| It certainly looks like paradise - miles of unspoiled | | | | States. If you are looking for a beachfront home, |
| beaches, tropical rain forests, quiet fishing villages, | | | | houses on the Caribbean coast are generally less |
| beachfront villas and luxury condos. It's hardly a | | | | expensive than those on the Pacific coast. |
| surprise that Costa Rica has quickly become one of | | | | Purchasing a home in Costa Rica is a relatively |
| the hottest spots for both investment property and | | | | straightforward experience. There are virtually no |
| vacation homes. | | | | restrictions on owning private land and foreign citizens |
| Costa Rica whose name aptly means rich coast has | | | | have the same rights as citizens of the country. |
| many advantages to offer. This small country of | | | | Purchasing and owning a piece of land can be |
| around 4 million people is just a few hours flying time | | | | accomplished without having a presence in the |
| from many parts of the United States, and several | | | | country. |
| US airlines offer direct flights. The country boasts a | | | | Financing is readily available from private and public |
| strong economy, a stable government and | | | | banks for homes in the country, although you usually |
| surprisingly good schools and medical facilities. | | | | have to become a resident. Foreigners may also use |
| Because of its excellent standard of living, Costa Rica | | | | the pre-tax IRAs from the US to purchase property |
| is sometimes called "the Switzerland of Central | | | | a procedure that is both acceptable and perfectly |
| America". | | | | legal. Property taxes are low in Costa Rica, varying |
| Despite the real estate boom, housing in Costa Rica | | | | from 0.5% to 1.5% of the total property value. |
| is still affordable compared to most parts of the | | | | And if you are thinking of living in your investment, |
| United States. It's possible to buy a perfectly | | | | Costa Rica has one of the highest standards of living |
| adequate family home in a decent neighborhood for | | | | in Latin America. The capital, San Jose is among the |
| less than $100,000 - compared to the US where the | | | | least expensive capital cities in the world, and costs |
| average cost of a home is now around $230,000. | | | | tend to decrease the further away you get from |
| Rentals and short term accommodation are relatively | | | | San Jose. Basic utilities such as electricity and water |
| inexpensive too a typical family rental house can be | | | | are inexpensive and heating isn't generally needed |
| rented for under $500 a month; a larger home or a | | | | because of the warm climate the year round |
| luxury house or condo rents for as little as $1000 a | | | | average temperature is 76 degrees. Entertainment, |
| month. | | | | groceries and dining out are all cheap by US |
| As an investment, Costa Rica real estate is hard to | | | | standards, and public transportation is efficient and |
| beat. Some properties have increased in value almost | | | | affordable. And a gallon of gas costs around $2 one |
| ten times over the last decade, a trend likely to | | | | of the lowest rates in the Americas. |
| continue. Beachfront property in particular is a safe | | | | Investing in real estate can be a risky business. |
| investment because of the constant high demand. | | | | Whereas nothing is guaranteed, the Costa Rica |
| Luxury beachfront properties - still one of the most | | | | housing market shows no real signs of slowing down. |
| sought after investments in Costa Rica - can be | | | | Grab that secluded beachfront property while you |
| purchased for significantly less than in the United | | | | can there are only so many to go around! |