Best Locations to Invest in Real Estate in Costa Rica
- International Property Alerts
- September 24, 2025
Costa Rica beckons with its laid-back charm, where sun-soaked beaches, vibrant markets, and warm ocean waters create an idyllic lifestyle. Beyond its appeal as a tropical paradise, this Central American gem offers some of the most compelling real estate opportunities in Latin America. Known for its political stability, lack of a standing army since 1948, and heavy investment in healthcare, education, and environmental preservation, Costa Rica is exceptionally expat-friendly. English is widely spoken, locals (Ticos) are welcoming, and the culture is inclusive.
With misty cloud forests, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches teeming with wildlife like sloths, toucans, and sea turtles, Costa Rica blends natural beauty with investment potential. For nearly two decades, it has been a hotspot for my Real Estate Trend Alert (RETA) group, delivering strong returns for savvy investors. Here are the two best places to buy real estate in Costa Rica in 2025, offering both lifestyle and profit potential, especially if you’re looking into international real estate listings.
1. Guanacaste
Guanacaste, on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, is famous for its Gold Coast, a stretch of stunning beaches, some say the finest in Central America. From families to expats, people gather to witness breathtaking sunsets in hues of coral and pink, whether from beach bars or a quiet patch of sand. The region’s diverse coastline features white, golden, and volcanic black-sand beaches, with warm waters year-round. From wild, jungle-edged shores to vibrant towns like Tamarindo and Flamingo, Guanacaste offers something for everyone.
Popular for surfing, fishing, and eco-adventures, the Gold Coast attracts bohemian travelers, retirees, and luxury seekers. Sports fishing thrives, with dorado, tuna, and marlin drawing enthusiasts to high-end charters or local pangas. Liberia, the inland capital, is a hub for shopping, medical services, and government offices, just 30-60 minutes from beach towns. Its international airport, with direct flights from North America and seasonal European routes, makes access easy, boosting the region’s real estate industry and long-term investment appeal.
Playa Flamingo, an hour from the airport, is a billionaire’s playground with a new full-service marina. Luxury resorts like the Four Seasons and JW Marriott dot the area, with nightly rates in the thousands and branded residences in the millions. In March 2024, I secured an off-market deal for RETA members to buy two-bedroom luxury homes in Playa Flamingo with world-class amenities, pools, a co-working lounge, and an indoor-outdoor gym, for $286,800. Comparable homes now list for $395,000, a $108,200 gain in just over a year. I project these could reach $525,000 three years post-delivery, a potential $238,200 uplift.
2. The Southern Zone
The Southern Zone, a breathtakingly pristine region, is a haven for nature lovers. Much of it is protected as national parks, marine reserves, and wildlife refuges, ensuring a low-key, boutique vibe with eco-lodges and small hotels instead of mass-market resorts. Once remote, it’s now a three-hour drive from San José’s international airport, thanks to improved infrastructure like paved roads and high-speed internet.
Ojochal, a charming jungle village in the Southern Zone, has transformed into a vibrant community with modern amenities, farmers’ markets, pharmacies, bakeries, cafés, and lively plazas. It feels like a European village nestled in a pristine rainforest, with fresh mango, papaya, and affordable fish at local markets. Strict development regulations limit available land, making insider connections key and reflecting broader trends in the history of real estate.
RETA members have capitalized on opportunities here through expat developer Sylvaine Pilault, who bought land in 1989. In August 2019, I offered RETA members two-bedroom villas in Ojochal for $208,000 and premium three-bedroom homes for $233,000. A two-bedroom villa recently listed for $315,000, a $107,000 gain. In February 2021, another project, Villas Vista de la Montaña, offered villas from $218,000 and premium three-beds for $250,000. These now resell for $330,000-$350,000, with one three-bedroom listed at $399,000, a $149,000 uplift.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica combines an unbeatable lifestyle with strong investment potential. Guanacaste’s Gold Coast offers vibrant beach living and luxury, while the Southern Zone’s Ojochal provides serene, nature-rich opportunities. With political stability, a welcoming culture, and proven returns, Costa Rica is a top choice for expats and investors in 2025. Whether you seek a part-time retreat or a full-time home, these regions deliver both profit and paradise. To explore opportunities tailored to your goals, feel free to contact us.
FAQ
1. Why is Costa Rica a good place for real estate investment?
Costa Rica offers political stability, no standing army, and a welcoming culture. High capital appreciation (12%-38% in Guanacaste, 7%-13% in the Southern Zone) and rental yields (7%-8%) outpace U.S. markets, with a vibrant expat lifestyle.
2. What makes Guanacaste a top real estate destination?
Its Gold Coast features stunning beaches, a new marina in Playa Flamingo, and easy access via Liberia’s international airport. Luxury homes offer strong appreciation, with recent deals showing $108,200 gains in a year.
3. Why invest in the Southern Zone’s Ojochal?
Ojochal’s pristine, protected environment and improved infrastructure make it ideal for nature lovers. Limited land supply drives value, with villas appreciating by $107,000-$149,000 in recent years.
4. Do I need to speak Spanish to live or invest in Costa Rica?
English is widely spoken, especially in expat hubs like Guanacaste and Ojochal, but learning basic Spanish enhances integration and dealings with local agencies.
5. How can I find real estate deals in Costa Rica?
Work with reputable local developers or groups like Real Estate Trend Alert (RETA) for off-market deals. Research via platforms like Point2Homes or consult local real estate agents in Guanacaste or the Southern Zone.
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