
1 / 19Commanding an elevated vantage point in the peaceful Morazán district of Atenas, this turn-key residence offers a rare combination of security, privacy, and panoramic drama for USD 549,000. The two-bedroom home is situated within El Común, an intimate gated community of only seven properties, where manicured tropical gardens frame sweeping views across the Central Valley. By day, the horizon reveals the silhouettes of four of Costa Rica's iconic volcanoes and the distant cityscape of San José. As dusk falls, the view transitions into a spectacular display of twinkling valley lights.
Designed to maximize its scenic backdrop, the property features a private swimming pool that serves as the centerpiece for outdoor relaxation and entertainment. Inside, the layout is meticulously maintained, offering immediate move-in readiness for discerning North American buyers. The surrounding acreage provides a buffer of natural beauty, ensuring your peace is interrupted only by the occasional passing of a colorful toucan or the gentle rustle of the mountain breeze. Ownership in this region is straightforward, with foreign buyers enjoying the same fee-simple property rights as citizens. When acquiring this estate, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps. Additionally, the ongoing carrying costs are remarkably favorable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the estate rather than its market purchase price.
Acquiring this Atenas residence is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreign nationals the same fee simple property ownership rights as citizens. Located outside the maritime zone, this countryside home offers secure, absolute ownership. The purchase price of $549,000 comfortably exceeds the country's investment threshold, making the buyer eligible to apply for investor residency status.
During the transaction, buyers should anticipate closing costs—covering notary fees, registration, and legal stamps—that typically range from two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of about one and a half percent of the declared value. Once owned, ongoing holding costs are remarkably manageable. The annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the home rather than the market purchase price, ensuring long-term financial predictability for your Central Valley estate.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This exceptional Atenas property, located in the peaceful Morazán district, is offered at USD 549000. The residence features 2 bedrooms and is situated within El Común, an intimate gated community consisting of only seven homes. Designed to maximize its elevated position, the home offers panoramic views of the Central Valley, stretching toward San José and four distinct volcanoes by day, transitioning to vibrant city lights at night.
The interior layout flows toward the outdoor living spaces, where a private pool serves as the centerpiece of the property. The grounds feature manicured tropical gardens and rolling hills, providing a serene countryside setting.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits fee simple ownership, meaning foreign investors enjoy the same property rights as citizens. When purchasing this home, buyers should anticipate closing costs—covering notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—that typically range from 2% to 4% of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5%. Ongoing ownership costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the estate.
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Morazán, Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, this property offers an exceptional opportunity for North American buyers seeking to relocate, retire, or invest in Central Valley Costa Rica real estate. The canton of Atenas is internationally celebrated for its exceptional microclimate, which boasts warm, comfortable temperatures year-round, and a welcoming mix of local residents and expatriates. Living in this region allows you to experience a relaxed countryside pace while remaining highly connected. The weekly farmers market, or feria, provides fresh local produce, while the town center offers essential daily amenities. Positioned strategically between the bustling capital of San José and the pristine beaches of the Pacific coast, this location ensures that international airports, modern medical facilities, and premier shopping districts are all within a reasonable driving distance.
When you buy property in Costa Rica, understanding the local market and legal landscape is essential. This turn-key home, priced at USD 549,000, is situated within the intimate gated community of El Común, which features only six neighboring homes. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, identical to those of local citizens. For those looking to buy property Costa Rica offers favorable long-term holding costs, as the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the estate. Buyers should also plan for standard transaction costs, including a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value, alongside a closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically ranges from 2 to 4 percent of the purchase price. Additionally, this investment level meets the threshold required to apply for the country's residency-by-investment program, making it an ideal choice for those transitioning to a full-time Costa Rican lifestyle.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this turn-key property in the gated community of El Común offers a distinct entry point into the Atenas real estate market. Priced at $549,000, this two-bedroom home with a private pool sits in a highly desirable microclimate, where inventory for unobstructed, multi-volcano views of the Central Valley remains limited. For the investment-minded buyer, the layout supports a flexible strategy. While the property serves perfectly as a primary residence, the local rental market in Morazán shows consistent demand for short-term vacation rentals from travelers seeking cooler mountain air, as well as long-term tenants looking for secure, peaceful countryside living.
From a transactional perspective, foreign buyers enjoy fee-simple ownership rights identical to Costa Rican citizens. Your long-term holding costs are minimized because the annual property tax is calculated using the registered cadastral value of the property, which is historically favorable compared to North American jurisdictions. Buyers should budget for standard closing costs, including a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that typically bundle into 2% to 4% of the purchase price. This property also sits well above the minimum financial threshold required to apply for the country's residency-by-investment program, making it an ideal acquisition for retirees or remote executives looking to secure a permanent foothold in a stable, appreciating market.
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Nestled in the rolling hills of Alajuela, the peaceful countryside of Morazán in Atenas represents the absolute pinnacle of the tranquil Costa Rican lifestyle. For discerning buyers seeking an authentic connection to nature without sacrificing modern sophistication, this region offers an idyllic microclimate renowned for its year-round spring-like temperatures and refreshing mountain breezes. Living in the intimate, six-home gated community of El Común means embracing a slower, more intentional pace of life where your daily soundtrack is composed of whispering tropical winds and native birdsong. It is a place where neighbors become lifelong friends, and the security of a private enclave provides ultimate peace of mind. This location caters perfectly to the aspirations of international buyers who dream of waking up to panoramic vistas of the Central Valley, spending their afternoons lounging by a private swimming pool, and watching the distant city lights of San José flicker to life as the sun sets behind the majestic silhouettes of four iconic volcanoes. It is more than just a place to reside; it is a sanctuary for wellness, inspiration, and rejuvenation.
For those looking to transition their lives to this tropical paradise, the investment landscape in Costa Rica is highly favorable and straightforward. Foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, meaning you can own this beautiful turn-key home outright with the same constitutional protections as a local citizen. The financial sustainability of owning real estate here is further enhanced by the country's highly favorable tax structure. Rather than facing the exorbitant, escalating carrying costs common in North America, your annual property tax here is calculated as a modest fraction of the property’s registered cadastral value, making long-term ownership incredibly affordable. When planning your acquisition, it is helpful to know that Costa Rica’s residency-by-investment programs are structured to welcome global investors, with the purchase price of this premium residence easily positioning you to qualify for official residency status. By securing this slice of Atenas, you are not just purchasing a home with spectacular views and a private pool; you are investing in a healthier, more fulfilling future, backed by a stable legal framework that protects your hard-earned assets for years to come.
Morazán, Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004