
1 / 56This exceptional estate in the San Rafael Norte area of Perez Zeledon redefines mountain living for the discerning investor. Situated just ten minutes from the vibrant center of San Isidro de El General, this property spans a generous 10116 m² of meticulously landscaped grounds, offering an expansive sanctuary of fruit trees, manicured gardens, and sweeping mountain vistas. Available for USD 358000, the residence features 1615 m² of robust concrete block construction, engineered for enduring structural integrity and security. The elevated position of the estate captures the natural, cool mountain breezes of the region, maintaining a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year.
The interior layout is designed for effortless functionality, containing 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The master suite serves as a private sanctuary, complete with a dedicated balcony overlooking the peaks, a walk-in closet, and abundant natural light. Two additional guest bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations, complemented by a dedicated home office that is ideal for remote professional pursuits. For outdoor hosting, the property features a large covered rancho and a dedicated barbecue area, perfect for entertaining guests against a backdrop of verdant hillsides. Foreign buyers will appreciate that Costa Rica permits fee-simple ownership for this property. Transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, with the total closing bundle—encompassing notary, registry, and legal fees—typically ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. A modest annual property tax is assessed based on the registered cadastral value.
This concrete block residence in San Rafael Norte spans 1615 square meters of construction, engineered for durability and structural integrity. Situated in the Perez Zeledon canton, just ten minutes from downtown San Isidro de El General, the home features three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. The interior layout includes a dedicated office space for remote work, alongside a primary suite equipped with a walk-in closet and a private balcony. Natural ventilation leverages the elevated mountain climate, keeping the living spaces cool without relying on mechanical cooling systems.
The residence sits on a 10116 m² parcel of land, priced at USD 358000. The manicured grounds feature extensive gardens, mature fruit trees, and unobstructed mountain views. Outdoor amenities center around a large covered rancho and dedicated barbecue area designed for hosting guests.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits full fee-simple property ownership. Transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, with total closing fees—encompassing notary, registry, and legal stamps—typically ranging from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing ownership incurs an annual property tax calculated against the registered cadastral value.
This property represents an entry point into the Perez Zeledon real estate market, priced at $358,000 for a 10,116-square-meter estate (one hectare) featuring a 1,615-square-meter concrete block house. On a price-per-square-meter basis, this land-to-construction ratio offers value compared to the more saturated, high-density coastal corridors of Costa Rica. The local market in San Rafael Norte supports both long-term leasing to remote professionals and short-term rentals for travelers seeking mountain climates near San Isidro de El General.
The ideal buyer is an investor looking for a primary residence with remote-work capabilities, or a buyer seeking a high-acreage asset with room for future expansion. Costa Rica permits foreign buyers to hold fee-simple ownership of real property. Buyers should budget for transaction costs, which include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that typically bring the total closing bundle to between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs are supported by an annual property tax calculated on the registered cadastral value. This property also sits above the minimum threshold for Costa Rica's residency-by-investment program, offering a clear pathway for buyers establishing a physical presence in the country.
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The micro-location of San Rafael Norte, positioned just ten minutes from the bustling downtown center of San Isidro de El General, offers an exceptional setting for North American buyers looking to buy property in Costa Rica. Situated within the canton of Perez Zeledon in the province of San Jose, this region is celebrated for its refreshing mountain microclimate. The elevated position of the valley allows for cool, consistent breezes that naturally regulate the temperature of the residence, minimizing the need for artificial cooling. For those exploring Perez Zeledon real estate, this specific neighborhood provides a peaceful, rural atmosphere dominated by manicured grounds, mature fruit trees, and expansive mountain views, while maintaining immediate proximity to essential urban amenities. Residents can easily access medical facilities, shopping, and dining in the nearby city center, balancing private country living with modern convenience.
This San Isidro property Costa Rica represents a highly strategic choice within the broader national market. Perez Zeledon is part of Costa Rica's diverse property landscape, appealing directly to remote workers, retirees, and long-term investors who prioritize natural space and structural integrity over crowded coastal developments. The regional infrastructure supports a seamless remote work lifestyle, enhanced by the dedicated office space within the home.
From a transaction perspective, international buyers enjoy the security of fee simple ownership rights, which are identical to those of Costa Rican citizens for inland properties. When purchasing this home, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which include a property transfer stamp tax calculated at approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value. The comprehensive closing bundle—covering notary fees, registry charges, legal services, and documentary stamps—typically ranges between 2% and 4% of the final purchase price. Additionally, owners are subject to an annual property tax assessed on the registered cadastral value of the estate. At the current purchase price, this investment may also serve as a pathway for those exploring the nation's residency-by-investment programs.
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Purchasing this San Rafael Norte mountain home is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the same fee simple ownership rights as citizens. Because this property sits outside the maritime zone, you will hold absolute ownership under a registered deed. The purchase price of $358,000 comfortably exceeds the government's threshold for the residency-by-investment program, providing an established pathway to legal residency.
During the transaction, buyers should budget for closing fees, which typically range from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. This comprehensive bundle covers notary fees, registry charges, and legal expenses. Additionally, a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value is paid to the government at closing. Ongoing ownership costs remain highly manageable, with a modest annual property tax calculated directly from the municipality's registered cadastral value of the estate.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living in San Rafael Norte, just ten minutes from the bustling center of San Isidro de El General, offers an unparalleled lifestyle that perfectly balances peaceful mountain seclusion with convenient urban access. For the discerning buyer, this estate represents the realization of a long-held aspiration: to own a private sanctuary where the air is perpetually fresh, the mountain vistas are inspiring, and the pace of life slows down to match the natural rhythms of the surrounding valley. Imagine starting your mornings on the private master balcony, sipping locally grown coffee while watching the mist rise off the distant peaks, or spending your afternoons strolling through your own two-and-a-half-acre botanical garden, harvesting fresh fruit from your mature trees. This property is designed for those who seek a deeper connection to nature without sacrificing the comforts of modern living. The expansive outdoor rancho and barbecue area become the stage for unforgettable gatherings, where friends and family can share meals against a backdrop of dramatic mountain silhouettes and starlit skies. For remote professionals, the dedicated office space provides a quiet, light-filled environment that inspires creativity and focus, far removed from the distractions of city life. This is more than just a home; it is a legacy estate that fulfills the desire for a healthier, more intentional way of living. It appeals to the visionary buyer who values security, privacy, and the prestige of owning a significant parcel of land in one of Costa Rica's most desirable highland regions. Here, you can truly immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy the year-round spring-like climate, and take pride in owning a masterfully constructed retreat that serves as a personal sanctuary for generations to come.
San Isidro de El General, Perez Zeledon, San José
Perez Zeledon, San José
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004