Jaco Beach Multi-Unit Investment: Ocean-View Penthouse, 6 Apartments & Retail Steps from the Sand

Acquiring this multi-unit Jaco Beach property provides foreign buyers with secure fee simple ownership rights, which are identical to the property rights enjoyed by local Costa Rican nationals. Because this building is situated one block from the sand rather than directly on the restricted maritime shoreline, you receive full, outright ownership. At a purchase price of $1,490,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the minimum financial threshold required to apply for Costa Rica’s residency-by-investment program, offering a direct pathway to legal residency.

During the acquisition process, buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically encompass notary fees, registration fees, and legal stamps, generally totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, the property transfer stamp tax accounts for approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the building.

This five-story multi-unit building in Jaco, Garabito, offers 1,200 square meters of high-quality construction on a 682-square-meter lot, priced at USD 1,490,000. The concrete structure is designed for durability and low maintenance, featuring a brand-new elevator that services all five levels. On the top floor, a premium two-bedroom penthouse serves as a private owner’s residence, complete with en-suite bathrooms, a modern kitchen, and an open living area. Large windows frame views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains.

The lower floors contain six fully furnished apartments, providing a total of 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms across the entire property. The residential mix includes one studio, two one-bedroom units, and two three-bedroom apartments. On the ground level, a large commercial retail space offers direct street frontage. Outdoor living is centered around private balconies and terraces that capture the coastal breeze.

For international buyers, Costa Rica permits fee-simple property ownership. Buyers should note that annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the property, rather than the purchase price. Standard closing costs, which cover notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, typically range from two to four percent of the transaction value.

Situated in the heart of Jaco, Garabito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, this multi-unit property offers an exceptional opportunity to secure a premium asset in one of the country's most dynamic coastal hubs. Located just one block from the sand, the building places residents and guests steps from the Pacific Ocean while maintaining immediate access to the vibrant town center. This specific micro-location combines the convenience of walkable beach access with the infrastructure of a thriving seaside community, making it highly attractive for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica. The region is known for its consistent warm climate, excellent surfing, and robust tourism, which supports a variety of lifestyles from active retirement to remote work and hands-on commercial investment.

For buyers exploring real estate Jaco Costa Rica, the regional market offers distinct advantages. Garabito is a key part of Costa Rica's diverse property landscape, blending local coastal character with nationwide buyer appeal. This beach property Jaco represents a versatile investment, particularly for those comparing Playa Hermosa homes for sale who desire a more central, income-generating asset. From a legal and financial perspective, international buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, which are identical to those of Costa Rican citizens. When acquiring this property, buyers should note that the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land and building. Additional transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax, which typically amounts to approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, alongside a standard closing bundle covering registry, notary, and legal fees that generally ranges from 2% to 4% of the final purchase price.

This multi-unit building in Jaco presents a highly versatile investment structure, combining a two-bedroom penthouse, six distinct apartments, and a ground-floor commercial space. Investors can optimize cash flow by deploying a hybrid rental strategy: utilizing the studio, one-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments for high-yield short-term vacation rentals, while leasing the retail space to a commercial tenant for steady, long-term income. Priced at $1,490,000 for 1,200 square meters of construction, the property is positioned at approximately $1,241 per square meter. This represents an exceptionally competitive entry point for fee-simple, titled real estate situated just one block from the Pacific Ocean, especially when compared to the higher per-square-meter averages of single-family luxury villas in the Jaco and Los Sueños region.

The ideal buyer profile is an active investor or a multi-generational family seeking a primary residence with built-in cash flow. From a tax perspective, Costa Rica offers a favorable environment; annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the property, keeping ongoing carrying costs predictable. Buyers should anticipate transaction costs, as the property transfer stamp tax typically requires about 1.5% of the declared value, with the comprehensive closing bundle—covering notary, registry, and legal fees—generally ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. With Costa Rica’s residency-by-investment program accessible at this purchase threshold, timing is ideal for buyers looking to secure a foothold in a mature, highly liquid coastal market that offers a clear exit strategy to future institutional or private buyers.

Investing in this premier coastal asset unlocks the quintessential Jaco lifestyle, a coveted blend of tropical relaxation and high-energy beachside living that draws visitors and expats from all corners of the globe. Situated in the heart of Garabito within the Puntarenas province, this property positions its residents and guests just steps from the soft volcanic sands of one of Costa Rica’s most famous surf destinations. Here, the daily rhythm is dictated by the tides and the spectacular Pacific sunsets. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of crashing waves, stepping out to grab a locally roasted pour-over coffee at a nearby sidewalk café, and spending the afternoon surfing, sportfishing, or exploring the lush rainforest canopy of the surrounding mountains. As night falls, the town transforms into a culinary and social hub, offering world-class dining, live music, and a sophisticated nightlife scene that rivals major metropolitan areas, all while maintaining a laid-back, barefoot-luxury coastal vibe.

For the aspirational buyer, this multi-unit building represents more than just a real estate transaction; it is a gateway to financial independence and a curated lifestyle transition. Whether you envision yourself living in the crown-jewel penthouse, watching the sun dip below the ocean horizon from your private terrace while your ground-floor commercial space and mid-level apartments generate consistent passive income, or operating the entire complex as a boutique hospitality brand, this property fulfills the ultimate dream of tropical entrepreneurship. It caters perfectly to the modern digital nomad, the retiring executive, or the savvy portfolio investor looking to capitalize on Costa Rica’s booming tourism market. Owning a substantial footprint in this dynamic enclave allows you to immerse yourself in the warm, welcoming local culture and the famous "Pura Vida" philosophy, all while securing a tangible, income-producing legacy asset in one of the most stable and sought-after coastal markets in Central America.