
1 / 36Perched at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet on the serene Cocoa Ridge in Platanillo, this expansive 10,036 m² parcel of land offers a rare canvas for your custom architectural vision. Offered at USD 174,000, the estate features sweeping ocean views and benefits from refreshing, continuous mountain breezes that naturally cool the climate. The unique topography of the property includes multiple natural building sites, making it highly suited for a compound-style layout. You can easily construct a primary luxury residence on the premier building pad, while designating additional flat areas for a private swimming pool and independent guest casitas.
A year-round creek flows along one of the property borders, creating a soothing natural soundtrack and enhancing the lush forest environment. Power is already routed over the land, and water is supplied by a reliable community well, with the seller having already initiated the application for a formal water concession on the creek. Located at the end of a quiet, private road, the property ensures absolute privacy while remaining highly accessible. A well-maintained gravel road connects you to the town of Platanillo in ten minutes, and a paved road brings you directly to the vibrant coastal hub of Dominical and its beaches in another ten minutes.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits full fee-simple ownership of this titled property. When planning your acquisition, anticipate that the annual property tax will be calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land. Additionally, buyers should budget for standard closing costs, which typically encompass the property transfer stamp tax alongside notary, registry, and legal fees.
This premium 10,036 m² parcel in the Dominical area offers a rare combination of ocean views, elevated breezes, and natural water features for USD 174,000. Situated on Cocoa Ridge in Platanillo at an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet, the land enjoys a comfortable climate and constant airflow. The topography features multiple natural building sites, making the acreage highly suitable for a multi-structure compound. Owners can comfortably construct a primary residence, a private swimming pool, and detached guest casitas amidst the surrounding forest canopy.
An active creek runs along one of the property boundaries, providing year-round flowing water. Utility infrastructure is already partially established, with electricity running directly over the land. Domestic water is supplied by a community well, and the current owner has initiated the application process for a formal water concession on the border creek.
From a legal and investment perspective, buyers benefit from fee simple ownership rights. The ongoing holding costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the retail purchase price. When finalizing the acquisition, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically encompass a transfer stamp tax alongside notary and registration fees. Access to the property is highly convenient, requiring a ten-minute drive on a maintained gravel road to Platanillo, followed by a ten-minute drive on paved roads to the beaches of Dominical.
This 10,036-square-meter parcel in Platanillo presents a highly strategic entry point for North American investors, priced at an attractive rate of just over $17 per square meter. This valuation sits well below the averages found in nearby beachfront communities, offering significant room for equity growth. The property’s unique configuration, featuring multiple natural building sites, is ideal for a compound-style development. An investor can construct a primary residence alongside independent guest casitas to maximize short-term rental income from eco-tourists, while retaining the flexibility to transition to long-term leasing.
Costa Rica’s fee-simple ownership laws grant foreign buyers the exact same property rights as citizens, making this an exceptionally secure asset class. Ongoing carrying costs remain remarkably low, as annual property taxes are calculated strictly on the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the market purchase price. When budgeting for the acquisition, buyers should anticipate standard closing fees, including notary, registry, and transfer stamp expenses, which typically bundle into a modest percentage of the transaction value. With the Dominical region experiencing sustained demand for private, nature-focused retreats, securing a multi-dwelling acreage with ocean views and natural water resources at this price point represents a timely and highly liquid land-banking opportunity.
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Situated on the cool elevations of Cocoa Ridge in Platanillo, this parcel offers a distinct microclimate that sets it apart from the coastal lowlands. At approximately 1,000 feet above sea level, the property benefits from consistent mountain breezes and a comfortable, temperate climate. This specific micro-location provides a peaceful mountain retreat while keeping you remarkably close to the coast. A ten-minute drive on a well-maintained gravel road brings you to the local services in the town of Platanillo, and an additional ten-minute drive on a paved highway delivers you directly to the world-class surf and coastal amenities of Dominical. This makes the location ideal for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica that balances quiet, high-elevation living with easy access to the beach.
The surrounding area of Dominical, Puntarenas, Costa Rica is a laid-back surf village where the dense rainforest directly meets the Pacific Ocean, prized by international buyers seeking authenticity over commercial crowds. By choosing to invest in the Costa Ballena region, you gain access to a vibrant lifestyle that supports remote work, retirement, or active outdoor pursuits. Whether you are exploring real estate Dominical Costa Rica for a permanent relocation or searching for property Uvita options nearby, this location delivers the perfect blend of natural isolation and community connection.
Acquiring this land is a straightforward process, as Costa Rica permits foreign buyers to hold fee-simple ownership of registered property. When purchasing Costa Ballena homes or land, buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically encompass notary, registry, and legal fees ranging from two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing ownership costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the land rather than its market purchase price. This favorable tax structure makes securing a multi-dwelling estate in this tropical corridor an financially sound long-term investment.
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Acquiring this Platanillo property is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the exact same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Because this parcel sits at a comfortable 1,000-foot elevation well outside the protected maritime zone, you will hold outright, fee-simple title to the land. This secure ownership structure fully supports your plans to build a primary residence alongside detached guest casitas.
From a financial perspective, ownership is highly efficient. Your ongoing annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land, keeping your yearly holding costs remarkably low. During the acquisition, you should budget for closing costs—which cover notary fees, registration stamps, and legal transfers—typically totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, the transaction includes a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value. At a purchase price of $174,000, this investment also establishes a strong foundation toward securing official Costa Rican residency under the country's current investor program guidelines.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living on Cocoa Ridge in the Platanillo area above Dominical offers a rare lifestyle that perfectly balances the raw, untamed beauty of the South Pacific coast with the peaceful, cooler climate of the mountains. At an elevation of approximately 1,000 feet, the daily experience here is defined by fresh, cool breezes that sweep up from the ocean and rustle through the surrounding forest canopy, creating a natural climate control that makes air conditioning optional and outdoor living an everyday reality. For the aspirational buyer, this land represents the ultimate canvas to design a life of wellness, privacy, and deep connection to nature. Imagine waking up to the sounds of tropical birds and the gentle murmur of your own year-round creek, spending your morning checking on your private garden or swimming in a pool that overlooks the blue horizon of the Pacific, and then making the quick drive down to the coast for an afternoon surf. This location caters to those who seek a sanctuary away from the hustle of modern life but refuse to compromise on accessibility. The short, scenic drive down to the vibrant beach town of Dominical ensures that organic markets, world-class surf breaks, beachfront dining, and a welcoming international community are always within easy reach. It is a place where you can cultivate a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle, hosting family and friends in a custom-built guest house while enjoying the absolute peace of your private mountain ridge. This is not just about purchasing a piece of land; it is about claiming a healthier, more intentional way of living in one of the most biodiverse and beautiful regions on earth, where the mountains meet the sea in perfect harmony.
Dominical, Puntarenas
Dominical, Puntarenas
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004