1 / 18Set against a backdrop of mature, towering trees and rich tropical foliage, this newly constructed contemporary residence in Rio Grande, Atenas, offers an exceptional standard of private, modern living. Priced at USD 400,000, the property spans a generous 2,050 m² lot, providing a serene sanctuary that masterfully integrates with its natural Central Valley environment. The main house features a thoughtful layout of 177 m² of construction, containing 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Architectural highlights include expansive glass doors and oversized windows that flood the interior spaces with natural light, establishing a fluid transition between the indoor living areas and the covered terraces. Outside, a private swimming pool serves as the centerpiece for outdoor relaxation and entertainment, surrounded by the lush landscape of the Alajuela province.
For international buyers, Costa Rica offers highly favorable ownership structures, allowing foreigners to acquire this property with secure fee simple title. Ongoing ownership costs remain remarkably low; the annual municipal property tax is assessed at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. When finalizing the purchase, buyers should anticipate standard transaction fees, including a property transfer stamp tax of about 1.5% of the declared value, alongside a closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically ranges between 2% and 4% of the purchase price.
Purchasing this Rio Grande property is a straightforward process for international buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the same constitutional rights to land ownership as citizens, allowing you to hold this property under a secure fee-simple title. Because this home is located in the Central Valley rather than a maritime zone, you can own the land outright, either in your personal name or through a Costa Rican corporation.
The transaction involves standard closing costs, which generally bundle notary fees, registry fees, legal services, and stamps into an amount totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, a transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value applies. Once you own the home, the ongoing carrying costs are remarkably low; the municipal property tax is just a quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value annually. Furthermore, because the purchase price of this home is $400,000, it comfortably exceeds the $150,000 investment threshold required to apply for residency in Costa Rica under the investor category.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This newly constructed contemporary residence in Rio Grande, Atenas, spans 177 square meters of high-quality construction on a generous 2,050-square-meter lot. Built with modern materials that emphasize durability and clean lines, the home features expansive glass doors and oversized windows designed to flood the interior with natural light. The open-concept layout includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a primary suite that connects effortlessly to the outdoor living spaces.
The outdoor area centers around a private swimming pool, framed by mature trees and lush tropical vegetation. Covered terraces extend the living space outside, offering a shaded retreat to appreciate the natural landscape of the Central Valley.
Acquiring this property for USD 400,000 involves straightforward legal processes, as Costa Rica permits foreign buyers to hold fee-simple ownership. Future owners can expect an annual property tax rate of approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Additional transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax of about 1.5 percent of the declared value, with total closing fees, notary services, and registry stamps generally ranging between two and four percent of the purchase price.
Rio Grande, Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica provides an exceptional setting for North American buyers looking to secure a permanent residence or a high-performing investment. Positioned within the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market, this specific micro-location is celebrated globally for its temperate climate, which many consider to be among the best in the world. Residents here enjoy a relaxed countryside pace characterized by rolling mountain vistas and a welcoming community where local Costa Ricans and international expats live side by side. The weekly farmer's market, or feria, serves as a social hub, offering fresh local produce and artisan goods just minutes from your front door. Furthermore, the strategic geography of Atenas places homeowners within easy reach of the capital city of San Jose, the premium shopping and medical facilities of Escazu, and the sandy beaches of the Pacific coast.
Acquiring this contemporary 177-square-meter home on its private 2,050-square-meter lot represents a highly secure financial move. When you buy property in Costa Rica, you benefit from fee-simple ownership rights that grant foreign investors the exact same constitutional protections as local citizens. The ongoing cost of ownership for this Atenas Costa Rica homes selection is remarkably low; the annual municipal property tax is calculated at a mere one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. During the acquisition process, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs—covering notary fees, legal services, registry stamps, and a transfer tax—which typically range between two and four percent of the transaction price. This property, priced at USD 400,000, easily surpasses the financial threshold required to apply for the country's residency-by-investment program, making it an ideal choice for those planning a long-term relocation to the Central Valley.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This newly constructed Rio Grande property represents a highly strategic entry point into the Central Valley market. Priced at $400,000 for a 2,050-square-meter lot and 177 square meters of contemporary construction, the home sits at approximately $2,260 per square meter of construction. This pricing is highly competitive for Atenas, where modern builds with private pools routinely command a premium.
For the investment-minded buyer, this layout serves as an ideal primary residence or a high-performing mid-term rental targeting digital nomads and retirees seeking the famous Atenas climate. From a holding-cost perspective, Costa Rica offers an exceptionally favorable tax structure. The annual property tax is remarkably low, calculated at just one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. When finalizing the purchase, buyers should budget between two and four percent of the transaction price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which encompasses notary fees, registration, and legal stamps, alongside the standard transfer tax.
The ideal buyer is a North American expat or investor seeking a turnkey, low-overhead asset. With Costa Rica’s growing popularity, securing a modern home on over half an acre of land provides an excellent exit strategy, as finished, high-quality inventory in Rio Grande remains in consistently high demand.
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Living in Rio Grande, Atenas, represents the ultimate realization of the Costa Rican dream, where the concept of "Pura Vida" transitions from a vacation slogan into a tangible, daily reality. Nestled within the fertile Central Valley of Alajuela, this region is globally celebrated for possessing one of the most perfect climates on earth, characterized by year-round spring-like temperatures, gentle mountain breezes, and an abundance of warm, golden sunlight. For the discerning buyer, acquiring this contemporary estate is not merely a real estate transaction; it is an intentional lifestyle upgrade that prioritizes wellness, tranquility, and a deep connection to the natural world. Imagine waking up to the gentle symphony of exotic birds and the rustle of mature tropical trees swaying in the morning breeze, stepping out onto your expansive covered terrace to enjoy a cup of locally grown estate coffee while looking over your private swimming pool. This property appeals directly to the aspirations of active retirees, remote executives, and wellness-focused investors who seek a sanctuary where they can unplug from the frantic pace of modern metropolitan life without sacrificing sophisticated comforts. The generous two-thousand and fifty square meter lot provides a profound sense of seclusion and space, allowing you to cultivate your own private botanical oasis or simply bask in the quiet luxury of your lush surroundings. Here, the boundary between indoor sophistication and outdoor serenity is beautifully blurred, encouraging a healthier, more active lifestyle centered around outdoor dining, poolside relaxation, and mindful living. Furthermore, becoming a homeowner in Rio Grande places you within a warm, welcoming community that seamlessly blends authentic Costa Rican culture with a diverse, cosmopolitan expat population. You are positioned perfectly to enjoy the local farmers' markets overflowing with fresh organic produce, explore scenic mountain trails, or simply enjoy quiet afternoons in a region known for its slow, peaceful pace. This is a place where time slows down, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: health, family, and peace of mind. By investing in this modern tropical residence, you are not just purchasing a beautiful house; you are securing a legacy of wellness, a private retreat of unparalleled beauty, and a front-row seat to the very best lifestyle that Central Valley Costa Rica has to offer.
Rio Grande, Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
