
1 / 10This premium parcel of land offers a rare opportunity to secure a pristine building site within one of the most desirable microclimates in the world. Positioned in the tranquil hills of Atenas, a region celebrated for its exceptional year-round weather, this property spans a generous 5,000 m² of lush terrain. Priced at USD 195,000, the estate is situated inside an elite, gated boutique community comprised of only thirteen homesites, ensuring an atmosphere of quiet sophistication and security. A gently winding private driveway leads you to an expansive, flat building pad that is entirely ready for immediate construction. From this elevated vantage point, your future custom residence will overlook sweeping panoramas of the rolling Central Valley hills, bordered by working coffee plantations and peaceful grazing pastures. Infrastructure is already established, with electricity connections and municipal water hookups available directly on-site. Beyond the physical beauty of the location, the financial advantages of ownership in this region are compelling. Foreign investors enjoy secure fee-simple property rights, which are protected under Costa Rican law. Ongoing ownership costs remain remarkably low, with annual property taxes calculated at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for standard closing fees, which generally encompass a transfer stamp tax of one and a half percent alongside notary and registration costs.
Acquiring this premium parcel in Atenas is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the exact same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Because this property sits outside the maritime zone, you will hold absolute, direct ownership of the land. The transaction involves standard closing costs—covering notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—which typically range from two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately one and a half percent of the declared transaction value.
Once owned, the ongoing carrying costs are remarkably low. The annual municipal property tax is exceptionally favorable, calculated at just one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value each year. Furthermore, because the purchase price of one hundred and ninety-five thousand dollars exceeds the current national threshold for investor status, securing this property establishes your eligibility to apply for official residency-by-investment in Costa Rica, offering a secure path to a permanent foothold in the Central Valley.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This premium 5,000 m² parcel in the highly desirable Atenas canton offers an ideal canvas for a custom luxury residence. Situated within an exclusive, gated boutique community of only thirteen homesites, the property is accessed via a gently curving private approach that leads to a spacious, flat building terrace. Surrounded by rolling hills, working coffee plantations, and quiet grazing pastures, the site delivers expansive panoramic views of the Central Valley landscape.
Unlike raw land, this lot is ready for immediate construction. Essential infrastructure is already established on-site, including direct connections to the local electrical grid and a reliable water supply.
Acquiring this USD 195,000 property is highly straightforward for international buyers, who enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights. Ongoing holding costs are remarkably low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically encompass a transfer stamp tax of about one and a half percent of the transaction value, alongside notary and registration fees that generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price.
Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica is internationally recognized for possessing one of the most exceptional microclimates in the world, characterized by moderate temperatures and gentle mountain breezes year-round. This specific region of the Central Valley offers a relaxed countryside pace that appeals directly to North American buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica. Located just twelve minutes from the vibrant downtown center of Atenas, this boutique community of only thirteen properties provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by working coffee plantations and quiet grazing pastures. Residents here enjoy a welcoming mix of local Costa Ricans and international expats, creating an active, friendly community. The weekly farmer's market, or feria, serves as a social hub where locals gather for fresh produce, while the town itself offers essential amenities including medical clinics, supermarkets, and diverse dining options.
For those exploring Central Valley Costa Rica real estate, this location balances rural tranquility with excellent accessibility. The capital city of San Jose, along with the premium shopping and private hospitals of Escazu, is within easy driving distance, and the Juan Santamaria International Airport is highly accessible for frequent travelers. This strategic positioning makes Atenas Costa Rica homes and lots highly desirable for remote workers, retirees, and long-term investors alike. From a financial perspective, acquiring this 5,000-square-meter lot involves straightforward local regulations. Foreign buyers enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of Costa Rican citizens. Ongoing holding costs are remarkably low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Standard transaction costs, including the transfer tax and legal notary fees, generally range between two and four percent of the purchase price, making this an efficient and secure investment in one of the country's most stable and scenic regions.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
At a purchase price of $195,000 for 5,000 square meters of land, this property represents an entry point of just $39 per square meter. This rate sits comfortably below the premium averages often commanded by fully developed parcels in the Central Valley, leaving excellent financial runway for a custom build. The ideal buyer is an individual looking to construct a primary residence or a high-end estate with a main house and a detached guest casita to capture the region's steady long-term rental demand.
From a holding-cost perspective, Costa Rica offers an incredibly favorable tax structure. The annual property tax is remarkably low, calculated at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. When finalizing the acquisition, buyers should anticipate standard closing expenses, which typically encompass a transfer stamp tax of about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value, alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that generally bundle into two to four percent of the purchase price. With fee-simple ownership fully guaranteed for foreign buyers, this lot provides a secure, low-overhead asset in a boutique community of only thirteen properties, making it a timely land-banking opportunity or a ready-to-build homesite.
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For those who seek a life defined by balance, beauty, and an elevated sense of well-being, this exceptional property in Atenas represents the ultimate canvas for your aspirations. Nestled within the prestigious Central Valley of Costa Rica, Atenas is globally celebrated for possessing one of the most perfect climates on earth, where warm, sun-kissed days naturally give way to cool, refreshing mountain breezes each evening. This ideal weather fosters an outdoor-centric lifestyle that seamlessly blends luxury with wellness. Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of leaves from neighboring coffee plantations, stepping out onto your custom-designed terrace to watch the morning mist rise over the rolling hills, and breathing in some of the cleanest air in the region. Here, the hurried pace of modern life melts away, replaced by the tranquil rhythms of nature and a community that deeply values peace, privacy, and connection. This boutique enclave of just thirteen homesites offers an exclusive sanctuary where like-minded individuals can cultivate a sophisticated yet relaxed existence, surrounded by lush grazing pastures and dramatic valley vistas that inspire the soul daily.
Owning a home in this coveted location is about more than just acquiring premium real estate; it is about embracing a prestigious lifestyle transition. Discriminating buyers who dream of designing a bespoke architectural masterpiece will find that this generous five-thousand-square-meter canvas perfectly accommodates grand visions, from sprawling infinity-edge pools that merge with the horizon to expansive open-concept living spaces that invite the outdoors in. The proximity to the charming center of Atenas, located a mere twelve minutes away, ensures that while you enjoy absolute seclusion and security within your gated community, you are never far from gourmet dining, organic farmers' markets, boutique shopping, and essential modern conveniences. This unique positioning appeals directly to retirees seeking a peaceful haven, remote executives desiring an inspiring backdrop for global business, and visionaries looking to establish a legacy estate in one of Central America’s most stable and beautiful regions. By choosing this remarkable homesite, you are not simply building a house; you are investing in a daily experience of unparalleled serenity, natural grandeur, and the timeless promise of the pure Costa Rican lifestyle.
Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004