1 / 28This expansive 19263 m² parcel in the highly desirable Lagunas area near Dominical redefines the possibilities of coastal development, offered at USD 485000. While most elevated ocean-view properties in this region dictate your architectural footprint with steep, challenging terrain, this massive estate stands out with its exceptionally rare, nearly flat, and entirely usable topography. Buyers secure a vast, ready-to-build canvas capable of hosting a grand multi-structure family compound with private guest casitas, a high-end boutique hotel, or a strategic land subdivision for future resale.
From this elevated vantage point, the sensory experience is unmatched. Cool mountain breezes sweep across the clearing as your eyes trace the dramatic coastline. The property commands sweeping, panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean stretching south toward Dominical, alongside dramatic views of the surrounding mountain ridges. By constructing a elevated viewing deck, you can capture prized whitewater coastal views looking north toward Manuel Antonio, creating a perfect venue for watching the sun sink directly into the sea.
Acquiring this real estate is straightforward, as international buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of local citizens. When planning your acquisition, anticipate a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value. The complete closing bundle—encompassing notary fees, registry charges, legal services, and municipal stamps—typically ranges between 2% and 4% of the final purchase price. Additionally, ownership requires a modest annual property tax based on the registered cadastral value of the land, and this investment level can serve as a pathway for those exploring residency-by-investment programs.
This expansive lot in the Dominical area is priced at USD 485000 and spans a rare 19263 m² of almost entirely flat, usable terrain. Situated at an elevated vantage point in the desirable Lagunas community, the property offers a massive buildable footprint that is highly unusual for this mountainous region. The topography easily accommodates a sprawling main estate alongside multiple guest casitas, a boutique hospitality project, or a strategic land division for future resale.
From this unique ridge, future residents will enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean stretching south toward Dominical, alongside sweeping mountain vistas. The natural elevation provides the perfect foundation to construct a multi-level home or a dedicated sunset viewing deck, which would capture prized whitewater coastal views extending north toward Manuel Antonio.
Acquiring this real estate involves standard Costa Rican transaction costs, including a property transfer stamp tax that typically requires about 1.5% of the declared transaction value. Buyers should also budget for a comprehensive closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees, which generally totals between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Additionally, owners are subject to an annual property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land.
Situated in the highly desirable mountain community of Lagunas, just minutes above the coastal hub of Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, this rare acreage offers an unparalleled microclimate where cool mountain breezes meet warm Pacific air currents. This specific region of the Costa Ballena is famous for its dramatic topography, where steep, rainforest-covered mountains plunge directly into the ocean. While many parcels in this area require extensive terracing and engineering, this unique property features almost entirely flat, usable land at a high elevation. This rare terrain makes it an exceptional choice for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica, whether your goal is to build a private family compound with guest casitas, establish a boutique eco-lodge, or subdivide the parcel for partial resale.
Living in this portion of the Costa Ballena puts you in the perfect position to enjoy a balanced, active lifestyle. The nearby town of Dominical is a laid-back surf village where the rainforest meets the Pacific, highly prized by international buyers seeking authenticity over commercial crowds. Within a short drive down the paved mountain road, you can access the world-class surf breaks of Playa Dominical, organic cafes, and local farmers markets. To the south, the commercial center of Uvita provides essential amenities including supermarkets, private schools, and medical clinics, making property Uvita options highly complementary to this mountain retreat. For health emergencies, regional medical facilities are accessible along the paved Costanera Highway, while international travel is facilitated via the regional airport in Quepos or the primary international airport in San José.
Acquiring real estate Dominical Costa Rica is a straightforward process for North American buyers, as the country permits fee-simple ownership for foreigners outside of restricted maritime concession zones. When purchasing these Costa Ballena homes and lots, buyers should plan for closing costs that typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, along with registry fees, notary fees, and legal stamps that generally bring the total closing bundle to between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Additionally, property owners are subject to an annual property tax calculated on the registered cadastral value of the land, and this investment level may help buyers qualify for the country's residency-by-investment program.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This 19,263-square-meter parcel in Lagunas represents a highly strategic acquisition for developers or high-net-worth buyers targeting the Dominical-Uvita corridor. Priced at $485,000, the property offers an exceptionally competitive entry point of approximately $25 per square meter. This valuation is particularly compelling given that the acreage is almost entirely flat and usable—a rare topographical feature at this elevation that significantly reduces site preparation and retaining wall costs.
The estate’s unique layout supports a compound-property design, allowing an investor to construct a primary residence alongside independent guest casitas. This configuration maximizes short-term rental income potential, as premium ocean-view villas in this region command high occupancy rates from North American travelers. Alternatively, the flat terrain allows for a boutique hotel development or a strategic land segregation for partial resale, providing a clear exit strategy.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits secure, fee-simple ownership outside of restricted maritime zones. Transaction costs are transparent; buyers should budget approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value for the property transfer stamp tax, with the total closing bundle—encompassing notary, registry, legal fees, and stamps—typically ranging between 2 and 4 percent of the purchase price. Annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value. Additionally, this purchase price exceeds the threshold required to apply for the country’s residency-by-investment program, offering a direct path to legal residency for the ideal buyer seeking a long-term foothold in a robust, appreciating market.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Acquiring this premium ocean-view acreage in Lagunas is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreign nationals the exact same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Because this property sits safely outside the restricted maritime zone, you will hold secure, absolute ownership of the land.
During the acquisition, you should anticipate total closing expenses—which bundle the legal fees, notary services, state registry filings, and the property transfer stamp tax—to range between two and four percent of the final purchase price. Once the transaction is complete, maintaining the estate is remarkably affordable, with annual property taxes calculated at a very low fraction of the registered cadastral value. Furthermore, because the purchase price of $485,000 comfortably exceeds the national investment threshold, securing this real estate qualifies you and your immediate family to apply for official Costa Rican residency.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living in the hills of Lagunas, just minutes from the vibrant coastal hub of Dominical, offers a lifestyle defined by a rare harmony between raw, untamed nature and sophisticated coastal living. This region of Puntarenas is world-renowned for its dramatic where-the-mountains-meet-the-sea topography, drawing a discerning class of global citizens who seek an antidote to the frantic pace of modern metropolitan life. Here, your morning routine is dictated not by alarms, but by the gentle crescendo of the Pacific surf echoing up the valley and the call of toucans nesting in the canopy. It is a place where wellness is not a luxury trend but a daily practice, facilitated by clean ocean breezes, organic local markets, and an outdoor-centric culture that revolves around world-class surfing, hiking, and exploring hidden waterfalls. For the aspirational buyer, this property represents the ultimate canvas upon which to paint a legacy of mindful luxury, offering the space and serenity to disconnect from the noise of the world while remaining deeply connected to a warm, welcoming international community. Whether your vision of paradise involves practicing yoga on a private deck as the sun dips below the horizon toward Manuel Antonio, or hosting intimate gatherings under the stars with ingredients sourced from your own tropical gardens, this location elevates the everyday into something extraordinary. Acquiring this land is more than a real estate transaction; it is a conscious decision to align your lifestyle with the natural rhythms of Costa Rica's southern zone, securing a sanctuary where your family can thrive, create lasting memories, and experience a profound sense of peace and freedom for generations to come.
Dominical, Puntarenas
Dominical, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
