
1 / 15Elevated high above the Pacific coastline in the Carara district of the Turrubares canton, this premium development site offers a rare entry point into Costa Rica’s luxury market. Positioned along National Route 320 in the desirable Camaronal Arriba area, the property commands an unobstructed 180-degree panorama of the ocean and the surrounding mountain canopy. Offered at USD 490000, this real estate opportunity features a substantial 300 m² structure currently in its gray-work stage. The heavy structural concrete and foundational engineering are already complete, allowing you to bypass the most complex phases of construction and focus entirely on customizing the high-end finishes, cabinetry, and interior styling to your personal taste.
The architectural layout is designed as a spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom residence spanning a generous 1627 m² land parcel. The design incorporates a main house alongside guest casitas, a configuration that maximizes privacy and makes the estate highly adaptable as a multi-generational family retreat or a high-yield rental property. Outside, the plans accommodate a private pool positioned to capture the dramatic sunsets over the water. To ensure a seamless transition, the contracts with the existing construction firm are available for transfer to the new owner. This structural head start positions the property for significant equity growth, with a projected completed market value of $1,400,000 USD.
Acquiring this Carara property at its current USD 490,000 purchase price offers a distinct financial advantage for buyers targeting the high-end Pacific-view market. With 300 square meters of construction situated on a 1,627-square-meter lot, the entry cost sits well below completed luxury benchmarks in the region. Investors can leverage the existing gray-work structure to customize the five-bedroom, four-bathroom layout, targeting an estimated after-repair value of USD 1,400,000. This substantial margin makes it highly attractive for capital appreciation or as a premium short-term rental.
The ideal buyer is an investor or expat seeking fee-simple ownership, which Costa Rica permits for foreign buyers. Transitioning the project is simplified by the option to assume the existing construction contracts. Transaction costs are predictable, with a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, and a total closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees generally ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the property. This structural head start, combined with the non-negotiable entry price, positions buyers to capture significant equity upon completion.
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Nestled in the elevated micro-location of Camaronal Arriba along National Route 320, this property occupies a strategic transition zone where the Central Valley meets the Central Pacific coast. Situated in Carara, Turrubares, San José, Costa Rica, this unique geographic positioning offers a distinct microclimate, combining refreshing mountain breezes with warm coastal influences. For those looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this region provides a peaceful alternative to busier tourist hubs while remaining highly accessible. The property sits within reasonable driving distance of the capital city and the upscale amenities of Escazu, making it a viable alternative for buyers who might otherwise consider Escazu homes or Atenas Costa Rica homes. The nearby coastal highway ensures straightforward travel to regional medical facilities, local beaches, and essential town centers.
This location enables a highly versatile lifestyle, appealing to remote workers, retirees, and those seeking a high-yield investment. The surrounding landscape of Turrubares is a vital part of the diverse Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market, offering proximity to Carara National Park, where scarlet macaws fly overhead and native flora thrives. Foreign buyers looking to buy property Costa Rica will appreciate that the country permits fee-simple ownership, ensuring secure property rights. Additionally, purchasing this real estate may align with residency-by-investment thresholds, subject to official immigration approval. Buyers should note that the annual property tax is calculated based on the registered cadastral value, while the closing bundle—encompassing notary, registry, legal fees, and stamps—typically ranges from two to four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This premium development opportunity in Carara, Turrubares, is priced at USD 490000. It features a substantial 300 m² concrete structure currently in its gray-work stage. The heavy structural construction is complete, built to rigorous engineering standards on a generous 1627 m² land parcel. This structural shell is designed to accommodate a spacious 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom layout. Buyers can easily customize the interior finishes, including the kitchen and primary suite, to their exact standards.
The elevated vantage point of the property delivers 180-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains. The architectural footprint integrates outdoor living spaces, providing a solid foundation for a custom pool, viewing terraces, and landscaped gardens.
For a seamless transition, the new owner can assume the existing construction contracts to complete the remaining interior finishes, utility installations, and final details. Under Costa Rican law, foreign buyers enjoy secure fee-simple ownership. Standard transaction costs include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, with total closing fees, notary services, and registry stamps generally ranging between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value.
Acquiring this property in the Central Valley region of Turrubares involves a straightforward legal framework that fully protects international buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the same constitutional rights to property ownership as local citizens. This estate is held under fee simple title, meaning you secure absolute ownership of the land and the 300-square-meter structure without the restrictions associated with concession or maritime zones.
On the financial side, your ongoing carrying costs are highly manageable. The annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the estate, rather than its projected post-completion market valuation of $1,400,000. During the acquisition process, you should anticipate standard closing fees—which bundle notary, registry, and legal stamp expenses—ranging between two and four percent of the $490,000 purchase price. Additionally, the property transfer stamp tax typically accounts for approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Because this real estate investment comfortably exceeds the national threshold for investor residency, purchasing this estate positions you and your immediate family to apply for legal residency status in Costa Rica.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Nestled within the ecological transition zone of Carara and Turrubares, this exceptional location offers a lifestyle defined by the harmonious intersection of raw natural beauty and refined coastal living. Here, the dramatic landscapes of the San José province meet the warm breezes of the Central Pacific, creating a microclimate where lush rainforests and dry tropical forests converge. For the discerning buyer, this region represents more than just a place to build a home; it is a sanctuary where the daily rhythm is dictated by the rising sun over the mountains and the spectacular, uninterrupted sunsets sinking into the Pacific Ocean. Living in Camaronal Arriba means waking up to the calls of scarlet macaws and toucans, spending your afternoons exploring the nearby national parks or surfing the famous breaks of the coast, and returning to your private, elevated retreat to enjoy the cool mountain air that naturally circulates at this altitude. It is a destination that appeals directly to those who seek absolute privacy and a deep connection to nature without sacrificing accessibility, offering a rare sense of seclusion that remains remarkably connected to the modern conveniences of the Central Valley and the vibrant beach communities just down the road.
This property speaks to the aspirations of visionary investors, luxury home seekers, and expatriates looking to establish a legacy estate in one of Costa Rica’s most promising growth corridors. The desire to curate a bespoke tropical lifestyle is fully realized here, where the structural heavy lifting of the gray-work construction is already complete, leaving a blank canvas ready for your personal touch. Whether your dream is to establish a high-yield, ultra-luxury vacation rental that caters to affluent global travelers, create a multi-generational family compound, or design a permanent retirement haven, this estate provides the ultimate foundation. It caters to the ambitious buyer who recognizes the immense value of customizing high-end finishes, selecting premium materials, and designing interior spaces that reflect their unique aesthetic, all while secure in the knowledge that they are building significant equity in a highly sought-after market. Owning a home of this caliber in the Carara region is a statement of success, a commitment to personal wellness, and a strategic investment in a lifestyle of unparalleled freedom, natural luxury, and long-term financial appreciation.
Carara, Turrubares, San José
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004