1 / 4This architectural estate introduces an elevated standard of modern living to the Central Valley, combining sophisticated design with the raw beauty of a private riverfront conservation parcel. Situated in the boutique community of El Sol within the Barrio Mercedes district of Atenas, the property spans a generous 12,141 square meters of land bordering the pristine waters of the Río Cacao. The residence itself encompasses 278.7 square meters of meticulously planned construction, offering a refined three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom layout. Designed to maximize its forested surroundings, the home integrates spacious indoor living areas with expansive outdoor spaces, centered around a private swimming pool that serves as the focal point for relaxation and entertainment. Every detail of this custom build emphasizes privacy and a direct connection to nature, where the gentle sound of the river and the presence of native wildlife, such as the resident toucans, create an incredibly peaceful atmosphere.
Offered at USD 829,000, this pre-construction opportunity allows buyers to secure a brand-new luxury home in one of the most desirable climates in the world. Beyond the physical beauty of the estate, acquiring real estate in Costa Rica offers a highly favorable ownership structure, as foreign buyers enjoy the same fee-simple property rights as local citizens. Ongoing holding costs remain exceptionally low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. When finalizing the purchase, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs—which encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps—typically totaling between two and four percent of the transaction price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately one and a half percent. This secure investment opportunity combines architectural elegance, ecological preservation, and financial practicality in a premier gated enclave.
Acquiring this newly built riverfront residence in the Central Valley is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the exact same fee simple ownership rights as local citizens. Because this property is located outside the maritime zone, you will hold outright, secure title to both the home and the three-acre parcel.
At a purchase price of $829,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the minimum threshold required to apply for Costa Rican residency under the investor category, providing a clear path to legal residency for you and your family.
During the transaction, buyers should anticipate closing expenses—covering notary services, registration fees, legal representation, and transfer stamps—that generally range between two and four percent of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership costs remain remarkably low compared to North American standards; the annual municipal property tax is calculated at just one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value, making this Atenas estate highly efficient to maintain over the long term.
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This newly constructed custom residence in Barrio Mercedes, Atenas, offers 278.7 square meters of sophisticated living space on an expansive 12,141-square-meter riverfront conservation lot. Positioned within the boutique gated community of El Sol, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home borders the tranquil Río Cacao. The architectural design emphasizes seamless indoor-outdoor integration, featuring a private swimming pool and a spacious terrace oriented toward the surrounding forest. Construction begins July 1st, allowing buyers to secure the residence in its initial phase.
For international buyers acquiring this USD 829,000 property, Costa Rica permits full fee-simple ownership. Ongoing ownership costs are highly favorable, with annual property taxes set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for closing transaction fees, which typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax of about 1.5 percent of the declared value, alongside legal, notary, and registry fees that generally total between 2 and 4 percent of the final purchase price.
This riverfront property is situated in Barrio Mercedes, Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, a region celebrated for possessing one of the most desirable microclimates in the world. Located in the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate sector, this boutique development, El Sol, offers an ideal balance of rural tranquility and modern convenience. Residents can easily access the town center of Atenas to visit the weekly outdoor market, or drive to the capital city of San José and the upscale amenities of Escazu for premium shopping and private hospitals. The Juan Santamaría International Airport is also within a highly convenient driving distance, making travel straightforward for North American owners. This strategic position between the metropolitan Central Valley and the Central Pacific beaches makes Atenas Costa Rica homes highly sought after by those looking to buy property in Costa Rica.
Living on this three-acre conservation lot along the Río Cacao allows for an immersive connection with nature. The surrounding forest canopy serves as a natural biological corridor, where you can regularly spot white-faced capuchin monkeys traveling through the trees or observe the brilliant plumage of nesting toucans. For buyers looking to buy property Costa Rica offers straightforward ownership laws, as foreigners enjoy the same fee-simple property rights as citizens. Financially, owning a home here is highly efficient. The annual municipal property tax is remarkably low, calculated at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Standard closing costs, which cover the notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps, generally range between two and four percent of the purchase price, while the property transfer stamp tax represents about one and a half percent of the transaction value. This stable tax environment, combined with the security of a gated community, makes this estate an exceptional choice for retirement, remote work, or long-term investment.
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At a purchase price of $829,000, this brand-new 278.7-square-meter custom residence offers a sophisticated entry point into the highly stable Atenas real estate market. Positioned on a massive 12,141-square-meter riverfront lot within the exclusive El Sol community, the property represents an exceptional value proposition when analyzed on a cost-per-square-meter basis for luxury new construction in the Central Valley. The expansive acreage provides a natural buffer that secures long-term privacy, a critical asset for capital appreciation.
For the investment-minded buyer, this property is ideal as a high-end seasonal rental or a primary executive residence. Costa Rica’s favorable tax structure enhances the holding outlook; annual property taxes are remarkably low, hovering around a mere quarter of a percent of the property's registered cadastral value. During the acquisition phase, buyers should anticipate standard closing fees, registry stamps, and notary costs, which typically bundle to between two and four percent of the transaction price. With construction commencing July 1st, early-phase buyers secure maximum equity growth potential by purchasing at the initial pricing tier before the local market reflects the completed home's premium valuation.
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To understand the true value of this estate, one must look beyond the physical boundaries of its three-acre lot and step into the coveted lifestyle that defines Barrio Mercedes. Nestled within the rolling hills of Atenas—a region globally celebrated for possessing one of the most perfect climates on earth—this property offers an daily existence dictated by the gentle rhythms of nature rather than the frantic pace of modern urban life. Here, your morning soundtrack is not the hum of traffic, but the soothing rush of the Río Cacao and the complex harmonies of exotic birds nesting in the surrounding canopy. This location appeals directly to the discerning buyer who aspires to strip away the unnecessary noise of the world and replace it with a life of quiet sophistication, privacy, and deep ecological connection. Living in this boutique enclave means enjoying the absolute peace of a secluded forest retreat while remaining just minutes from the warm, welcoming community center of Atenas, where local farmers' markets, charming cafes, and a rich cultural tapestry await. It is a place where successful individuals come to reclaim their time, cultivate their well-being, and establish a legacy estate that honors the natural world. This property represents the pinnacle of Central Valley living, designed specifically for those who demand architectural excellence but refuse to compromise on the soul-stirring beauty of their environment. By securing this home in its earliest phase, you are not merely purchasing real estate; you are claiming a front-row seat to a life of tranquil luxury, where the boundaries between your elegant indoor living spaces and the vibrant Costa Rican wilderness simply melt away. This is the ultimate sanctuary for the forward-thinking investor who seeks to balance a sophisticated, high-end lifestyle with the grounding, restorative power of a private riverfront conservation acreage.
Barrio Mercedes, Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
