1 / 29This exceptional real estate opportunity in the Garabito canton introduces a high-potential property designed for buyers seeking a custom renovation project in the heart of Jacó. Priced at USD 300000, this single-family house spans a generous construction footprint of 360 m² situated on a 358 m² land parcel. The existing layout features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, characterized by soaring high ceilings and remarkably spacious living areas that invite natural light and coastal breezes. The residence serves as an ideal canvas for investors looking to modernize a structurally sound home, with ample room on the lot to add a private plunge pool, lush tropical landscaping, or outdoor entertainment pavilions.
From an investment perspective, purchasing real estate in the Puntarenas province is highly secure, as Costa Rica permits foreign buyers to hold fee-simple ownership identical to the rights of citizens. For this inland Jacó property, ownership is fully registered in the national registry, avoiding the restrictive concession regulations associated with beachfront maritime zones. Buyers should anticipate an annual property tax rate of approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Additionally, the transaction involves a transfer stamp tax of about 1.5% of the declared value, with total closing costs, including notary and legal fees, generally ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. This property represents a premier entry point into one of the region's most active coastal markets.
This property represents a strategic entry point into the high-demand Jacó real estate market, priced at an competitive rate of $833 per square meter of construction. For North American investors, this acquisition aligns with Costa Rica’s foreign ownership laws, which permit fee-simple title registration identical to domestic citizens, bypassing the complex concession rules associated with maritime zones. The ideal buyer is a renovation-focused investor or a seasonal resident looking to capture short-term vacation rental income in a premier coastal hub, or transition the property into a long-term rental for local professionals.
The transaction carries predictable carrying costs, including an annual municipal property tax of approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should budget an additional one and a half percent for the property transfer stamp tax, alongside closing fees that typically range from two to four percent of the purchase price to cover notary, registry, and legal services. Acquiring this asset at the $300,000 threshold also positions buyers to explore the country's residency-by-investment programs. With Jacó's limited inventory of central, fee-simple land parcels, this 358-square-meter lot offers a clear exit strategy through future resale to premium buyers once the 360-square-meter structure is fully modernized.
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This property is situated in Jacó, Garabito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, a coastal hub known for its accessibility and strong infrastructure. Located within the central Pacific region, this town center sits approximately ninety minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela, making it highly convenient for international travelers. The local microclimate offers warm, tropical weather year-round, which supports an active outdoor lifestyle. Residents can easily access the nearby beach of Playa Hermosa, famous for its world-class surfing, as well as the modern medical clinics, supermarkets, and diverse dining options found directly within Jacó. The area attracts a mix of remote workers, retirees, and real estate investors looking to buy property in Costa Rica.
Garabito is part of Costa Rica's diverse property landscape, offering a balance of coastal convenience and long-term value. For those exploring Playa Hermosa homes for sale or general beach property Jaco, this location provides a solid foundation for a personal residence or a rental asset. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy the same fee-simple ownership rights as citizens for registered titled land, which is a major draw for North American investors. This is distinct from the concession rules that govern maritime zones directly on the shoreline.
When purchasing real estate Jaco Costa Rica, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically include a property transfer stamp tax of about 1.5% of the transaction value, alongside notary and registration fees that generally total between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Additionally, the annual municipal property tax is highly favorable, running at approximately a quarter percent of the registered cadastral value. This low tax structure, combined with the potential of a 358-square-meter lot and a 360-square-meter structure, makes this property an excellent entry point into the local market.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This two-bedroom single-family home in the Jacó district, within the Garabito canton, presents a premier renovation opportunity for buyers seeking a high-potential investment. Spanning a generous construction footprint of 360 square meters on a 358-square-meter land parcel, the structure features a highly functional layout characterized by spacious living areas and soaring high ceilings. The property is offered at USD 300000, representing an accessible entry point into one of the region's most active coastal markets.
The existing layout provides an excellent foundation for customization, allowing investors to select their own high-end materials, modern kitchen cabinetry, and premium bathroom fixtures during the updating process. The generous lot size offers ample space to develop private outdoor amenities, such as a custom plunge pool, a shaded terrace, or a landscaped tropical garden.
From a legal perspective, foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights in Costa Rica, meaning the property can be fully registered in your name or a personal holding corporation. Standard transaction costs include a transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value, alongside closing fees and notary services that generally range from 2 to 4 percent of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs are exceptionally low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of a percent of the registered cadastral value.
Acquiring this Jacó property is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreign nationals the same fee-simple ownership rights as citizens. Located outside the restricted maritime zone, this property offers secure, direct title registration in your name. To complete the transaction, buyers should budget for closing costs, which typically encompass notary fees, registry stamps, and legal duties totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. This includes a property transfer stamp tax of approximately one and a half percent of the declared value. Once owned, the annual holding costs are remarkably low, with municipal property taxes amounting to a mere quarter of a percent of the registered cadastral value each year. Furthermore, because the purchase price of three hundred thousand dollars exceeds the current national threshold for real estate investment, purchasing this home positions you to apply for official Costa Rican residency.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Embracing the lifestyle of Jacó means immersing yourself in a dynamic coastal environment where the energy of a thriving surf town meets the serene beauty of the Pacific Ocean. This region of Garabito, nestled within the scenic Puntarenas province, has evolved into Costa Rica’s premier destination for those who desire an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle without sacrificing modern conveniences. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of tropical birds, grabbing your surfboard for an early morning session on the warm waves of Jacó Beach, and then walking to a local café for a breakfast of fresh tropical fruits and locally roasted Costa Rican coffee. The town is celebrated for its diverse culinary scene, featuring everything from casual beachfront sodas serving traditional casado to upscale international bistros and lively craft breweries. For the adventurous soul, the surrounding landscape offers endless opportunities for exploration, from hiking through lush rainforest trails in search of hidden waterfalls to sportfishing in the rich offshore waters. As the sun sets, painting the sky in dramatic hues of orange and pink, the town comes alive with a sophisticated yet laid-back nightlife, offering live music, open-air lounges, and community gatherings that foster a deep sense of belonging.
For the aspiring buyer, this property represents far more than just a real estate transaction; it is the key to unlocking a coveted tropical lifestyle and securing a footprint in one of Central America’s most resilient and sought-after coastal markets. Whether your goal is to transition into a full-time resident, establish a seasonal retreat from the northern winters, or build a high-performing vacation rental, this location aligns perfectly with your highest aspirations. Investors and lifestyle buyers alike are drawn to Jacó because it offers the rare combination of raw natural beauty, robust local infrastructure, and exceptional accessibility. Owning a home here allows you to design a life of balance, where wellness, adventure, and relaxation coexist seamlessly. By taking on a property with such significant renovation potential, you have the unique opportunity to curate your own private sanctuary, tailoring every detail to reflect your personal aesthetic while capitalizing on the area's strong demand. This is your chance to step into the relaxed, Pura Vida lifestyle, establishing a legacy home in a warm, welcoming community that continues to capture the imagination of travelers and investors from around the globe.
Jacó, Jacó, Puntarenas
Jacó, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
