1 / 3This premium 1,500-square-meter parcel represents a rare opportunity to secure flat, buildable land in one of the most desirable neighborhoods near Pavones. Positioned strategically between the main town center and a highly popular local surfing beach, the property offers an ideal balance of convenient access and quiet seclusion. Mature almond trees stand on the flat terrain, providing natural shade and establishing a deep sense of privacy from neighboring properties. Because this is one of only two remaining vacant lots in this specific, highly sought-after enclave, the site is exceptionally well-suited for a custom coastal estate. Priced at USD 119,000, the property offers an entry point into a market known for its world-class surf breaks and pristine natural surroundings.
From a financial and legal perspective, ownership of this land is highly efficient. Foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, which are identical to those held by Costa Rican citizens. The 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. When finalizing the acquisition, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically encompass a transfer tax of one and a half percent of the declared transaction value, alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price.
Acquiring this premium 1,500-square-meter parcel in Pavones 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 restricted maritime concession zone, you will hold absolute deeded ownership. Your ongoing holding costs are remarkably low; the municipal property tax is just one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value annually. During the acquisition, you should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which encompasses notary fees, registration charges, legal services, and the standard one-and-a-half percent transfer stamp tax. While this specific lot is priced at $119,000, we can guide you on how combining this purchase with additional local investments can help you meet the threshold for Costa Rica's residency-by-investment program.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This premium 1,500 m² parcel represents a rare acquisition opportunity in the highly sought-after Pavones region, priced at USD 119,000. The property features entirely flat, usable topography, making it an ideal canvas for a custom luxury residence or a boutique compound. Mature almond trees stand on the land, providing natural shade, structural beauty, and an organic barrier that ensures exceptional privacy from neighboring properties. Positioned in an established, quiet residential enclave, the lot is one of only two remaining parcels available in this specific neighborhood, which sits strategically between the main town center and one of the region's premier surfing beaches.
For North American buyers, the acquisition process is straightforward, as Costa Rica permits full fee-simple ownership for foreign investors. Holding this real estate is highly cost-effective, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately a quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for standard closing expenses, which typically encompass a one and a half percent transfer stamp tax alongside legal, notary, and registry fees that generally total between two and four percent of the final transaction price.
This premium 1,500-square-meter flat lot represents a rare opportunity to buy property in Costa Rica within the highly coveted Pavones area. Positioned strategically between the main town center and one of the region's most celebrated surfing beaches, this parcel offers North American buyers the ideal balance of privacy and accessibility. The land itself is level and adorned with mature almond trees, creating a natural canopy that attracts local scarlet macaws. Because Pavones is world-renowned for hosting one of the longest left-hand warm-water point breaks on Earth, Costa Rica real estate for Americans and Costa Rica homes for Canadians in this specific micro-location is highly prized by dedicated surfers, active retirees, and remote investors alike. As one of only two remaining parcels available in this established neighborhood, the property provides a quiet, secure setting for building a custom tropical estate or a main house paired with independent guest casitas.
For expats navigating the acquisition process, Costa Rica offers a highly favorable legal framework. Foreign buyers enjoy secure fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of Costa Rican citizens, provided the land sits outside the restricted maritime concession zones. This specific inland parcel qualifies for outright ownership, making it an excellent addition to any portfolio of expat real estate Costa Rica. Ongoing holding costs are remarkably low; the annual municipal property tax is just one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. When finalizing the transaction, buyers should budget for standard closing costs, which typically encompass a transfer stamp tax of about one and a half percent of the declared value, alongside notary and registration fees that generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price. This affordable entry point allows investors to secure a slice of the southern Pacific coast before prices rise further.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this 1,500-square-meter flat lot in Pavones represents a highly strategic entry point into the southern Pacific zone of Costa Rica at a purchase price of 119,000 USD. This positions your land cost at approximately 79 USD per square meter, which sits well below the regional average for premium coastal parcels situated near world-class surfing beaches. The property is ideal for an investor looking to build a primary residence alongside a secondary guest casita, maximizing short-term rental income from visiting surfers while preserving personal privacy.
From a financial perspective, Costa Rica offers an incredibly favorable holding environment. The annual property tax is remarkably low, costing owners roughly one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value each year. When completing the purchase, buyers should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which includes notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that typically demands about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value. With only two lots currently available in this highly desirable neighborhood, the inventory scarcity provides a strong exit strategy, as undeveloped land near the beach continues to appreciate rapidly.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Living the Costa Rican dream is not merely about acquiring a piece of real estate; it is about embracing a profound shift in perspective and aligning your daily rhythm with the natural world. In Pavones, this lifestyle transition is both effortless and deeply transformative, offering an antidote to the frantic pace of modern life. Imagine waking up to the gentle symphony of the rainforest, where the morning breeze carries the scent of salt water and damp earth, and your first decision of the day is simply whether to paddle out into the warm Pacific swell or enjoy a quiet cup of locally grown coffee under the shade of your own almond trees. This region attracts a unique kind of global citizen—visionaries, surfers, creative professionals, and retirees who share a collective aspiration to live more deliberately and sustainably. Here, luxury is redefined not by ostentatious displays of wealth, but by the richness of your surroundings, the purity of the air you breathe, and the luxury of time. The local community is a warm, eclectic tapestry of friendly Ticos and international expats who value connection, environmental stewardship, and a shared love for the ocean. By establishing your home in this vibrant coastal enclave, you are not just buying land; you are securing a sanctuary where your mind can unwind, your body can rejuvenate, and your spirit can reconnect with what truly matters. It is a place where children can grow up exploring pristine tide pools, where remote work is balanced by mid-day surf sessions, and where evenings are spent gathering on the sand to watch the sky turn brilliant shades of amber and violet. This is the ultimate expression of the Pura Vida lifestyle—a daily existence rooted in wellness, adventure, and an uncomplicated harmony with nature. For those who have long dreamed of escaping the concrete jungle to build a legacy home in the tropics, this property represents the perfect canvas upon which to paint that future, offering the rare chance to design a custom sanctuary that honors the surrounding landscape while fulfilling your deepest personal aspirations for freedom, tranquility, and a life well-lived on the edge of the wild Southern Zone.
San José, San José
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
