States , and several US airlines offer direct flights. The country boasts a strong economy, a stable government and surprisingly good schools and medical facilities. Because of its excellent standard of living, Costa Rica is sometimes called "the Switzerland of Central America".
Despite the real estate boom, housing in Costa Rica is still affordable compared to most parts of the United States . It's possible to buy a perfectly adequate family home in a decent neighborhood for less than $100,000 - compared to the US where the average cost of a home is now around $230,000. Rentals and short term accommodation are relatively inexpensive too a typical family rental house can be rented for under $500 a month; a larger home or a luxury house or condo rents for as little as $1000 a month.
As an investment, Costa Rica real estate is hard to beat. Some properties have increased in value almost ten times over the last decade, a trend likely to continue. Beachfront property in particular is a safe investment because of the constant high demand. Luxury beachfront properties - still one of the most sought after investments in Costa Rica - can be purchased for significantly less than in the United States . If you are looking for a beachfront home, houses on the Caribbean coast are generally less expensive than those on the Pacific coast.
Purchasing a home in Costa Rica is a relatively straightforward experience. There are virtually no restrictions on owning private land and foreign citizens have the same rights as citizens of the country. Purchasing and owning a piece of land can be accomplished without having a presence in the country. Financing is readily available from private and public banks for homes in the country, although you usually have to become a resident. |
