
1 / 7Elevated high on a serene hillside in Estanquillos, within the highly desirable Atenas canton of Costa Rica, this contemporary residence delivers sweeping mountain vistas that stretch all the way to the Pacific coastline. Priced at USD 525000, the property offers an exceptional opportunity for North American buyers seeking a sophisticated, low-maintenance retreat in the world-renowned climate of the Central Valley. The architectural design maximizes the dramatic topography, offering a seamless flow across 240 square meters of modern construction. Set on a manageable 509-square-meter land parcel, this home provides the luxury of expansive ocean views without the burdensome upkeep of a massive estate, making it an ideal lock-and-leave sanctuary or a full-time residence.
The thoughtful layout features three spacious bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, ensuring optimal privacy and comfort for residents and visiting guests alike. At the heart of the outdoor living space, a pristine swimming pool serves as a central gathering point, perfectly positioned to capture the cool mountain breezes and golden coastal sunsets. From a financial perspective, owning this property is remarkably efficient. The annual property tax in Costa Rica is exceptionally low, hovering around one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value each year. Buyers should also budget for standard closing fees, which typically encompass a transfer stamp tax of about one and a half percent alongside notary and registry costs. This combination of architectural elegance, manageable land size, and favorable holding costs makes the Estanquillos estate a premier choice for discerning international investors.
Acquiring this contemporary Atenas residence is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the same fee simple ownership rights as local citizens. Located in the mountain-view region of Estanquillos rather than a restricted maritime zone, the property is held under secure, absolute ownership. At a purchase price of $525,000, this investment comfortably exceeds the national threshold for the residency-by-investment program, offering an established pathway to legal residency.
From a financial perspective, ongoing holding costs are remarkably low. The annual municipal property tax is highly favorable, calculated at one-quarter of one percent of the property's officially registered cadastral value. During the acquisition, buyers should anticipate closing transaction fees—which bundle notary services, government registration, transfer stamps, and legal representation—to total between two and four percent of the final purchase price. This clear legal framework ensures a transparent, secure transaction for North American investors.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This contemporary residence in Estanquillos, Atenas, offers 240 square meters of thoughtfully designed construction on a manageable 509-square-meter hillside homesite. Offered at USD 525,000, the property features three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, making it an ideal choice for buyers seeking modern comfort without the high maintenance of a massive estate.
The architectural design maximizes the dramatic natural elevation, directing focus toward the mountains and the Pacific coast. The primary suite and living areas transition to the outdoor spaces, where a private swimming pool serves as the centerpiece for outdoor relaxation. The terrace provides a vantage point for viewing the coastal horizon and the surrounding countryside.
Acquiring this property involves standard Costa Rican transaction costs, including a transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, alongside notary and registry fees that typically total between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership costs are highly favorable, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at just one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value.
This contemporary residence is situated in the peaceful countryside of Estanquillos, Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, a region celebrated globally for possessing one of the most desirable microclimates on earth. Positioned high on a scenic hillside within the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market, this property offers sweeping mountain vistas that stretch all the way to the Pacific coast. For North American buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this specific micro-location delivers a relaxed, rural pace of life while remaining exceptionally well-connected. The town center of Atenas is just a short drive away, providing convenient access to weekly organic farmers' markets, local dining, and essential medical services. Furthermore, its strategic central location means residents can easily drive to the premium shopping and private hospitals of Escazu, the international airport in Alajuela, or the warm sands of the Pacific beaches.
Choosing to invest in Atenas Costa Rica homes allows expatriates to transition seamlessly into a welcoming community of locals and international retirees. The local lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, fresh mountain air, and a low-maintenance footprint, as this property features a manageable 509-square-meter homesite that eliminates the burden of heavy agricultural upkeep. Beyond the lifestyle benefits, purchasing this home is a highly structured financial decision. Foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, which are identical to those held by Costa Rican citizens. The ongoing holding costs are remarkably low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Additional transaction costs, including the property transfer stamp tax and legal notary fees, generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price, making this an incredibly efficient and secure investment.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Priced at $525,000, this 240-square-meter contemporary residence in Estanquillos, Atenas, presents a highly efficient entry point into the Central Valley market. At approximately $2,187 per square meter of construction, the property offers competitive pricing for modern inventory featuring direct Pacific Ocean views. The manageable 509-square-meter land parcel minimizes ongoing maintenance costs, making it an ideal lock-and-leave investment for North American buyers seeking a seasonal retreat or a low-overhead rental property.
From an investment perspective, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom layout, complete with a private pool, is well-suited for the premium short-term vacation rental market, though it also commands strong appeal for stable, long-term expatriate tenants. Costa Rica’s favorable tax structure enhances the holding strategy; annual property taxes are exceptionally low, hovering around a quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. During the acquisition phase, buyers should budget for transaction costs, as the closing bundle—encompassing notary fees, registry filings, legal services, and stamps—typically ranges from two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value.
The ideal buyer profile is an investor or retiree seeking fee-simple ownership in a peaceful countryside setting without the physical and financial burdens of a massive acreage estate. With Costa Rica's growing popularity among remote professionals and retirees, securing a modern, ocean-view home in the temperate climate of Atenas offers a highly liquid asset with a clear exit strategy to future international buyers.
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Living in Estanquillos, Atenas, is about embracing a lifestyle where the natural rhythm of the Central Valley dictates a slower, more intentional pace of life. This peaceful countryside neighborhood is highly sought after by those who crave a serene escape from the frantic energy of major metropolitan areas, yet refuse to compromise on modern comforts. Here, the day begins with the soft rustle of mountain breezes and the distant calls of tropical birds, offering a daily reminder of the incredible biodiversity that defines Costa Rica. For the discerning buyer, this location represents the ultimate realization of a long-held aspiration: to own a piece of paradise where the dramatic mountain vistas seamlessly merge with the distant shimmer of the Pacific Ocean. It is a place where you can sit on your terrace, look out over the sweeping landscape, and feel an immediate sense of peace and accomplishment. The community of Atenas is world-renowned for having one of the most desirable climates on earth, characterized by warm, sunny days and pleasantly cool evenings that eliminate the need for constant air conditioning. This ideal weather encourages an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle, whether that means starting your morning with a refreshing swim in your private pool, hosting sunset gatherings with friends as the sky turns brilliant shades of orange and pink, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a book while gazing at the horizon. Buying a home in this specific region of Alajuela is not just a real estate transaction; it is a conscious decision to prioritize well-being, tranquility, and a deeper connection to nature. The manageable size of the property ensures that you spend your valuable time enjoying these breathtaking views and exploring the local culture rather than managing the endless chores of a sprawling estate. It appeals directly to remote professionals, retirees, and lifestyle investors who want a sophisticated, low-maintenance sanctuary that serves as a launching pad for adventure or a quiet haven for reflection. In Estanquillos, the dream of a balanced, fulfilling life in Costa Rica becomes an everyday reality.
Estanquillos, Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004