1 / 14Elevated above the warm lowlands in the temperate hills between Morazán and San Isidro, this contemporary architectural residence captures sweeping vistas of the Central Valley. Positioned at an altitude that naturally cools the air, the home delivers a tranquil mountain climate just ten minutes from the conveniences of downtown Atenas. Offered fully furnished for USD 398000, the property spans a manageable 222 m² land parcel, maximizing its footprint with a sophisticated 240 m² multi-level construction. The layout features three bedrooms and three bathrooms, designed to balance private retreats with open, view-centric social spaces. Large window walls frame the changing light over the valley, seamlessly connecting the polished interior finishes with the dramatic topography outside.
For international buyers, ownership is secured through fee simple titles, granting the same property rights enjoyed by Costa Rican citizens. Holding this real estate is remarkably cost-effective, as the annual municipal property tax is assessed at a low rate of approximately a quarter of a percent of the registered cadastral value. When finalizing the acquisition, buyers should anticipate standard closing expenses—including notary, registry, and legal stamps—which typically bundle into two to four percent of the transaction price. This turn-key Atenas home represents a refined, low-maintenance entry into the highland market, combining modern design with long-term financial efficiency.
Acquiring this contemporary Atenas residence is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law permits international buyers to hold fee simple title with the same secure ownership rights as local buyers. Located outside the restricted maritime zone, this property offers full, unrestricted deed ownership. Investors will appreciate the highly favorable carrying costs, which include an annual municipal property tax rate of approximately one-quarter of one percent based on the home's registered cadastral value.
During the acquisition, buyers should anticipate closing transaction fees—covering notary services, registration stamps, and legal representation—that typically total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard transfer tax of about one and a half percent. Furthermore, because the purchase price of $398,000 comfortably exceeds the national investment threshold, purchasing this home positions the buyer to apply for official residency status in Costa Rica.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This contemporary residence in the Atenas canton offers a sophisticated architectural footprint, delivering 240 m² of modern construction set on a 222 m² parcel. Priced at USD 398000, the property features a highly functional layout with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, sold fully furnished for an immediate transition. The interior design emphasizes clean lines and open spaces, highlighted by a modern kitchen and a spacious primary suite that maximizes the expansive views of the Central Valley.
The outdoor living spaces are designed to capitalize on the cooler, high-elevation climate of the hills between Morazán and San Isidro. Large windows and transition areas connect the indoor living quarters to the exterior, allowing residents to enjoy the natural breeze and panoramic mountain vistas.
For international buyers, Costa Rica provides secure fee-simple ownership rights. Ownership costs remain highly competitive, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for the standard closing bundle, which includes notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, typically totaling between two and four percent of the final purchase price.
Positioned in the peaceful hills between Morazán and San Isidro, this contemporary residence offers an exceptional opportunity to buy property in Costa Rica. Located in the canton of Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, the home sits in a region internationally celebrated for having one of the best climates in the world. This specific micro-location, elevated above the valley floor, provides cooler temperatures and a tranquil atmosphere while remaining a convenient ten-minute drive from downtown Atenas. Residents enjoy a relaxed countryside pace, characterized by weekly farmers' markets, known locally as ferias, and breathtaking mountain vistas. The community is highly favored for North American relocations due to its welcoming mix of Costa Rican locals and international expatriates. This central location within the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market provides a perfect balance, offering easy access to the capital city of San Jose, the premium shopping districts of Escazu, and the beaches of the Pacific coast.
For those looking to buy property Costa Rica offers a very straightforward acquisition process. Foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, which are identical to the property rights held by Costa Rican citizens. When purchasing Atenas Costa Rica homes like this one, buyers should anticipate transaction costs, including a property transfer stamp tax that generally amounts to one and a half percent of the declared value of the transaction. Additional closing expenses, covering notary fees, registration, and legal stamps, typically range between two and four percent of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership is highly affordable, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at a mere one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value, making this an ideal investment for retirement, remote work, or a seasonal mountain escape.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Priced at $398,000, this fully furnished 240-square-meter contemporary home sits on a 222-square-meter lot, offering a highly competitive entry point for the desirable Atenas region. The property presents a versatile investment profile, suited for premium long-term leasing to incoming expatriates or high-yield short-term rentals targeting travelers who seek the cooler elevations of the Central Valley.
Acquisition costs are exceptionally favorable compared to North American markets. Buyers can expect a annual municipal property tax rate of approximately a quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Standard closing fees, which bundle notary services, registry filings, legal representation, and stamps, generally range between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a transfer stamp tax of about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value.
This property is ideal for retirees, remote executives, or lifestyle investors seeking fee-simple ownership in a secure jurisdiction. With Costa Rica's residency-by-investment threshold set well below this purchase price, securing a permanent foothold in the country is highly achievable, though residency approval is subject to government processing. The robust demand for modern, turnkey homes just ten minutes from downtown Atenas ensures a highly liquid asset with a clear exit strategy to future international buyers.
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Living in the verdant, rolling hills between Morazán and San Isidro represents the ultimate realization of the Costa Rican dream, offering a daily lifestyle that feels both deeply connected to nature and effortlessly sophisticated. Atenas has long been celebrated by international tastemakers for possessing one of the most desirable climates on earth, but experiencing this climate from the elevated vantage point of this particular property elevates the daily routine into something truly extraordinary. Here, the typical tropical heat is tempered by gentle, refreshing mountain breezes that sweep across the Central Valley, creating an outdoor-centric lifestyle where your terrace becomes the primary living room. Imagine waking up to the soft, golden light filtering through the valley mist, sipping estate-grown Costa Rican coffee on your private balcony while listening to the symphony of exotic birds, and watching the landscape transform as the sun climbs over the distant peaks. This is a place where wellness is not a goal but a natural byproduct of your environment, where the clean mountain air, the abundance of fresh local produce from the nearby weekly farmers' market, and the peaceful rhythm of the countryside combine to create a profound sense of peace and longevity.
For the discerning global buyer, this contemporary residence addresses a deep-seated aspiration for a life of quiet luxury, security, and authentic connection. It appeals directly to those who have spent years navigating the high-stress environments of major metropolitan areas and now seek a sanctuary where they can slow down without disconnecting from the modern world. The architectural design of the home, with its expansive windows and clean lines, acts as a frame for the majestic natural canvas outside, allowing you to feel fully immersed in the dramatic Costa Rican landscape while enjoying the absolute comfort of high-end, modern interiors. This property is not just a physical structure; it is a gateway to a vibrant, welcoming community of like-minded expatriates and warm local residents who value community, sustainability, and a slower pace of life. Whether you are looking to retire in style, establish a serene remote-work base that inspires creativity, or secure a beautiful multi-generational family retreat, this home fulfills the promise of a life well-lived. It offers the rare luxury of absolute privacy and quietude in the hills, while ensuring that the charming cafes, gourmet restaurants, and essential conveniences of downtown Atenas are always just a short, scenic drive away.
Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
