1 / 34Acquiring a significant footprint in the rapidly appreciating corridor of the southern Pacific coast is now within reach for discerning North American buyers. This expansive parcel of land spans 24,281 square meters of entirely flat, fully usable terrain, offering an exceptional canvas for a custom estate or a boutique residential compound. Positioned in the tranquil Matapalo district within the canton of Matapalo, this prime acreage is offered at USD 199,000. The property benefits from immediate, modern infrastructure, including direct access via a newly paved road, connection-ready electricity, municipal water, and high-speed fiber-optic internet. Physical boundaries enhance the secure, natural character of the site, with a thriving eco-resort bordering one side and a working farm on the other. A short walk to the end of the road reveals a dramatic thirty-foot waterfall, while the pristine sands of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo are reachable in just a few minutes.
From an investment perspective, purchasing this real estate grants foreign buyers the security of fee-simple ownership rights, identical to those enjoyed by Costa Rican citizens. Ongoing ownership costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. When structuring your acquisition, budget for a closing bundle that encompasses notary, registry, and legal fees, which typically ranges between two and four percent of the final purchase price, alongside a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. This unique tract of land combines immediate development readiness with long-term financial efficiency in one of the region's most promising investment sectors.
This premium parcel in Matapalo, Matapalo, spans 24,281 m² of completely flat, highly usable terrain priced at USD 199,000. The property provides an exceptional canvas for development, bordered on one side by a thriving eco-resort and on the other by a functioning farm. Infrastructure is already in place to support immediate construction, featuring direct access from a newly paved road, connection-ready electricity, municipal water, and high-speed fiber-optic internet.
The natural topography is complemented by proximity to local landmarks. A thirty-foot waterfall sits at the end of the access road, while the pristine sands of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo are located just minutes away.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits secure fee simple ownership under the same constitutional rights as citizens. Buyers should note that annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land. Standard closing costs, which encompass the property transfer stamp tax alongside notary, registry, and legal fees, typically range from 2% to 4% of the final purchase transaction value.
Positioned within the serene enclave of Portalón, this expansive 24,281-square-meter parcel offers a rare combination of flat, fully usable terrain and exceptional connectivity. Located in Matapalo, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the property sits strategically between the established tourism hub of Manuel Antonio and the surf-centric community of Dominical. This specific micro-location provides a peaceful rural atmosphere while remaining highly accessible via a newly paved road. Modern infrastructure is already in place, featuring direct access to electricity, high-speed fiber-optic internet, and a reliable water supply, making it an ideal canvas for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica for immediate development, remote work, or long-term investment.
The surrounding neighborhood balances agricultural heritage with ecological preservation. The land is bordered by an active local farm on one side and a thriving eco-resort on the other, ensuring a tranquil environment rich in native flora and fauna. Residents can easily access a spectacular 30-foot waterfall located at the end of the road, while the pristine coastlines of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo are only a short drive away. This location also places owners just five minutes from the newly acquired festival grounds near Hatillo, offering convenient access to local cultural events.
As part of the highly desirable Costa Ballena homes market, this property represents a secure entry point into the Southern Pacific region. For international buyers exploring real estate Dominical Costa Rica or searching for property Uvita, this lot provides fee-simple ownership rights, which are fully granted to foreigners outside of restricted maritime zones. When acquiring this land, buyers should anticipate standard transaction costs, including a property transfer stamp tax that generally amounts to about 1.5% of the declared value, alongside a closing bundle covering legal, registry, and notary fees that typically ranges from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. This makes the property an efficient, low-overhead asset within the competitive landscape of Matapalo, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This 24,281-square-meter parcel in Portalón represents a highly strategic acquisition for buyers seeking to capitalize on the region's expanding tourism corridor. Priced at $199,000, the land is valued at just over $8 per square meter, a remarkably competitive entry point compared to the steeper averages found in nearby Manuel Antonio or Dominical. This pricing structure offers an exceptional margin for investors planning to develop a primary residence alongside multiple guest casitas for the short-term rental market. The property's flat, usable topography and immediate access to fiber-optic internet and electricity significantly reduce initial development costs, accelerating the timeline to generate rental income.
The ideal buyer is an investor or developer looking to capture demand from the nearby festival site near Hatillo and the adjacent eco-resort. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership rights. When structuring your investment, expect closing costs, including notary, registry, and legal fees, to range between two and four percent of the purchase price, with transfer stamp taxes typically accounting for about one and a half percent of the transaction value. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, as annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land. This low-overhead structure, combined with the rapid development of the surrounding Matapalo area, supports a highly viable exit strategy focused on mid-term capital appreciation or the resale of a completed multi-dwelling boutique estate.
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Acquiring this premium parcel in Portalón is a straightforward process for North American buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the same fee simple ownership rights as citizens for inland properties. Because this land sits outside the restricted maritime zone, you can hold the deed directly in your own name or through a local corporation. At a purchase price of $199,000, this acquisition also positions you well over the financial threshold required to apply for Costa Rican residency under the investor category.
During the transaction, you should anticipate closing expenses—encompassing notary fees, registration duties, and legal stamps—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price, with the property transfer stamp tax specifically accounting for approximately one and a half percent of the declared value. Once the purchase is complete, your ongoing carrying costs remain remarkably low. The annual property tax is calculated as a small fraction of the property’s registered cadastral value, rather than its market price, ensuring that holding this expansive acreage is highly cost-effective over the long term.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Embracing the lifestyle of this coastal sanctuary means immersing yourself in a daily rhythm dictated by the tides, the gentle rustle of palm fronds, and the calls of exotic birds echoing from the nearby jungle canopy. Living in this coveted pocket of Puntarenas offers an unparalleled connection to nature, where the pristine, sun-drenched sands of Playa Linda and Playa Matapalo are just minutes from your front door. Imagine starting your mornings with a peaceful walk along these expansive, uncrowded beaches, watching the Pacific surf roll in, and ending your days witnessing some of the most spectacular sunsets in Central America. The surrounding community perfectly balances this serene, laid-back coastal charm with a vibrant, artistic energy, particularly with the excitement of the nearby festival site bringing a touch of modern cultural dynamism to the region. It is a place where wellness, adventure, and tranquility coexist, allowing you to cultivate a lifestyle of mindful relaxation, whether you are surfing the local breaks, exploring the hidden waterfall at the end of the road, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of your own private estate.
For the forward-thinking buyer, this property represents the ultimate canvas upon which to project your highest aspirations of tropical living. Whether you envision designing a striking contemporary villa that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment, establishing an eco-conscious retreat next to the neighboring resort, or building a private family sanctuary where multiple generations can gather, this expansive, flat land provides the physical freedom to bring those dreams to life. Purchasing here is not merely an acquisition of real estate; it is an investment in a legacy of wellness, freedom, and connection to the earth. It appeals to the visionary who seeks to step away from the frantic pace of modern metropolitan life and step into a self-designed paradise where luxury is defined by space, privacy, and natural beauty. By securing this rare piece of Costa Rican paradise, you are choosing a life of inspired living, where the boundary between indoor luxury and outdoor adventure dissolves completely.
Matapalo, Matapalo, Puntarenas
Matapalo, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
