1 / 50Perched at an invigorating elevation of 1,500 meters above sea level, this expansive highland estate in San José de Rivas, Perez Zeledon, offers a rare combination of agricultural productivity and dramatic mountain vistas. Priced at USD 475000, the massive 141,868-square-meter property commands sweeping, panoramic views of both the Valle del General and the towering peaks of Cerro Chirripó. This cool-climate sanctuary features a rustic main home that serves as a comfortable, charming retreat or a functional base while you plan future architectural developments on the acreage. Unlike remote wilderness tracts, this estate is fully equipped with reliable electricity, potable water sourced from a local rural aqueduct, and dependable year-round vehicular access, all situated just a twenty-five-minute drive from the amenities of downtown San Isidro de El General.
The fertile, high-altitude soil is already highly productive, featuring two hectares of established coffee cultivation and four hectares of clean, well-maintained pastures suitable for grazing cattle. Additional acreage yields thriving crops of avocado, banana, squash, chayote, and various fresh vegetables, offering an immediate head start for agricultural enthusiasts. For international buyers, Costa Rica permits straightforward fee-simple ownership of this titled land. When finalizing the purchase, buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value, alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that generally bundle into two to four percent of the final purchase price. Ongoing ownership incurs a modest annual property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of this magnificent highland estate.
Positioned at a cool elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, San José de Rivas, Perez Zeledon, San Jose, Costa Rica offers a distinct highland microclimate that contrasts beautifully with the coastal regions. This unique setting makes the area highly sought after for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica who prefer refreshing mountain breezes, fertile soils, and panoramic vistas of the Valle del General and the peaks of Cerro Chirripó. Located just a 25-minute drive from the bustling downtown center of San Isidro de El General, this location balances peaceful seclusion with convenient access to essential urban amenities, including medical facilities, shopping, and dining. As a premier example of Perez Zeledon real estate, the estate supports a diverse range of lifestyle pursuits, from active agricultural operations—such as cultivating the existing coffee, avocado, and banana crops—to establishing a private mountain retreat.
This San Isidro property Costa Rica buyers are targeting represents a versatile investment within the country's diverse property landscape. The region of Perez Zeledon is increasingly popular among North American buyers seeking to invest, retire, or establish a self-sufficient lifestyle. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee simple ownership, which grants the same property rights as citizens outside of restricted concession zones. When securing this estate, buyers should budget for transaction costs, including the property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, alongside registry, notary, and legal fees that typically comprise a closing bundle of 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership carries a modest annual property tax calculated on the registered cadastral value. Additionally, the purchase price of this property meets the threshold that allows buyers to explore residency-by-investment programs, making this highland estate an exceptional gateway to a new life in Costa Rica.
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This expansive estate in the high-altitude district of San José de Rivas, within the Perez Zeledon canton, is priced at USD 475000 and spans an impressive 141868 m² of fertile land. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the property features a rustic home that serves as a functional retreat or a solid foundation for future development. The existing residence is connected to essential utilities, including electricity and a reliable potable water supply sourced from a local rural aqueduct.
The outdoor space is defined by its agricultural productivity and dramatic topography, offering panoramic views of the Valle del General and the peaks of Cerro Chirripó. The vast acreage includes four hectares of managed pastureland suitable for cattle, alongside two hectares dedicated to active coffee cultivation. The fertile soil also supports established crops of avocado, banana, chayote, squash, and various vegetables.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits straightforward fee-simple ownership of this titled property. Standard acquisition expenses include a property transfer stamp tax of about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value, with the total closing bundle—encompassing notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps—typically ranging between 2 and 4 percent of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership incurs a modest annual property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the estate.
Acquiring this expansive 14-hectare highland estate in San José de Rivas is a straightforward process for international buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the same robust fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens, meaning you can hold the deed to this property directly in your own name or through a domestic corporation. Because the purchase price of $475,000 exceeds the national investment threshold, purchasing this estate also positions you to apply for official residency status in Costa Rica.
During the acquisition, you can expect the comprehensive closing bundle—which encompasses professional notary fees, state registry charges, legal services, and documentary stamps—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price. This includes the standard property transfer stamp tax, which generally accounts for about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value. Once the purchase is complete, your ongoing carrying costs remain highly manageable, with annual property taxes calculated as a modest fraction of the registered cadastral value.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This 14.1-hectare highland estate in San José de Rivas offers a highly competitive entry point into the Pérez Zeledón market. Priced at $475,000, the property represents an acquisition cost of just under $3.35 per square meter. This is exceptionally low compared to the premium rates commanded by smaller coastal lots, making it an ideal acquisition for agricultural entrepreneurs, conservationists, or buyers seeking a private family compound.
The existing rustic home provides an immediate operational base, while the fertile soil—currently producing coffee, avocados, and bananas—offers immediate potential for agricultural leasing or boutique farming. For exit strategies, the land can be subdivided or held as a long-term land bank in the rapidly growing Chirripó region.
Foreign buyers enjoy fee-simple ownership rights identical to Costa Rican citizens. When structuring your purchase, expect a closing cost bundle—encompassing notary fees, registry fees, legal services, and stamps—to range between 2% and 4% of the purchase price, with the property transfer stamp tax typically accounting for approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value. Annual property taxes are conveniently calculated based on the registered cadastral value. This price point also positions buyers to explore Costa Rica's residency-by-investment pathways, subject to official government approval processes.
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Embracing a life in the highlands of San José de Rivas means aligning yourself with the rhythmic, restorative pulse of Costa Rica’s most majestic mountain region. For the discerning buyer, this fourteen-hectare estate is not merely a purchase of land, but an acquisition of a highly coveted lifestyle defined by wellness, clean mountain air, and an authentic connection to nature. Imagine waking each morning to the crisp, cool breezes of the Chirripó valley, where the rising sun illuminates the dramatic contours of the Valle del General and the towering peaks of Cerro Chirripó. Here, the hurried pace of modern life dissolves into a daily routine of walking through your own private pastures, tending to flourishing coffee and avocado trees, and enjoying a cup of estate-grown coffee on your porch. This location appeals directly to visionary investors, retirees, and conservationists who aspire to establish a self-sustaining sanctuary, a private family compound, or an eco-conscious agricultural retreat. The unique microclimate of Pérez Zeledón offers the ultimate luxury of natural temperature control, eliminating the need for artificial cooling while fostering an incredibly fertile environment for diverse agricultural pursuits. Living in this exclusive enclave allows you to cultivate a deeply rewarding, active lifestyle—whether that involves hiking the scenic trails of the nearby national park, exploring the vibrant local farmers' markets in San Isidro de El General, or simply hosting friends against a backdrop of breathtaking panoramic views. It is a rare opportunity to secure a legacy property that fulfills the ultimate dream of high-altitude tropical living.
San José de Rivas, Perez Zeledon, San José
Perez Zeledon, San José
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
