
1 / 10This prime coastal property in Pavones presents a rare entry point into one of the world's most celebrated surf destinations for USD 60000. Spanning a manageable 500 m² of land, the parcel sits just steps from the ocean, tucked quietly between the vibrant energy of Pavones and the scenic stretch of Punto Banco. On-site, a solid cement structure and foundation are already in place, offering a highly durable skeleton for a custom renovation. Buyers can transform this existing concrete shell into a lucrative rental property or a private beachside retreat. With an estimated renovation budget starting as low as ten thousand dollars, you can easily revitalize the structure to generate a steady monthly rental income of at least one thousand dollars, or establish a personal tropical getaway.
Acquiring this real estate is straightforward, as international buyers enjoy the security of fee simple ownership rights. When calculating your acquisition costs, expect the total closing bundle—which encompasses notary fees, registry charges, legal services, and stamps—to range between two and four percent of the final purchase price. Additionally, the property transfer stamp tax generally requires about one and a half percent of the declared transaction value. Once the purchase is complete, the ongoing holding costs remain remarkably low, with the annual municipal property tax rate hovering around a mere one-quarter of a percent of the registered cadastral value.
This coastal property is situated in Pavones, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, a region in the South Pacific highly sought after by US and Canadian buyers seeking long-term appreciation potential, lifestyle flexibility, and excellent market value. For those looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this micro-location offers a distinct advantage. Positioned between the quiet stretch of Punto Banco and the main surf hub of Pavones, the site sits just steps from the Pacific shoreline, yet remains a few minutes removed from the central town noise. This specific positioning provides an ideal balance for North American buyers looking to invest, retire, or establish a remote work base. The local climate is tropical and lush, supporting a diverse ecosystem where you can regularly spot a scarlet macaw soaring overhead or observe a white-faced capuchin monkey moving through the canopy.
For Americans and Canadians navigating the acquisition process, Costa Rica real estate offers secure, fee-simple ownership rights that mirror those in the United States and Canada, with no citizenship requirements for land ownership. When purchasing this 500-square-meter lot, buyers should budget for transaction costs, which typically include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared value. The complete closing bundle—encompassing notary fees, land registry filings, legal services, and documentary stamps—generally totals between 2 and 4 percent of the purchase price. Once ownership is transferred, the ongoing holding costs are exceptionally low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at just about a quarter of a percent of the property's registered cadastral value. This combination of low carrying costs and a prime location near world-class surf makes the property a standout choice for anyone exploring expat real estate Costa Rica.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This 500 m² property in the Pavones region represents a rare, entry-level acquisition priced at USD 60000. Located in a peaceful coastal sector between Pavones and Punto Banco, the flat homesite sits just steps from the ocean. The existing structure consists of a solid, durable cement foundation and concrete walls. While the building requires a complete renovation to become fully habitable, the structural integrity of the concrete provides an excellent framework for a custom remodel. Local estimates suggest a budget starting around $10,000 could successfully restore the residence, transforming it into a highly marketable rental property capable of generating at least $1,000 in monthly lease income, or serving as a private surf getaway.
Purchasing this real estate involves standard Costa Rican transaction fees. Buyers should budget for the property transfer stamp tax, which generally equals 1.5% of the declared transaction value. The comprehensive closing bundle—covering notary services, registry filings, legal fees, and government stamps—typically totals between 2% and 4% of the final purchase price. Additionally, the annual municipal property tax is exceptionally low, running at approximately a quarter of a percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Foreign buyers enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of Costa Rican citizens for this titled parcel.
Acquiring this Pavones property is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Because this lot sits steps from the ocean, transactions in coastal areas typically navigate specific maritime zone regulations, which our legal team will verify during due diligence. To secure this beachside homesite, buyers should budget for closing costs, which generally encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price. Additionally, a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value applies at closing. Ongoing ownership costs are remarkably low, with annual municipal property taxes amounting to just one-quarter of one percent of the registered value. While Costa Rica offers residency-by-investment pathways, please note that this property’s sixty-thousand-dollar purchase price falls below the current minimum investment threshold required for that specific residency program.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This 500-square-meter Pavones property presents a rare entry point into the southern Costa Rican real estate market at a purchase price of $60,000. For the ideal buyer—whether an avid surfer, a dedicated escapist, or an investor seeking a high-yield renovation project—the financial fundamentals are highly compelling. By executing the necessary structural renovations on the existing solid cement foundation, which are estimated to cost as little as $10,000, owners can position the property as a highly desirable coastal asset. In the local long-term rental market, a finished home of this caliber can realistically command at least $1,000 in monthly rental income.
From a transaction perspective, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically encompass a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value, alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that collectively bundle into 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs remain exceptionally low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at just about 0.25% of the property's registered cadastral value. This low-carry structure supports a highly flexible exit strategy, allowing investors to hold the asset as a low-overhead vacation home or liquidate the fully renovated, cash-flowing beachside residence to future buyers seeking turnkey proximity to the world-class waves of Pavones.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Embracing the daily rhythm of Pavones means aligning your life with the natural tides, the whispering coastal breezes, and the warm, welcoming spirit of a legendary Costa Rican surf community. For the passionate surfer, the dedicated remote worker, or the soulful escapist, this location offers a rare opportunity to step away from the relentless pace of modern metropolitan life and immerse yourself in a pristine tropical sanctuary. Imagine waking up to the gentle chorus of howler monkeys and scarlet macaws, grabbing your surfboard, and walking just a few short steps to feel the warm Pacific sand beneath your feet before paddling out into world-class waves. This is a place where neighbors greet each other by name, where the local lifestyle is defined by outdoor adventure and ocean-centric living, and where the boundary between indoor comfort and outdoor natural beauty completely dissolves. Living between Pavones and Punto Banco allows you to enjoy the absolute peace of a secluded coastal stretch while remaining just minutes from the vibrant energy, local eateries, and essential conveniences of the main town center. It is an environment that naturally fosters physical wellness, mental clarity, and a deep appreciation for the simpler, more meaningful things in life.
For aspiring buyers, this property represents far more than a smart real estate transaction; it is the ultimate canvas upon which to paint your personal vision of paradise. Whether your dream is to design a highly profitable boutique surf rental that serves as a beacon for global travelers, or to craft a private, sun-drenched sanctuary where you can escape the winter cold, this homesite provides the perfect foundation for your aspirations. The existing solid cement structure acts as a springboard for your creativity, allowing you to easily customize a tropical modern aesthetic that reflects your personal style without the stress of starting a build entirely from scratch. Here, you can transition from dreaming about a life of freedom and adventure to actually living it, establishing a permanent foothold in one of the most sought-after and ecologically rich coastlines on the planet. This is your chance to secure a legacy property where you can host friends and family, cultivate a deeper connection to nature, and enjoy the profound peace of mind that comes with owning a slice of pure Costa Rican heaven.
Pavones, Puntarenas
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004