Charming 2-BR Matapalo Coastal Home with Large Yard Near the Beach

This coastal residence in Matapalo, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, offers a strategic foothold in one of the most practical and accessible micro-locations along the Central Pacific coast. Situated between major regional hubs, the property sits a convenient fifteen-minute drive north of the prominent surf destination of Dominical and just twenty-five minutes south of the bustling port town of Quepos. This positioning allows residents to enjoy a peaceful beachside existence while remaining within easy reach of regional hospitals, domestic airports, and comprehensive commercial centers. Locally, the immediate neighborhood provides exceptional convenience, featuring a supermarket just steps away, a medical clinic right next door, and a public transit stop directly at the entrance of the paved access road. For those looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this location balances authentic local character with the essential infrastructure required for comfortable, modern living.

The surrounding region, known for its dramatic meeting of rainforest and ocean, supports an active outdoor lifestyle. Residents can spend their mornings on the uncrowded sands of Matapalo beach, located just five minutes from the front gate, or explore the wider Southern Zone, where real estate Dominical Costa Rica and property Uvita listings attract those seeking a mix of adventure and tranquility. The local climate is warm and sunny, yet the property is thoughtfully designed to handle the tropical seasons. Extended roof overhangs shield the outdoor living spaces from the midday sun and provide dry, sheltered areas during the afternoon rains. This makes the home highly suitable for retirees, remote professionals relying on the installed fiber-optic internet, or investors looking to enter the market for Costa Ballena homes.

From a legal perspective, purchasing this property is straightforward for international buyers. Costa Rica permits foreign nationals to acquire real estate with fee-simple ownership rights, meaning you enjoy the same property rights as a local citizen. This freehold status applies fully to this parcel, as it sits outside the restricted maritime concession zones that govern immediate beachfront strips. When finalizing a transaction, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle of notary, registry, and legal fees that generally range between 2 and 4 percent of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs are also highly manageable, with the annual municipal property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land and construction.

This single-level residence in Matapalo offers a solid 120.77 m² of construction on a generous, flat parcel measuring 991.06 m². Built with durability in mind, the home features extended overhang structures at both the front and rear, providing essential shade and dry outdoor spaces for year-round utility. Large windows and glass doors line the back of the house, illuminating the interior with natural light. The layout includes 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, with air conditioning units installed in the main living room and the master bedroom to ensure indoor comfort.

The property is fully equipped with modern infrastructure, including fiber optic internet connectivity and city water. Outside, the landscaped grounds feature a variety of mature fruit trees and a spacious lawn with ample room to install a private swimming pool. A gated entrance opens to a long driveway that accommodates up to four vehicles.

Securing this property at the price of USD 239000 grants foreign buyers fee-simple ownership rights, which are fully protected under Costa Rican law for properties outside the maritime concession zone. Buyers should anticipate a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, with total closing costs, notary fees, and registration stamps generally ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value.

Securing this Matapalo property is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreign citizens the same fee-simple ownership rights as locals. Because the residence sits outside the restricted maritime zone, you can hold the title directly in your own name or through a local corporation. The purchase price of $239,000 comfortably exceeds the government's threshold for the residency-by-investment program, offering a direct pathway to legal residency for you and your family.

During the transaction, you can expect closing costs—which bundle notary fees, registration charges, legal services, and transfer stamps—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price. Once the transfer is complete, your ongoing carrying costs remain remarkably low, with annual property taxes calculated as a small fraction of the home's registered cadastral value. This legal framework ensures your coastal investment is secure, fully registered, and legally protected.

At a purchase price of $239,000 for 120.77 square meters of construction on a 991.06-square-meter lot, this property represents an accessible entry point into the Dominical and Uvita coastal region. The acquisition costs are straightforward, with a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value and a total closing bundle—covering notary, registry, legal fees, and stamps—typically ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value.

For North American buyers, Costa Rica permits fee-simple ownership, allowing foreigners to hold the title securely, as this property sits outside the restricted maritime concession zones. This makes the home an ideal fit for retired couples, individual buyers, or small families seeking a primary residence or a long-term rental asset.

The flat lawn offers immediate potential to add a swimming pool, which would significantly elevate its appeal for short-term vacation rentals. Given the proximity to the beach and local services, owners can target consistent long-term tenants or transition the property into a vacation rental to capture tourism traffic. The exit strategy is supported by the growing demand for single-level, gated homes near the coast, ensuring steady liquidity in a highly desirable market.

Embracing the Matapalo lifestyle means trading the relentless pace of modern metropolitan life for a gentler, more intentional rhythm dictated by the tides and the soft rustle of palm fronds. This coastal enclave represents the quintessential Costa Rican dream, where the concept of "Pura Vida" transitions from a catchy tourism slogan into a daily lived reality. Imagine starting your mornings with a short, effortless journey to the warm sands of the local beach, where the Pacific Ocean greets you with pristine swells and uncrowded shores. Here, the air is clean, the community is welcoming, and the natural beauty of the Puntarenas province serves as the backdrop to your everyday existence. It is a place where neighbors still greet each other by name, and the local supermarket, medical clinic, and dining spots are not just conveniences, but integral parts of a tight-knit, supportive neighborhood tapestry. Living here allows you to cultivate a deep connection to the land, whether you are harvesting fresh fruit from your own mature trees, tending to a future garden, or simply watching the golden afternoon light filter through the expansive windows of your secure, private sanctuary.

For the aspiring expatriate, retiree, or lifestyle investor, this property addresses the deep-seated desire for simplicity without sacrificing the essential modern connections required to stay in touch with the wider world. It appeals directly to those who seek a harmonious balance between peaceful seclusion and accessible adventure. With the legendary surf breaks and bohemian energy of Dominical just fifteen minutes to the south, and the robust amenities, marina, and regional airport of Quepos only twenty-five minutes to the north, you are never far from world-class dining, sportfishing, and eco-tourism. This location empowers you to design a life of quiet independence, where you can spend your days exploring coastal rainforests, hosting intimate outdoor gatherings under the shade of your deep structural overhangs, or working remotely with high-speed reliability. It is an invitation to step away from the stress of high-cost living and step into a warm, sun-drenched environment where your physical well-being and peace of mind are naturally prioritized. Purchasing this home is not merely an acquisition of real estate; it is a conscious decision to invest in your longevity, your happiness, and a sustainable, enriching future along Costa Rica's coveted southern Pacific coast.