This exceptional Atenas residence delivers an sophisticated take on Central Valley living, combining modern architectural efficiency with the serene backdrop of the region's rolling hillsides. Offered at USD 190000, the property spans 102.19 m² of meticulously planned construction, perfectly suited for North American buyers seeking an elegant, low-maintenance retreat. The residence features a highly functional layout with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, designed to maximize both privacy and shared social spaces. Inside, the open-concept living, dining, and kitchen areas are bathed in rich natural light, framed by soaring vaulted wood ceilings and polished porcelain tile floors underfoot. The custom kitchen serves as a culinary focal point, boasting solid wood cabinetry and premium quartz countertops.
The transition to outdoor living is effortless, as sliding glass doors connect the interior to an expansive covered terrace. In the master suite, additional sliding glass doors provide direct access to this shared terrace space, while the private ensuite bathroom elevates daily routines with its double vanity and a generously proportioned walk-in shower. Outside, the fully fenced grounds are immaculately landscaped yet remarkably easy to maintain, offering a secure and peaceful sanctuary. Beyond the physical structure, ownership in Costa Rica is highly advantageous; foreign buyers enjoy secure fee-simple property rights. Ongoing carrying costs are remarkably low, with the annual municipal property tax rate hovering around one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for standard transaction fees, including a transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent and a comprehensive closing bundle covering notary and registry fees that typically ranges from two to four percent of the purchase price.
Acquiring this Atenas residence is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the exact same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Located in the Central Valley, this property sits outside the restrictive maritime concession zones, allowing you to hold the title outright in your own name or through a local corporation.
On the financial side, 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 home's registered cadastral value. When finalizing the purchase of this $190,000 home, you should budget for standard closing fees—which bundle notary services, registration fees, legal duties, and government stamps—typically totaling between two and four percent of the transaction value, alongside a transfer tax of approximately one and a half percent. Furthermore, because the purchase price exceeds the current government threshold for real estate investment, securing this property establishes your eligibility to apply for official Costa Rican residency.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This 102.19 m² residence in the Atenas canton offers a refined standard of construction. The interior features an open-concept living and dining area illuminated by abundant natural light, anchored by durable porcelain tile floors and soaring vaulted wood ceilings. In the custom kitchen, solid wood cabinetry pairs with durable quartz countertops. The primary suite serves as a private retreat, complete with a double vanity, a large walk-in shower, and direct access through sliding glass doors to the outdoor common area.
The exterior features a fully fenced, low-maintenance yard set against a backdrop of peaceful hillside scenery. A spacious covered terrace connects to the main living space through sliding glass doors, maximizing the temperate climate of the Central Valley.
Acquiring this USD 190000 property involves straightforward financial steps. Foreign buyers enjoy fee-simple ownership rights. The annual property tax is highly favorable, calculated at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for closing costs, which typically encompass a one and a half percent transfer stamp tax alongside notary and registry fees that generally total between two and four percent of the transaction price.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Alajuela, this property offers an exceptional gateway to the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market. Atenas is internationally recognized for its ideal microclimate, which provides comfortable temperatures year-round and reduces the need for constant air conditioning. Residents here enjoy a relaxed countryside pace, characterized by weekly organic farmers' markets, local artisan shops, and dramatic mountain vistas. The community is highly regarded for its welcoming mix of Costa Rican locals and North American expatriates, making it an effortless transition for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica. Strategically positioned, Atenas sits midway between the metropolitan amenities of San Jose and the warm beaches of the Central Pacific coast. You can easily access the premium shopping and medical facilities of Escazu, or drive to the coast for a day of surfing, all while returning to a peaceful mountain sanctuary at night.
For North American buyers exploring Atenas Costa Rica homes, the financial advantages of ownership are highly compelling. When you buy property Costa Rica offers secure, fee-simple ownership rights to foreigners, mirroring the property rights enjoyed by local citizens. Ongoing holding costs are remarkably low; the annual municipal property tax is just approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. During the acquisition process, buyers should budget for closing costs, which typically encompass a transfer tax of about one and a half percent alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price. This affordable tax structure, combined with the region's infrastructure, makes Atenas a premier destination for retirement, remote work, or long-term investment.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Priced at $190,000, this 102.19-square-meter residence offers an entry point into the Central Valley market at approximately $1,859 per square meter. This rate aligns competitively with regional averages for finished, high-quality construction in Atenas. The property presents a versatile asset for buyers seeking a primary residence, a long-term rental targeting expatriates, or a seasonal vacation home. Costa Rica permits foreign buyers to hold fee-simple ownership, providing the same deeded property rights as local citizens.
Ongoing holding costs remain remarkably low compared to North American standards. The annual municipal property tax is approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value, keeping yearly carrying costs minimal. During the acquisition process, buyers should budget for transaction costs, as the property transfer stamp tax typically requires about 1.5 percent of the declared value, while the comprehensive closing bundle—covering notary fees, registry filings, and legal services—generally totals between two and four percent of the purchase price. The clean title and manageable footprint of this single-structure home ensure a straightforward exit strategy, appealing to future retirees or investors looking for an established, low-maintenance property in a highly desirable climate.
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Embracing the lifestyle of Atenas means stepping into a world where the pace of life slows down to match the gentle rustle of the surrounding hillside trees. Known globally for hosting one of the most desirable climates on earth, this corner of Alajuela offers an idyllic sanctuary where the transition between indoor comfort and outdoor serenity is completely seamless. For the discerning buyer, this property represents more than just a real estate acquisition; it is an invitation to cultivate a daily routine centered around wellness, natural beauty, and quiet sophistication. Imagine waking up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through your master suite, stepping directly onto the expansive covered terrace, and sipping locally grown coffee while gazing out at the peaceful, rolling landscape. The easy-to-maintain, beautifully fenced grounds ensure that your time is spent enjoying your surroundings rather than managing them, making this the ultimate lock-and-leave retreat or a permanent haven for those seeking a mindful, low-maintenance lifestyle in the heart of the Central Valley.
This residence perfectly aligns with the aspirations of modern expatriates, retirees, and remote professionals who refuse to compromise on quality or connection. Here, you can design a life of quiet luxury, hosting intimate gatherings on the porcelain-tiled terrace, preparing fresh meals in a kitchen adorned with rich wood and quartz, or simply unwinding under the soaring vaulted ceilings that give the home its grand, airy character. The vibrant local community of Atenas offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where neighbors become fast friends, yet the property itself remains a private oasis of calm. Whether your goal is to transition to a more sustainable pace of life, establish a beautiful tropical base for seasonal escapes, or invest in a high-quality home that captures the very essence of Costa Rican living, this property stands as a testament to what is possible when thoughtful design meets an unbeatable location.
Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
