Mountain view
1 / 11Positioned in the highly desirable canton of Atenas, within the central district of Atenas, this exceptional estate offers an unparalleled investment opportunity in Costa Rica’s celebrated Central Valley. Priced at USD 450,000, the property spans a generous, entirely usable land area of 2,112 square meters across three combined, mostly flat lots. The main residence delivers 200 square meters of solid construction, featuring three comfortable bedrooms and two bathrooms. Designed for both security and convenience, the home includes a dedicated carport, a comprehensive alarm system, three separate storage areas, and the rare advantage of two independent water systems to ensure absolute reliability for future expansion.
The outdoor grounds are anchored by a private swimming pool, surrounded by expansive open space that serves as a blank canvas for further development, whether you choose to build guest casitas, cultivate lush tropical gardens, or construct additional private cabins. Located directly on a main road with immediate access to Highway 3, the property enjoys seamless connectivity to nearby Río Grande and La Garita, placing local schools, pharmacies, and shopping just minutes away. Under Costa Rican law, international buyers enjoy secure, fee-simple ownership rights identical to those of citizens. When acquiring this estate, buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically encompass a transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle of notary, registry, and legal fees that generally ranges from 2 to 4 percent of the final purchase price. Annual property taxes are calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the estate.
This exceptional property is situated in the highly desirable region of Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, a location internationally celebrated for possessing one of the most temperate and comfortable microclimates in the world. Positioned in the heart of the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market, this estate offers an ideal balance of rural tranquility and modern accessibility. Residents can easily access the vibrant town center of Atenas within minutes to enjoy the weekly farmers' markets, local dining, and essential services such as medical clinics, pharmacies, and supermarkets. The strategic location directly off Highway 3 provides seamless transit routes toward La Garita and Río Grande, making it highly convenient for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica. Furthermore, the property is positioned within comfortable driving distance of the capital city of San José, the premium shopping district of Escazu, and the international airport in Alajuela, allowing for effortless travel and commuting.
For North American buyers exploring Atenas Costa Rica homes, this 2,112-square-meter property represents a premier investment opportunity. Under Costa Rican law, international buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, which are identical to those held by local citizens. This secure legal framework is particularly advantageous for investors looking to buy property Costa Rica, as it guarantees that your registered title is fully protected without the restrictions often found in maritime or concession zones. Additionally, purchasing this USD 450,000 estate meets the investment threshold required to apply for the country's residency-by-investment program, offering a clear pathway for retirees, remote workers, or expatriates planning a permanent relocation. The transaction process involves standard closing costs—including notary fees, registry stamps, and legal duties that typically range between two and four percent of the purchase price—along with a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent. Annual holding costs remain highly manageable, with property taxes calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. Whether your goal is to establish a private family estate, cultivate a boutique rental project, or develop a mixed-use commercial venture, this flat, fully usable parcel in the Central Valley provides the ultimate canvas for a sophisticated tropical lifestyle.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This versatile estate in the Atenas district of the Atenas canton is situated on a flat, fully usable 2,112-square-meter parcel of land composed of three combined lots. The main residence spans 200 square meters of construction, offering a highly functional layout with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Built with durability in mind, the home features practical amenities including a secure carport, an integrated alarm system, and three dedicated storage areas to keep the property organized.
The outdoor living spaces are anchored by a private swimming pool, surrounded by ample open ground that provides a blank canvas for additional cabins, landscaped gardens, or custom structures. Reliable utility infrastructure is a key highlight, as the property benefits from two independent water systems, ensuring consistent service and flexibility for future site expansion.
Offered at USD 450,000, this real estate asset qualifies buyers for fee-simple ownership, a right fully protected under Costa Rican law for international investors. Buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value, alongside a closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that generally ranges from 2 to 4 percent of the purchase price. Annual property taxes are calculated based on the registered cadastral value of the estate.
Acquiring this premium multi-lot property in Atenas is a straightforward process for international buyers, as Costa Rican law grants foreigners the exact same fee simple ownership rights as citizens. Because this estate is located in the Central Valley highlands rather than the restricted maritime zone, you will hold secure, outright title to all 2,112 square meters of land and the existing 200-square-meter home.
Transactions are executed through a local notary who registers the deed directly with the National Registry. Buyers should anticipate closing costs—which bundle notary fees, registration stamps, and legal transfers—to total between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a standard transfer tax of approximately 1.5 percent. Additionally, because the acquisition price of $450,000 comfortably exceeds the national investment threshold, purchasing this property makes you eligible to apply for official Costa Rican residency. Ongoing ownership costs remain highly manageable, with annual municipal property taxes calculated as a modest fraction of the registered cadastral value.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Acquiring this 2,112-square-meter property in Atenas offers a highly strategic entry point into the Central Valley market at a competitive valuation of approximately $213 per square meter of land. This pricing sits comfortably within the regional average for flat, fully usable parcels near major transit corridors. The estate is structured with a spacious 200-square-meter main house and ample acreage to construct independent guest casitas or rental cabins, allowing a future owner to maximize short-term rental yields from travelers utilizing Highway 3.
For North American buyers, Costa Rica permits straightforward, fee-simple ownership, meaning foreign investors enjoy the same robust property rights as local citizens, free from the restrictive concession rules that govern maritime zones. While closing costs, including notary fees, registry stamps, and legal transfers, typically bundle into an additional two to four percent of the $450,000 purchase price, the ongoing holding costs remain remarkably low due to modest annual property taxes assessed on the registered cadastral value. This property is ideal for an active investor seeking a multi-unit rental project or a retiree looking to secure residency through the country's investment program. The exit strategy is supported by the high demand for flat, accessible land in Atenas, ensuring strong resale liquidity.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Nestled within the verdant embrace of the Central Valley, Atenas has long captured the imagination of discerning international buyers seeking a harmonious balance between authentic Costa Rican culture and modern convenience. This specific region is celebrated globally for possessing one of the most desirable climates on Earth, where gentle mountain breezes temper the tropical warmth, creating an environment where indoor and outdoor living merge seamlessly. Choosing a home in this tranquil enclave is not merely a real estate transaction; it is an intentional lifestyle transition toward wellness, mindfulness, and a slower, more deliberate pace of life. Here, your mornings begin with the rich aroma of locally grown highland coffee and the vibrant chorus of exotic birds, while your afternoons are spent exploring local farmers' markets filled with fresh, organic produce. The community of Atenas is uniquely welcoming, characterized by a warm, close-knit blend of friendly locals and an active, sophisticated expatriate network that makes integration smooth and rewarding.
For the aspirational buyer, this property represents the ultimate canvas upon which to paint a legacy of wellness and self-sufficiency. The expansive, flat terrain offers a rare opportunity to cultivate personal sanctuary spaces, whether your vision includes lush botanical gardens, private yoga pavilions, or a collection of independent guest cottages designed for multi-generational living or boutique rental income. The proximity to essential services, top-tier medical facilities, and the cultural hubs of Alajuela and San José ensures that you never have to sacrifice urban sophistication for rural tranquility. This is a place where you can design a life of quiet luxury, hosting intimate gatherings by a sparkling pool, cultivating your own tropical orchard, and enjoying the peace of mind that comes with living in one of the safest and most stable democracies in Latin America. Investing in this highland retreat allows you to step away from the relentless pace of the modern world and step into a life of purposeful relaxation, natural beauty, and enduring value, securing a sanctuary that will serve as a source of joy and inspiration for decades to come.
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004
Atenas, Atenas, Alajuela