1 / 30This newly constructed residence in the Atenas canton of the Central Valley brings a sophisticated European sensibility to the Costa Rican highlands. Offered at USD 649000, the property spans 222.97 square meters of meticulously designed construction that blends French elegance with Mediterranean architectural lines. The layout features a main house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by an attached guest studio that functions as a private fourth bedroom suite. Vaulted ceilings, clean lines, and natural textures define the breezy indoor living spaces, which transition seamlessly to the outdoor entertainment areas. Outside, a solar-heated swimming pool serves as the centerpiece of the manicured grounds, offering a private oasis with expansive mountain views. Situated within a boutique residential community, the home sits less than fifteen minutes from the amenities of downtown Atenas, a region celebrated for possessing one of the most desirable climates in the world.
For North American buyers, purchasing this property is straightforward, as Costa Rica permits foreign nationals to hold fee-simple ownership. The ongoing carrying costs are remarkably favorable compared to US and Canadian markets. The annual property tax, known locally as the impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles, is approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value each year. When completing the transaction, buyers should anticipate a property transfer stamp tax of about 1.5 percent of the declared value, with the total closing bundle—encompassing notary fees, registry filings, and legal stamps—typically ranging between 2 and 4 percent of the purchase price.
Acquiring this Atenas property is a straightforward process for North American buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the same fee simple ownership rights as citizens. Because this home sits in the interior Central Valley rather than a restricted maritime zone, you receive direct, absolute ownership of the land and structures. The purchase price of $649,000 comfortably exceeds the country's investment threshold, making you eligible to apply for residency as an investor.
During the transaction, you should anticipate closing fees—covering notary services, registration, and legal stamps—totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard transfer tax of approximately one and a half percent. Once owned, the ongoing carrying costs are remarkably low. The annual municipal property tax is rated at just one-quarter of one percent of the home's registered valuation, ensuring your Mediterranean-inspired retreat remains highly cost-effective to maintain over the long term.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Casa Córcega represents a masterclass in new construction, spanning 222.97 m² of meticulously crafted living space in the highly desirable canton of Atenas. The architectural design fuses Mediterranean lines with French elegance, utilizing premium natural textures to establish a sophisticated, breezy indoor-outdoor flow. Inside the main residence, the layout features three refined bedrooms and two bathrooms, complemented by a fully integrated, attached guest studio that serves as the fourth bedroom. This self-contained studio provides exceptional privacy for visiting family or clients.
The heart of the home opens effortlessly to the outdoor living spaces, where a luxurious solar-heated swimming pool serves as the centerpiece for relaxation. Expansive terraces frame the manicured gardens, offering a serene venue to enjoy the temperate climate and scenic views of the Central Valley. Situated within a secure, boutique gated community less than fifteen minutes from downtown Atenas, this USD 649000 property combines peaceful seclusion with convenient access to local amenities.
For international buyers, purchasing this property yields distinct financial advantages. The annual municipal property tax is remarkably low, hovering around one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for standard closing costs, which typically encompass a transfer stamp tax of about one and a half percent of the transaction value, alongside legal, notary, and registry fees that generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price.
Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica is globally celebrated for possessing one of the most desirable microclimates on the planet, making it a premier destination for North American buyers looking to transition to a relaxed, countryside pace. When you buy property in Costa Rica, particularly within this highly sought-after sector of the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market, you gain access to an exceptional quality of life defined by dramatic mountain vistas and a welcoming, active community of both locals and international expats. This specific residence sits within a boutique community located less than fifteen minutes from downtown Atenas, providing quick access to the weekly farmer's market, known locally as the feria, where residents gather for fresh regional produce and artisan goods. The strategic positioning of Atenas Costa Rica homes ensures that while you enjoy a peaceful mountain retreat, you remain within a comfortable driving distance of the comprehensive medical facilities and shopping centers in the Central Valley, as well as the international airport in Alajuela and the beaches of the Pacific coast.
For those looking to buy property Costa Rica offers a highly favorable ownership structure, as foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple property rights on par with those of Costa Rican citizens. The financial aspects of acquiring this Mediterranean-inspired estate are equally appealing to savvy investors. The annual property tax, or impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles, is remarkably low, calculated at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value of the home each year. Additional transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax, which typically amounts to one and a half percent of the declared transaction value, alongside standard closing fees covering notary services, registry filings, and legal stamps that generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price. Furthermore, the investment level of this property positions buyers well within the threshold required to apply for the country's residency-by-investment program, making it an ideal choice for retirees, remote professionals, and lifestyle investors seeking a permanent foothold in Central Valley Costa Rica real estate.
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At a purchase price of $649,000 for 222.97 square meters of high-quality construction, Casa Córcega offers an attractive entry point into the Central Valley real estate market. This property is highly suited for North American buyers seeking a primary retirement residence or an income-producing asset. The layout, featuring a three-bedroom main house and an attached guest studio, allows owners to pursue a flexible rental strategy. You can occupy the primary residence while generating short-term rental income from the studio, or lease the entire compound to long-term expatriates seeking the temperate climate of Atenas.
From a financial perspective, holding costs in Costa Rica remain remarkably low compared to the United States and Canada. Annual property taxes are assessed at approximately a quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. During the acquisition phase, buyers should budget for standard closing fees, registry costs, and notary stamps, which typically bundle into two to four percent of the transaction price. With Costa Rica's residency-by-investment threshold currently set at $150,000, purchasing this property also positions buyers to apply for legal residency. This market timing is ideal as infrastructure expands outside San José, securing a stable exit strategy in a highly desirable, expat-friendly mountain community.
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Embracing the daily rhythm of Atenas means stepping into a lifestyle where the world’s finest climate is not just a slogan, but a tangible, everyday luxury. Nestled in the rolling hills of Alajuela within Costa Rica's famed Central Valley, this region has long captivated discerning international buyers who seek a harmonious balance between peaceful seclusion and vibrant community life. Living here allows you to wake up to gentle mountain breezes, sip world-class local coffee on your terrace, and spend your afternoons basking under the warm tropical sun beside your private pool. The local culture is warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in the "pura vida" philosophy, making it effortlessly simple for newcomers to integrate, establish lasting friendships, and find their own pace of life. For the aspiring expatriate, retiree, or remote professional, this location represents the ultimate sanctuary—a place where wellness, nature, and modern convenience converge.
Owning a home in this boutique neighborhood elevates your daily experience, offering an exclusive retreat that feels worlds away from the hustle of major metropolitan areas, yet keeps you less than fifteen minutes from the charming shops, organic farmers' markets, and diverse dining options of downtown Atenas. This strategic positioning satisfies the deep-seated desire for a private, secure haven without sacrificing accessibility to essential services, top-tier medical care, and the international airport. It is a setting that inspires a healthier, more intentional way of living, where outdoor recreation, fresh local cuisine, and mindful relaxation become the cornerstones of your new reality. By investing in this exceptional Central Valley property, you are not just purchasing real estate; you are claiming a coveted lifestyle defined by natural beauty, sophisticated comfort, and the enduring peace of mind that comes with living in one of the most desirable microclimates on earth.
Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
