita and Playa Danta, provides a beautiful combination of natural beauty, beaches, and what Engel called "abundant conveniences."
(Imagine a tropical forest network of miles of paths for hiking and bicycling, a food court, an onsite grocery store, a wine cellar, a beach club with several pools, a gym with both indoor and outdoor areas, and restaurants with ocean views and beachfront locations.)
Located on a ridge near Las Catalinas, the Casa Chameleon Hotel is a great alternative to yard labor if you'd rather not do it. There are houses for sale here with some of the nicest views in the neighborhood.
Property prices in Las Catalinas range from $150,000 to $2 million for lots, $400,000 to $2 million for condos, and $1.5 million to $10 million for mansions.
