1 / 60Positioned directly along the banks of the Baru River in the highly sought-after Dominical region, this modern two-bedroom cabin offers an exceptional entry point into the Costa Rican coastal market for USD 349000. Constructed just two years ago, the residence features high-quality wood craftsmanship designed to withstand the tropical climate while requiring minimal ongoing maintenance. The layout spans an impressive 1195 square meters of construction, situated on a generous 1173-square-meter land parcel that provides a private, natural buffer. The interior arrives fully furnished, allowing for an immediate transition into this riverside retreat. Outside, the gentle flow of the river dominates the sensory landscape, while a short two-kilometer walk brings you directly to the Pacific surf at Playa Dominical.
For international buyers, this property represents a secure investment opportunity. Costa Rica permits full fee-simple ownership for foreign nationals, meaning you hold the same direct property rights as a local citizen. Because this parcel sits inland along the river rather than on the immediate shoreline, it avoids the restrictive concession rules associated with the maritime zone, granting you outright title. When finalizing the purchase, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which bundle notary, registry, and legal fees into an amount typically representing two to four percent of the transaction price. Additionally, the property transfer stamp tax generally requires about one and a half percent of the declared value, while the ongoing annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the estate.
Situated along the banks of the Baru River in the Dominical canton, this modern two-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin offers a secure opportunity for foreign buyers seeking fee simple ownership outside of the restrictive maritime concession zones. Listed at USD 349000, the property features a 1195 m² high-quality wood construction completed just two years ago, designed specifically for longevity and minimal maintenance in the tropical climate. The residence sits on a flat 1173 m² parcel of land, providing a private buffer of green space.
Inside, the fully furnished home features a streamlined layout that maximizes the interior footprint. The construction showcases premium wood finishes throughout the living spaces and the two bedrooms, creating a warm, contemporary aesthetic. A short two-kilometer walk leads directly to the surf and shores of Playa Dominical.
From a transaction perspective, purchasing this registered property involves a standard transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, with total closing costs, including notary and registry fees, typically ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value.
Situated along the banks of the Baru River, this property offers a rare opportunity to buy property in Costa Rica that balances immediate access to raw nature with proximity to essential coastal amenities. Located in Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, the estate sits in a highly sought-after micro-location where the tropical rainforest directly meets the Pacific Ocean. This specific region is celebrated for its laid-back surf culture and preserved natural environment, making it a premier destination for buyers who prioritize authenticity and privacy over commercialized crowds. The property is positioned just two kilometers from the shores of Playa Dominical, allowing residents to easily transition from the quiet riverfront setting to world-class surf breaks, coastal dining, and local markets.
Living in this section of the Costa Ballena corridor enables a lifestyle centered on outdoor adventure, remote work, or peaceful retirement. The local microclimate is shaped by cool breezes moving off the Baru River and the ocean, tempering the tropical warmth. For daily conveniences, the neighboring town of Uvita is a short drive south, offering supermarkets, medical clinics, pharmacies, and bilingual schools. This makes real estate Dominical Costa Rica particularly attractive for international buyers looking for a functional base. When exploring property Uvita and the surrounding beaches, investors will find that this location provides the ideal starting point for exploring marine national parks or enjoying the active local community.
From a purchasing perspective, North American buyers looking at Costa Ballena homes can benefit from the country's favorable property laws. Costa Rica permits foreign buyers to secure fee simple ownership, granting the same property rights as citizens outside of protected maritime concession zones. When purchasing this titled land, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax calculated at approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. The comprehensive closing bundle—covering notary fees, registry filings, and legal services—generally ranges between two and four percent of the final purchase price. Additionally, ongoing ownership costs include an annual property tax determined by the registered cadastral value of the estate. At this price point, the investment may also serve as a pathway for those interested in the national residency-by-investment programs.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Acquiring this 1,173-square-meter riverfront parcel in Dominical presents a distinct entry point into the southern Pacific zone, where fee-simple ownership is fully permitted for foreign buyers outside of the restricted maritime concession zones. At a purchase price of $349,000 for the 1195-square-meter total construction, the property offers a highly competitive valuation per square meter compared to the rapidly escalating regional averages in the Dominical-Uvita corridor. The two-year-old, two-bedroom modern cabin is positioned well for buyers seeking an immediate rental income stream. Investors can leverage the property as a high-yield short-term vacation rental, capitalizing on the constant demand from travelers wanting to be within two kilometers of the world-class surf at Playa Dominical. Alternatively, the low-maintenance wood construction makes it an ideal long-term rental or a personal lock-and-leave retreat.
From a market timing perspective, purchasing at this price point allows buyers to utilize Costa Rica’s residency-by-investment pathways, which grant legal status based on property acquisition thresholds. When structuring your exit strategy or initial purchase, expect standard transaction costs, including a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle covering legal, notary, and registry fees that typically ranges from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, with annual property taxes calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. This asset represents a liquid, versatile investment in one of the most resilient coastal markets in Central America.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Acquiring this contemporary Baru Riverfront cabin is a straightforward process for North American buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the same fee simple ownership rights as citizens, allowing you to hold the deed to this 1,173-square-meter property directly in your own name or through a local corporation. Because the home sits near the riverbanks of Dominical rather than directly on the restricted maritime shoreline, it avoids the leasehold complexities of concession land.
At a purchase price of $349,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the country's financial threshold for residency-by-investment programs, offering an official pathway to legal residency. During the transaction, buyers should anticipate closing costs—covering notary fees, registry stamps, and legal transfers—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard property transfer tax. Ongoing ownership costs remain highly manageable, with annual municipal property taxes calculated as a small fraction of the home's registered cadastral value.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Embracing the lifestyle of Dominical, Puntarenas, means immersing yourself in a coastal culture where the rhythm of the tides and the gentle flow of the Baru River dictate your daily schedule. This region of Costa Rica is globally renowned for its laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, attracting surf enthusiasts, wellness seekers, and nature lovers who share a common desire to reconnect with the essentials of life. From this riverfront vantage point, your mornings can begin with a peaceful cup of local coffee on your deck as the jungle canopy comes alive with the sounds of toucans and howler monkeys, followed by a quick two-kilometer trip down the road to experience the legendary, world-class surf breaks of Playa Dominical. The town itself is a vibrant tapestry of organic farmers' markets, open-air beachfront cafes, yoga studios, and eclectic restaurants where locals and international expatriates mingle effortlessly. Living here satisfies a deep aspiration for balance, offering a seamless transition from productive remote work sessions in your modern home to spontaneous afternoon swims in the ocean or quiet sunset walks along the shoreline. It is a place where wellness is not just a trend but a daily practice, and where the natural environment serves as an extension of your living room. For the discerning buyer, this property represents more than just a real estate acquisition; it is an invitation to transition away from the frantic pace of metropolitan life and step into a healthier, more intentional existence defined by clean air, warm waters, and an authentic community spirit.
Dominical, Puntarenas
Dominical, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
