1 / 16This expansive seven-hectare parcel in the Osa canton represents a rare strategic foothold in Costa Rica’s rapidly developing southern region. Priced at USD 350000, the massive 70000 m² property is situated in the Palmar district, bordered directly by the majestic Térraba River. Investors will find exceptional value in the land's topography and positioning, which offers sweeping natural views and prime development potential. The acreage sits just minutes from the designated site of the country’s planned southern international airport, placing this tract directly in the path of major future appreciation. Whether you envision a private eco-estate, a boutique residential community, or a commercial venture catering to the next wave of global travelers, the sheer scale of this acreage provides an ideal canvas.
Acquiring this premier Palmar property is straightforward under Costa Rican law, which grants foreign buyers the same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. When budgeting for this USD 350000 acquisition, buyers should anticipate closing expenses—including notary, registry, and legal fees—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that generally runs about 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Ongoing holding costs remain highly favorable, as the annual property tax is calculated using the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the market purchase price. This tax structure ensures that maintaining this substantial river-bordered holding remains exceptionally cost-effective while you finalize your development blueprints.
This expansive 70,000 m² parcel of land in the Palmar district, within the Osa canton, is positioned as a strategic development site priced at USD 350000. The topography of this vast lot offers natural elevation points that showcase expansive views of the surrounding southern region. Bordered by the Terraba River, the acreage features fertile terrain and mature native trees, providing an ideal canvas for a private estate compound, a sustainable residential community, or a commercial venture.
The property is situated just minutes from the designated site of the planned southern international airport. This proximity to future transportation infrastructure ensures long-term utility and connectivity. Buyers can establish independent infrastructure on this raw land, utilizing local utility connections to service future structures.
Under Costa Rican law, international buyers enjoy secure fee-simple ownership rights for this inland property. Ownership costs are highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land. When finalizing the acquisition, buyers should budget for standard closing costs, which encompass notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, typically totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price.
Positioned in the southern zone of Palmar, Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, this expansive seven-hectare parcel offers a strategic foothold in one of the most anticipated development corridors in Central America. For North Americans looking to buy property in Costa Rica, this specific micro-location combines raw natural beauty with immense capital appreciation potential. The land sits bordered by the historic Térraba River, providing a dramatic natural boundary and constant scenic views. The surrounding region of Osa is globally recognized for its dense biodiversity and dramatic river systems, making it a standout choice within Costa Rica real estate for Americans and Costa Rica homes for Canadians who prioritize ecological richness alongside investment viability.
The defining feature of this Palmar location is its immediate proximity to the planned international airport site for the southern zone. This future infrastructure project positions the tract as a prime candidate for commercial development, a private estate compound, or a subdivided residential community. Unlike remote off-grid parcels, this property places owners just minutes from the essential services of Palmar, including local medical clinics, regional banking, and daily shopping needs. The regional hospital is easily accessible via the Costanera Highway, and the regional airstrip currently services domestic flights to San José, ensuring you remain connected while enjoying the tranquil riverside environment. The local climate features warm tropical days tempered by cool breezes coming off the Térraba River basin, creating a comfortable microclimate for agricultural pursuits, reforestation, or sustainable off-grid living.
For those navigating the purchase process, expat real estate Costa Rica transactions are highly structured and secure. Foreign buyers enjoy fee-simple ownership rights identical to Costa Rican citizens for titled land outside of maritime concession zones. When acquiring this lot, buyers should anticipate standard closing costs, which typically 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. Ongoing ownership costs are remarkably favorable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value maintained by the local municipality, ensuring carrying costs remain highly manageable for long-term investors. Whether your goal is to establish a private family legacy estate, launch an eco-lodge, or land-bank near a future international transit hub, this Palmar property represents a premier entry point into the diverse southern zone market.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This seven-hectare land holding in Palmar presents a strategic entry point for developers and land-banking investors targeting Costa Rica's southern zone. Priced at $350,000, the acquisition cost translates to exactly $5 per square meter, representing a significant discount compared to established coastal tracts in neighboring Bahia Ballena. The primary driver for mid-term appreciation is the property’s immediate proximity to the planned international airport site in Osa, positioning the acreage for future commercial transit services, a boutique eco-lodge, or a subdivided residential community.
While the property does not currently generate short-term rental income, its long-term potential lies in master-planned development or a strategic exit to commercial developers as airport construction advances. The ideal buyer is an institutional investor or a private developer capable of holding the asset through the infrastructure planning phases. Foreign buyers enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of Costa Rican citizens. During the acquisition, buyers should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the closing bundle, which includes notary, registry, and legal fees, alongside a property transfer stamp tax that typically averages about 1.5 percent of the transaction value. Ongoing holding costs remain highly manageable, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land rather than its market purchase price.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Acquiring this expansive seven-hectare parcel in Palmar offers North American investors a secure entry into the Costa Rican real estate market. Under national law, foreign buyers enjoy the same fee simple ownership rights as local citizens, allowing you to hold the deed directly in your own name or through a domestic corporation. Because this property sits inland along the Terraba River, it avoids the restrictive concession regulations of the maritime zone.
During the acquisition, buyers should anticipate closing costs—encompassing notary fees, registration, and legal stamps—totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. Once owned, the ongoing holding costs are remarkably low, as the annual property tax is calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the land rather than the market price. Additionally, the investment of $350,000 comfortably exceeds the financial threshold required to apply for Costa Rican residency-by-investment, providing a clear pathway to legal residency.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Embracing the lifestyle of Palmar, in the heart of the Osa region, means immersing yourself in a landscape where the rhythm of the majestic Terraba River dictates the pace of life. For the visionary buyer, this seven-hectare estate is not just a parcel of land; it is a gateway to a coveted tropical way of life where raw natural beauty meets unparalleled future potential. Imagine waking up to the gentle whispers of the river breeze, knowing that your vast property serves as a private sanctuary of peace, yet remains connected to the vibrant cultural fabric of Puntarenas. This location appeals directly to high-achieving investors who aspire to build a legacy project—whether that is an exclusive eco-luxury retreat, a private family estate, or a forward-thinking commercial venture. The sheer scale of seventy thousand square meters allows you to curate an environment of absolute privacy while staying minutes away from essential town services. Here, the aspirational dream of owning a significant piece of Costa Rican paradise becomes a tangible reality. As the region prepares for transformative growth with the future southern international airport, early investors secure not only a high-appreciation asset but also a prestigious foothold in one of the world's most biodiverse and enchanting destinations, where sustainable living and modern convenience gracefully align.
Palmar, Osa, Puntarenas
Osa, Puntarenas
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
