1 / 25This exceptional 7,318 m² parcel of land in the highly desirable Escaleras hillside above Dominical presents a premier opportunity to construct a custom luxury estate on Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast. Offered at USD 349,000, the property features panoramic ocean views and sits in a prime location between Dominical and Uvita. This positioning provides the ideal balance of privacy and convenience, keeping you just minutes away from pristine beaches, restaurants, shops, and top international schools.
The estate is fully build-ready, eliminating the common development hurdles of the region. Legal ASADA water is already connected to the site, and electricity is fully in place, allowing construction to begin immediately. The generous acreage accommodates a grand main residence alongside private guest casitas, a custom infinity pool, and expansive outdoor living areas designed to capture the cool mountain breezes and Pacific vistas.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits straightforward fee-simple ownership of this property, as it sits outside the restricted maritime concession zones. When finalizing the purchase, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically encompass notary, registry, and legal fees, alongside property transfer stamp taxes that generally amount to about 1.5% of the declared transaction value. Ongoing ownership costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land.
This premium ocean-view parcel in the highly desirable Escaleras hillside of Dominical spans 7,318 m² of prime coastal land. Offered at USD 349,000, the property provides a rare, build-ready foundation for a custom luxury estate. Unlike many raw land listings in the region, this site features fully secured infrastructure, including legal ASADA water connection and active electricity lines directly to the property boundary. The natural topography offers a generous building pad designed to maximize the expansive views of the Pacific Ocean while preserving the privacy of the surrounding tropical canopy.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits straightforward fee-simple ownership of this titled property. When budgeting for this acquisition, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs—including notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—which typically range between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Additionally, the property transfer stamp tax generally accounts for approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. This infrastructure-ready parcel represents a secure, streamlined investment in one of the most coveted corridors of the South Pacific zone.
This ocean-view parcel is situated in the Escaleras hillside, a highly desirable micro-location positioned along the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. This specific neighborhood is elevated above the coastal highway, offering a cooler mountain breeze while remaining just minutes away from the region's most celebrated destinations. To the north lies Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, a laid-back surf village where the rainforest directly meets the Pacific Ocean, prized by international buyers who seek authenticity over commercial crowds. To the south is the commercial hub of Uvita, providing easy access to daily amenities, shopping, dining, and reputable international schools. This strategic positioning makes the property an ideal choice for buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica for a custom residential build, a remote work sanctuary, or a long-term investment.
The surrounding Costa Ballena region is famous for its dramatic topography, where steep mountains rise sharply from the shoreline. Living in this specific corridor allows residents to enjoy a lifestyle centered around world-class surfing, coastal exploration, and deep immersion in nature. The local canopy is home to diverse native fauna, including the chestnut-mandibled toucan and the white-faced capuchin monkey, which are frequently observed moving through the trees.
For buyers evaluating real estate Dominical Costa Rica, this 1.8-acre property represents a secure investment under Costa Rican law, which grants foreign buyers fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of citizens. When purchasing this property Uvita, buyers should note that the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land, keeping ongoing holding costs highly manageable. Additionally, buyers should budget for a standard closing bundle—covering notary services, registry fees, legal counsel, and stamps—which typically ranges between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that generally amounts to about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value. This combination of infrastructure readiness, prime location, and clear legal pathways makes acquiring Costa Ballena homes and land a highly viable pursuit for North American investors.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
At USD 349,000 for 7,318 square meters of premium land, this Escaleras property is priced at approximately USD 48 per square meter. This represents an exceptionally competitive entry point for highly desirable ocean-view acreage situated between Dominical and Uvita, where finished estate homes command premium rental rates. The dual-tiered layout of the 1.8-acre parcel is ideally configured for a compound-property design, allowing an investor to construct a primary residence alongside independent guest casitas. This specific configuration maximizes short-term rental yields, as multi-unit luxury properties in this immediate corridor experience high occupancy from travelers seeking privacy near international schools and beaches.
For the foreign buyer, Costa Rica permits secure fee simple ownership of this non-concession property. Transaction costs are predictable, with the comprehensive closing bundle—covering notary services, registry fees, legal representation, and stamps—typically ranging from 2% to 4% of the purchase price, alongside a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5%. Ongoing holding costs remain highly favorable, as annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value rather than the market purchase price. Given the immediate build-ready status of the lot, an investor can bypass the typical multi-year utility delays, construct a luxury compound, and establish a highly liquid asset in a region with a proven history of capital appreciation.
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Acquiring this premium Escaleras parcel is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the same fee-simple ownership rights as citizens for registered land outside the maritime zone. Because this property sits in the hills high above the coastline, it is held under secure, fee-simple title rather than a concession. With a purchase price of $349,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the government's current threshold for the residency-by-investment program, offering a direct pathway to legal residency for you and your family.
During the acquisition, buyers should anticipate closing expenses—encompassing notary fees, registration stamps, and legal representation—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Once owned, ongoing holding costs remain remarkably low; your annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land, keeping carrying costs highly manageable while you design and build your coastal estate.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living along the Escaleras ridge above the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is not merely about acquiring real estate; it is about choosing a highly curated way of life that balances raw, untouched natural beauty with sophisticated, modern convenience. Situated in the prestigious mountainside corridor between Dominical and Uvita, this location has become the premier destination for discerning global citizens who seek a peaceful sanctuary without sacrificing the comforts of contemporary living. Here, your daily rhythm is dictated by the natural world. You will wake to the gentle chorus of howler monkeys and exotic toucans echoing through the lush canopy, watch the morning mist lift off the verdant mountainsides, and end your days gazing at the dramatic, golden sunsets that stretch across the vast Pacific horizon. This unique microclimate offers cool mountain breezes that sweep down from the peaks, providing a refreshing relief from the coastal heat while keeping you just a short, scenic drive from the region's most celebrated beaches.
For the aspirational buyer, this property represents the ultimate canvas upon which to design a legacy estate that reflects a commitment to wellness, privacy, and environmental harmony. The surrounding community of Escaleras is renowned for its low-density, high-end residential estates, attracting like-minded individuals who value discretion, sustainability, and an active outdoor lifestyle. Whether your passion lies in world-class surfing at the legendary breaks of Dominical, exploring the pristine marine sanctuary of the nearby Whale’s Tail in Uvita, or simply hosting sunset gatherings on your custom-designed viewing deck, this location accommodates every desire. Families will appreciate the close proximity to top-tier international schools, while food enthusiasts can indulge in an array of upscale restaurants, organic markets, and boutique cafes scattered along the coast. This is a place where you can seamlessly transition from a productive morning of remote work powered by high-speed fiber-optic internet to an afternoon of paddleboarding on calm coastal waters. By securing this exceptional parcel, you are not just purchasing land; you are investing in a transformative lifestyle that prioritizes well-being, connection to nature, and the freedom to live life at your own pace in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.
Dominical, Puntarenas
Dominical, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
