1 / 35Positioned in the highly desirable canton of Atenas, this expansive 130,000-square-meter parcel represents a premier development opportunity in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Offered at USD 2,926,000, the property sits a mere seven minutes from the vibrant center of downtown Atenas, directly bordering the prestigious private community of Hacienda Atenas. The acreage features sweeping valley views and boasts more than eight hectares of highly usable, buildable terrain. This topography makes the land exceptionally well-suited for a high-end residential subdivision, an eco-conscious luxury estate project, or a private family compound. Essential infrastructure is already established on-site, including connection to the electrical grid, municipal water access, and a private registered well, which drastically reduces the timeline and capital required for initial site preparation. As an added benefit, the property includes a modest existing house at no additional valuation, which can serve as a temporary site office or caretaker residence during construction. Investors will appreciate the favorable financial structure of Costa Rican real estate, where annual holding costs are kept low because the recurring property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. Acquisition costs are also highly manageable, with the property transfer stamp tax generally amounting to about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value, while the comprehensive closing bundle—covering notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps—typically ranges between two and four percent of the purchase price.
Acquiring this premier development property in the Central Valley proceeds under Costa Rica’s secure fee simple framework, granting international buyers the exact same constitutional property ownership rights as local citizens. Because the estate is situated in the highlands of Atenas rather than a coastal maritime zone, you receive absolute deeded ownership. At a purchase price of $2,926,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the government's threshold for residency-by-investment programs, offering a direct pathway to legal residency for you and your family.
During the acquisition process, expect standard closing transaction costs—covering notary fees, legal services, registration, and transfer stamps—to range between two and four percent of the transaction value. Once the purchase is complete, your ongoing carrying costs remain remarkably low. Costa Rica assesses its annual municipal property tax against the registered cadastral value of the land, rather than the market purchase price, ensuring highly favorable holding costs as you develop the thirteen hectares.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This expansive development parcel in Atenas spans 130,000 m² of prime Central Valley land, offered at USD 2,926,000. Positioned just seven minutes from the downtown core and directly adjacent to the established Hacienda Atenas community, the property features over eight hectares of highly usable, buildable terrain. The topography is exceptionally suited for subdivision into a private residential enclave, a luxury estate development, or an eco-focused community. Existing infrastructure significantly accelerates any development timeline, with grid electricity, municipal water connections, and a dedicated private well already operational on-site.
The acreage features rolling terrain that frames expansive valley views, providing natural building sites that maximize privacy and elevation. A small existing house is located on the property, included by the owner at no additional valuation.
From a transaction perspective, foreign buyers enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership rights identical to Costa Rican citizens. The ongoing holding costs are highly favorable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. Buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle of legal, notary, and registry fees ranging from 2% to 4% of the purchase price.
Positioned in the highly desirable canton of Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, this expansive 13-hectare parcel offers a rare development footprint in the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market. Atenas is internationally recognized for possessing one of the most exceptional microclimates in the world, characterized by warm, breezy days and comfortably cool nights that eliminate the need for constant air conditioning. This specific micro-location sits directly adjacent to the established Hacienda Atenas community, combining a peaceful countryside pace with immediate proximity to essential amenities. The property is situated just a seven-minute drive from downtown Atenas, where residents can access local supermarkets, medical clinics, professional services, and the weekly outdoor farmer's market, or feria, which showcases fresh regional produce. This central positioning also provides efficient transit routes to the capital city of San Jose, the premium shopping and private hospitals of Escazu, the Juan Santamaria International Airport, and the beaches of the Central Pacific coast.
For North American buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this location supports a diverse range of lifestyle pursuits, from establishing a private family estate to developing a low-density residential community or an eco-conscious wellness retreat. Investors who buy property Costa Rica can leverage the country's favorable ownership laws, which grant foreign buyers the same fee-simple property rights as citizens. Acquiring Atenas Costa Rica homes or development land involves a predictable transaction framework. The closing bundle—encompassing notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—typically ranges from two to four percent of the purchase price, while the property transfer stamp tax generally accounts for approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land rather than its market purchase price. Additionally, the investment level of this 130,000-square-meter property comfortably exceeds the minimum threshold required to qualify foreign buyers for the national residency-by-investment program, making it an ideal vehicle for long-term relocation and capital preservation.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this 130,000-square-meter development parcel in Atenas presents a highly strategic entry point for institutional developers or private syndicates. Priced at $2,926,000, the acquisition breaks down to approximately $22.50 per square meter. This represents exceptional value for the Central Valley region, particularly given the property's immediate proximity to the established Hacienda Atenas community and its location just seven minutes from the downtown core. The site features over eight hectares of highly usable, development-ready terrain, complete with existing water infrastructure, a private well, and grid electricity. This pre-existing infrastructure significantly mitigates upfront capital expenditure and shortens the development timeline for a luxury subdivision or an eco-residential community.
The ideal buyer is a seasoned developer looking to capitalize on the sustained demand from North American retirees and expatriates seeking the temperate climate of Atenas. Investors can leverage Costa Rica's favorable regulatory environment, which grants foreign buyers fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of citizens. From a transactional perspective, buyers should anticipate closing costs—including notary, registry, and legal fees—to range between 2% and 4% of the purchase price, alongside a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5%. Ongoing holding costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the market purchase price. This pricing structure, combined with the potential for buyers to qualify for residency-by-investment programs at this purchase threshold, makes the property an ideal candidate for a phased residential development with a highly profitable exit strategy.
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This exceptional acreage represents the pinnacle of the Central Valley lifestyle, situated in a region celebrated globally for possessing one of the most perfect climates on earth. Here, the gentle, year-round spring-like temperatures create an outdoor-centric way of life where indoor and outdoor spaces merge seamlessly. Future residents of this premier development will wake up to panoramic mountain views, gentle valley breezes, and the vibrant colors of Costa Rica’s rich flora and fauna, all while being just minutes away from the charming, authentic culture of downtown Atenas. This location strikes the ultimate balance between peaceful, high-end seclusion and modern convenience, offering a sanctuary where wellness, nature, and community intertwine. It is an environment that naturally attracts discerning international buyers, active retirees, and remote executives who demand a healthier, slower-paced lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to fine dining, boutique shopping, and essential services.
For the visionary developer, this property is a canvas upon which to build a legacy project that speaks directly to these high-end buyer aspirations. Whether you envision an exclusive enclave of luxury estate homes, a forward-thinking eco-conscious community, or a private family compound, the natural topography and strategic location adjacent to an established, prestigious neighborhood provide an immediate sense of security and elite status. Discerning buyers are increasingly searching for properties that offer a deep connection to nature, expansive green spaces, and breathtaking vistas, combined with the peace of mind that comes from robust infrastructure. By transforming this expansive tract of land into a master-planned residential haven, you are not just selling real estate; you are delivering an aspirational Costa Rican dream. This is an unparalleled opportunity to capture the robust demand for premium Central Valley living, offering future homeowners an unmatched sense of place, prestige, and natural beauty.
Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
