Mountain view
1 / 64This commanding architectural estate redefines luxury living on the east side of San José, elevated within the highly secure, gated community of Guayacan Real in the prestigious Colinas de Montealegre enclave. Positioned in the desirable Tres Ríos district of the La Unión canton, this stately residence commands a generous 1,500 square meters of beautifully manicured land. The property centers around a grand 600-square-meter main residence, constructed in 2002, which serves as a masterclass in timeless design. Flooded with natural light through expansive windows, the home features five spacious bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half-baths, offering an exceptional layout for both private relaxation and sophisticated entertaining.
Offered at USD 1,300,000, this estate represents a premier acquisition for North American buyers seeking an established luxury footprint in the Central Valley. The physical layout of the residence maximizes the temperate climate of the region, seamlessly connecting grand indoor living spaces with the manicured grounds. Costa Rican law permits foreign buyers to secure this property with full fee-simple ownership rights, ensuring your title is registered with the same legal protections as a citizen. When finalizing your acquisition, expect standard closing costs—including notary fees, registry stamps, and legal services—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately one and a half percent of the declared value. This remarkable estate stands as a secure, enduring asset in one of the country's most exclusive residential corridors.
This stately residence in the district of Tres Ríos, within the canton of La Unión, represents a premier investment in Costa Rica's Central Valley. Spanning 600 square meters of meticulously crafted construction, the home is situated on a generous 1500-square-meter land parcel. Built in 2002 with timeless architectural design, the property features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms. The interior layout maximizes natural light throughout the spacious living areas, creating an open and inviting atmosphere.
Located within Guayacan Real, an exclusive gated community in the prestigious Colinas de Montealegre enclave, the property offers secure, high-end neighborhood infrastructure. For international buyers, Costa Rica permits full fee-simple ownership of this property, as it sits outside the maritime concession zones that govern coastal strips.
Acquiring this USD 1,300,000 estate involves standard transactional costs, including a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value, alongside a closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically ranges from 2 to 4 percent of the purchase price. Ongoing annual property taxes are assessed directly on the registered cadastral value. Due to the investment threshold of this purchase, buyers may also qualify to apply for the national residency-by-investment program.
This stately residence is situated in Tres Ríos, La Unión, Cartago, Costa Rica, a highly desirable micro-location within the eastern sector of the metropolitan area. Positioned inside the secure gates of the Guayacan Real community within the larger Colinas de Montealegre enclave, this property offers a distinct microclimate characterized by fresh mountain breezes and comfortable temperatures year-round. Buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica will find that this region balances peaceful suburban living with immediate access to essential urban amenities. The location provides convenient proximity to top-tier bilingual schools, modern shopping centers, fine dining, and comprehensive medical facilities, making it an ideal choice for families, remote executives, and retirees alike.
When exploring Central Valley Costa Rica real estate, discerning investors often compare the eastern suburbs to western hubs like Escazu homes or the warm valleys of Atenas Costa Rica homes. While those areas have their own distinct appeal, Tres Ríos, La Unión, Cartago, Costa Rica stands out for its lush green landscapes, cooler high-altitude climate, and highly secure gated neighborhoods. For those seeking to buy property Costa Rica offers a straightforward legal framework. Foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee simple ownership rights, meaning you can own this property outright in your own name or through a local corporation, just as you would in the United States or Canada. It is important to note that unlike coastal concession lands subject to leasehold structures, this Central Valley estate is fully titled. Standard transaction costs, including the property transfer stamp tax and the comprehensive closing bundle covering notary and registry fees, will apply, while ongoing annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value. This secure framework makes the estate an exceptional long-term investment.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this 600-square-meter estate in Tres Ríos represents a strategic entry into the high-demand Central Valley residential market at approximately $2,166 per square meter of construction. This pricing aligns competitively with premium gated enclaves in the eastern San José suburbs, where land values remain resilient due to scarcity. For the international investor, Costa Rica permits straightforward fee-simple ownership, granting foreign buyers the exact same property rights as local citizens without the restrictions found in coastal maritime concession zones.
The property is exceptionally well-suited for multinational executives or diplomatic families seeking a long-term lease, a segment that yields stable, high-caliber tenancy compared to volatile short-term vacation rentals. Buyers should budget between two to four percent of the $1,300,000 purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which encompasses notary, registry, and legal fees, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that typically averages about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs are minimized by an annual municipal property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. With the purchase price comfortably exceeding the country's investment threshold, buyers may also explore residency-by-investment pathways, making this an ideal timing-sensitive acquisition as regional demand for secure, luxury suburban estates continues to climb.
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Purchasing this estate in the gated community of Guayacan Real is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the exact same fee simple ownership rights as citizens. Because this property is located in the Central Valley highlands of Tres Ríos, Cartago, it is held under secure, registered fee simple title rather than the concession structures typical of beachfront maritime zones.
With a purchase price of $1,300,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the government's established financial threshold for the residency-by-investment program, allowing you to apply for legal residency in Costa Rica. During the acquisition, buyers should anticipate closing costs—which encompass legal fees, notary services, registry charges, and transfer stamps—to total between two and four percent of the transaction value. Ongoing ownership expenses include a modest annual property tax calculated directly from the home's registered municipal value.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living in the prestigious Colinas de Montealegre enclave of Tres Ríos represents the pinnacle of Central Valley sophistication, offering an aspirational lifestyle that effortlessly balances natural serenity with urban convenience. Situated on the scenic eastern side of San José, within the highly sought-after canton of La Unión in Cartago, this region is celebrated for its refreshing mountain breezes, temperate year-round climate, and dramatic valley views. For the discerning buyer, acquiring a home in the exclusive Guayacan Real gated community is not merely a real estate transaction; it is an entry into an elite social circle and a commitment to a life of quiet luxury. Here, the mornings begin with panoramic vistas of mist-shrouded peaks and the gentle rustle of lush tropical foliage, while the evenings are defined by the twinkling lights of the valley below. This location appeals directly to high-achieving professionals, diplomats, and international investors who demand absolute privacy, top-tier security, and immediate access to the finest amenities the metropolitan area has to offer.
The lifestyle here is tailored for those who appreciate the finer things in life, from weekend golf outings and gourmet dining to elite education for their children. Living in Tres Ríos means you are positioned just moments away from premier private schools, upscale shopping centers, and a diverse culinary scene that rivals any major global city, yet you remain cocooned in a peaceful, secure sanctuary. The architectural grandeur of this five-bedroom estate reflects the high aspirations of its residents, providing an expansive canvas for both grand-scale entertaining and intimate family living. The generous fifteen-hundred-square-meter parcel offers ample outdoor space to breathe, relax, and soak in the natural beauty of Cartago, while the six-hundred-square-meter residence stands as a testament to timeless elegance and success. For international buyers looking to establish a permanent footprint or a prestigious seasonal retreat in Costa Rica, this property fulfills every desire for status, comfort, and peace of mind. It represents the ultimate fusion of Costa Rican natural beauty and modern, high-end suburban living, making it one of the most coveted addresses in the entire Central Valley region.
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Tres Ríos, La Unión, Cartago