Mountain view
1 / 15This exceptional property in the historic heart of Espíritu Santo, within the canton of Esparza, offers North American buyers a rare combination of cultural authenticity and versatile investment potential. Priced at USD 270000, this estate features a total construction footprint of 187 m² situated on a 359.36 m² land parcel. The main residence is characterized by its rich architectural details, including soaring wooden ceilings and beautifully hand-carved doors that pay homage to the deep artisan heritage of the region. The layout includes two spacious bedrooms and two full, functional bathrooms. For buyers interested in generating passive rental income or hosting extended family, the property features a highly functional compound layout, incorporating an independent apartment complete with its own private kitchen, bathroom, and dedicated laundry area. The main living room and kitchen flow naturally into a generous laundry room, a storage area, and a dedicated outdoor barbecue zone surrounded by manicured gardens. Secure parking for two vehicles is protected by a sturdy metal gate with handcrafted accents. With additional space available on the lot to expand the current footprint or construct new commercial structures, this downtown property represents a premier real estate acquisition. For international buyers, fee simple ownership is fully permitted here outside the maritime concession zones, with typical closing costs including notary, registry, and legal fees totaling between two and four percent of the purchase price, alongside a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5 percent and a modest annual property tax based on the registered cadastral value.
This downtown Esparza property spans a 359.36 m² land parcel and features 187 m² of total construction. The main residence is built with high-quality local artistry, showcasing wooden ceilings and beautifully carved doors that reflect the cultural heritage of the Espíritu Santo district. The interior layout includes a spacious living room and a kitchen designed for daily use. For accommodations, the property offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This configuration includes a main living area and an independent apartment equipped with its own kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area, which functions perfectly as a guest casita or a rental unit.
The outdoor areas feature well-maintained gardens, a dedicated barbecue area, a storage room, and a large laundry room. Secure parking for 2 cars is provided behind a metal gate with handcrafted details. There is also additional open space on the lot to build more rooms or expand a commercial venture.
Offered at USD 270000, this property is subject to standard Costa Rican transaction fees. Buyers should budget for the property transfer stamp tax, which typically equals about 1.5% of the declared transaction value. The complete closing bundle—encompassing notary fees, registry charges, legal services, and stamps—generally totals between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Additionally, owners are responsible for an annual property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value of the estate.
This property is situated in the historic district of Espíritu Santo, Esparza, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, a region that offers a distinct microclimate and a rich cultural heritage. Positioned just a one-minute walk from the central park of Esparza, this location provides immediate access to local shops, traditional restaurants, and municipal services. Esparza is one of the oldest towns in the country, celebrated for its public art, religious traditions, and community events. This makes it an exceptional choice for those looking to buy property in Costa Rica who want to avoid tourist-heavy corridors in favor of an authentic, walkable lifestyle. For healthcare, regional clinics are accessible within the canton, and the major medical facilities of Puntarenas are a short drive away. International travelers will appreciate that the San José metropolitan area and Juan Santamaría International Airport are accessible via Route 27, making this a highly practical location for remote work, retirement, or active real estate investment.
Esparza is part of Costa Rica's diverse property landscape, offering a peaceful alternative to coastal resort towns while remaining close to the Central Pacific beaches. This makes the region highly attractive for Costa Rica real estate for Americans and Costa Rica homes for Canadians seeking a balance of local culture and modern convenience. The property itself consists of a main residential structure and an independent apartment, which functions as a guest casita or rental unit. This layout is ideal for expat real estate Costa Rica buyers who wish to live in one section while generating rental income from the other.
From a transaction perspective, foreign buyers enjoy the same fee-simple ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens for this titled property. When purchasing, buyers should budget for a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value. The comprehensive closing bundle—which encompasses notary fees, registry charges, legal services, and stamps—typically totals between 2% and 4% of the purchase price. Additionally, owners are subject to an annual municipal property tax calculated on the registered cadastral value of the land and construction. At a purchase price of USD 270,000, this property also positions buyers within the threshold to apply for the country's residency-by-investment program, offering a direct pathway to establishing a permanent base in this tranquil canton.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
This downtown Esparza property, priced at $270,000, offers a versatile investment profile for North American buyers seeking a foothold in Costa Rica. With 187 square meters of construction on a 359.36-square-meter lot, the real estate translates to approximately $1,444 per constructed square meter. This is highly competitive for a central location just one minute from the town's historic central park. The layout serves as a compound property, featuring a main house alongside an independent apartment complete with its own kitchen, bathroom, and laundry area. This dual-structure setup allows owners to pursue a flexible rental strategy, generating immediate short-term or long-term income from the self-contained suite while residing in the primary quarters. Alternatively, the remaining unbuilt land provides space to construct additional rental rooms or expand a commercial enterprise.
The ideal buyer is an entrepreneurial expatriate or retiree looking for a income-generating primary residence in a culturally rich, walkable municipal hub. Costa Rica permits foreign buyers to secure fee-simple ownership of real estate, making this downtown parcel a secure asset. Transaction costs to factor into your exit strategy or purchase budget include a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared value, alongside a comprehensive closing bundle covering notary, registry, and legal fees that typically ranges from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. Ongoing holding costs are bolstered by a low annual municipal property tax calculated directly from the registered cadastral value. This property represents a timely entry point into Esparza's stable, domestic-driven market.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Acquiring this downtown Esparza property is a straightforward process for North American buyers. In Costa Rica, foreign investors enjoy the same robust fee-simple ownership rights as domestic buyers, allowing you to hold the deed in your own name or through a local corporation. Because this property sits outside the maritime zone, you receive full, unrestricted title to the 359.36-square-meter parcel and the 187-square-meter dual-dwelling structure.
The transaction involves standard closing costs, which typically range from 2% to 4% of the purchase price. This bundle covers notary fees, government registry charges, and legal documentation. Additionally, a property transfer stamp tax of approximately 1.5% of the declared transaction value applies at closing. Ongoing ownership costs are exceptionally low, with annual property taxes calculated as a small fraction of the registered cadastral value. Furthermore, the $270,000 purchase price comfortably exceeds the country's investment threshold, making you eligible to apply for residency-by-investment status.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
Living in the heart of Espíritu Santo, Esparza, offers an unparalleled immersion into a lifestyle where rich Costa Rican heritage meets the tranquil rhythm of provincial life. For the discerning buyer, this location represents far more than a simple real estate acquisition; it is an invitation to become part of one of the country's oldest and most culturally vibrant communities. Imagine waking up just steps from the historic central plaza, where the gentle whisper of mature trees and the warmth of local greetings define your morning routine. This neighborhood appeals directly to those who aspire to slow down without disconnecting, offering a rare balance of peaceful residential sanctuary and immediate urban convenience. Here, your daily life is enriched by local art, time-honored religious traditions, and lively cultural events that celebrate the true essence of Costa Rican identity. It is a place where you can build a meaningful legacy, cultivate a thriving home business, or simply savor the security and prestige of owning a piece of history in a highly desirable, walkable downtown setting.
Espíritu Santo, Esparza, Puntarenas
Principal broker

In Costa Rica since 2004