Securing a private sanctuary in the highly desirable Central Valley of Costa Rica is now within reach at an exceptional price point of USD 330000. Located in the peaceful Fatima neighborhood of the Atenas canton, this fully remodeled, turnkey residence delivers an sophisticated blend of indoor comfort and outdoor leisure. The property spans a land size of 180 m² with a matching construction footprint of 180 m², optimizing every square meter to create an intimate yet airy retreat. Inside, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom layout centers around a spacious living and dining area distinguished by soaring, vaulted tongue-and-groove wood ceilings. The kitchen serves as a culinary focal point, boasting custom handcrafted wood cabinetry, premium granite countertops, and modern stainless steel appliances.
A dramatic wall of glass and sliding doors connects the interior to the private rear terrace, where a pristine swimming pool and sundeck invite daily lap swimming and sunbathing. The surrounding grounds feature a mature back garden rich with tropical fruit trees, all secured by comprehensive perimeter walls and fencing for absolute privacy. For North American buyers, purchasing this property offers the security of fee-simple ownership rights, identical to those enjoyed by Costa Rican citizens. Ongoing ownership costs remain remarkably low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at just a quarter of one percent of the registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for standard closing expenses, which typically encompass a one and a half percent transfer stamp tax alongside notary and registry fees that generally total between two and four percent of the final transaction price.
Acquiring this property is a straightforward process, as Costa Rican law grants foreign buyers the exact same fee-simple ownership rights as local citizens. Located in the interior Central Valley, this home sits safely outside the restrictive maritime concession zones, allowing you to hold the deed directly in your own name or through a local corporation.
At a purchase price of $330,000, this investment also positions you well above the minimum threshold required to apply for residency under the country's investor category.
Ongoing holding costs are remarkably low. The annual municipal property tax is calculated at a mere one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. During the acquisition, you should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which encompasses the transfer stamp tax, notary fees, and legal registry filings.
Review title types and due diligence in our fee simple vs concession guide.
This turnkey residence in the Atenas canton offers 180 square meters of high-quality construction on a 180-square-meter parcel, priced at USD 330,000. Built with durability in mind, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home features vaulted wood tongue-and-groove ceilings that bring natural warmth to the open-concept living and dining areas. The kitchen is outfitted with custom handcrafted wood cabinetry, solid granite countertops, and premium stainless steel appliances. A wall of windows and sliding glass doors seamlessly connect the indoor living space to the private outdoor amenities.
The exterior grounds are fully walled and fenced to ensure complete privacy. Outside, you will find a lap-worthy swimming pool, an integrated sundeck, and a back terrace designed for outdoor dining. The surrounding garden is planted with mature, producing tropical fruit trees.
For international buyers, Costa Rica permits straightforward fee-simple ownership. Ongoing holding costs are exceptionally low, with the annual municipal property tax rate set at approximately one-quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Buyers should also budget for closing fees, which encompass notary, registry, and stamp taxes, typically totaling between two and four percent of the transaction price.
Situated in the peaceful neighborhood of Fatima on a quiet, dead-end street, this property offers an exceptional opportunity to buy property in Costa Rica. Located just minutes from downtown Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica, the residence provides the perfect balance of countryside tranquility and convenient access to essential amenities. Atenas is internationally renowned for its exceptional microclimate, welcoming mix of locals and expats, and relaxed countryside pace. Residents enjoy weekly ferias (farmers markets), stunning mountain vistas, and a highly desirable central location. This positioning makes Atenas Costa Rica homes a perennial favorite for North American relocations, offering a seamless transition for those looking to retire, invest, or work remotely.
The local lifestyle is defined by its ease of connection. From this vantage point in the Central Valley Costa Rica real estate market, you are positioned perfectly between the urban conveniences of San Jose and the beaches of the Pacific coast. Essential services, including local medical clinics and the comprehensive healthcare facilities in nearby Escazu, are within easy driving distance, while the international airport in Alajuela is highly accessible.
For buyers looking to buy property Costa Rica, the financial advantages of this region are highly compelling. The annual property tax in Costa Rica is remarkably low, hovering around a mere quarter of a percent of the property's registered cadastral value each year. When completing a transaction, buyers should plan for standard closing costs, which typically encompass a transfer stamp tax of approximately one and a half percent of the declared transaction value, alongside notary, registry, and legal fees that generally total between two and four percent of the purchase price. Foreign buyers enjoy the security of fee-simple ownership rights, making this Atenas residence an outstanding choice for your international portfolio.
Explore more about this area on our regional guide page.
Priced at $330,000, Casa Terracotta presents a highly efficient entry into the Central Valley real estate market, offering 180 square meters of construction on an equal 180-square-meter parcel. This parity between land and construction size maximizes the footprint, delivering a turnkey pool home without the high maintenance costs of larger acreage. For the investor, this configuration is ideal for the high-demand Atenas medium-term rental market, attracting expat retirees transitioning to the area or digital nomads seeking a secure, private home base close to municipal amenities.
From a financial perspective, Costa Rica offers an incredibly favorable holding cost environment. The annual municipal property tax is remarkably low, assessed at approximately a quarter of one percent of the property's registered cadastral value. Buyers should budget between two and four percent of the purchase price to cover the comprehensive closing bundle, which includes notary fees, registry charges, and legal stamps, alongside the standard transfer tax of approximately 1.5 percent of the declared transaction value. With foreign buyers enjoying the security of fee-simple ownership rights identical to Costa Rican citizens, this property represents a low-overhead, highly liquid asset in a perennially popular highland destination, offering a clear exit strategy to the robust resale market of incoming North American retirees.
Model rental income for this property with our rental income calculator.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Alajuela, the charming town of Atenas is globally celebrated for possessing one of the most desirable climates on Earth, offering a daily lifestyle defined by gentle mountain breezes, abundant sunshine, and an average temperature that hovers in the mid-seventies. For the discerning buyer seeking to transition to Costa Rica, this location represents far more than just a change of address; it is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and fully embrace the world-famous "Pura Vida" philosophy. Living here means waking up to the gentle rustle of tropical fruit trees, spending your mornings sipping locally grown coffee on your private terrace, and enjoying quiet afternoons by your own sparkling swimming pool. The Fatima neighborhood perfectly captures this coveted balance, providing a peaceful, close-knit residential sanctuary on a quiet dead-end street, while remaining just minutes from the vibrant heart of downtown Atenas. Here, you are never far from organic farmers' markets, cozy local cafes, and essential modern conveniences, allowing you to enjoy absolute privacy without ever feeling isolated.
For international buyers, remote professionals, and retirees alike, this property represents the ultimate realization of a tropical dream—a turnkey haven where the transition to paradise is seamless and secure. The aspiration of owning a piece of the Central Valley is elevated by the ease of the local lifestyle, where the days are long, the community is welcoming, and the natural beauty of Costa Rica serves as your daily backdrop. Whether your goal is to establish a highly productive remote work sanctuary powered by high-speed fiber optic internet, or to cultivate a private retreat where you can harvest fresh fruit from your own backyard, this home delivers on every promise of Costa Rican living. It caters to those who value architectural warmth, modern comforts, and a secure, low-maintenance lifestyle that frees up time to explore the surrounding mountains and beaches. Investing in this region is not just about acquiring real estate; it is about securing a healthier, more fulfilling way of life in a community that feels like home from the very moment you arrive.
Atenas, Alajuela
Principal broker
In Costa Rica since 2004
