Many of us dream of owning a place in the sun.   Although there are many beautiful vacation destinations worldwide, most present serious issues for foreigners wishing to invest, live or work there.  Not so in Costa Rica....

Costa Rica has a happy combination of elements not found anywhere else in the world!

Consider the following:

• The WEATHER!:  A near-perfect climate – truly something for everyone.   There are no hurricanes on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. 

•  Political Stability:  Costa Rica has enjoyed uninterrupted democracy for over 50 years.  It is a peaceful nation that does not maintain an army.  The World Bank recently declared Costa Rica as “One of the most stable and robust democracies in Latin America” and praised its “healthy economic growth rate”.   

• Secure Land Ownership:  Foreigners have the same constitutionally protected property rights as nationals.   All individuals and private corporations  (local or foreign) can own land or property in Costa  Rica.  Costa Rica has a registered land title system similar to North America and secure title is insured with title insurance.

• Affordability:  Real estate costs are a fraction of the cost of similar properties in the U.S., Canada, or other vacation destinations.

• Cost of Living:  In Costa Rica, you can live for a fraction of what it now costs you to live in North America - and enjoy a better quality of life.

• Natural Beauty and Bio-Diversity:  Covering just  .03% of the earth’s surface, Costa Rica is home to over 5% of all the species known on earth.  The incredible variety of  tropical flora and fauna attracts nature-lovers and adventure-seekers from around the world.

• Location:  Costa Rica is strategically located in the heart of the Western Hemisphere.  Its location provides easy access to international markets by land, sea and air – an important factor in its continued strong economic development.

• Government Policy:  An investment friendly climate is central to what is developing as the Silicon Valley of Latin America. Major corporations - Intel, Microsoft, GE, Abbot Laboratories, Continental Airlines, and Firestone Tire are a few of the major world corporations that have already made huge investments in major production and distribution facilities.  Costa Rica is definitely open for business on a major international scale that will ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the region – a fact that translates to rising prices and capital appreciation in real estate.

• Accessibility:  Costa Rica is easily reached by direct flight from many major international airports.

• Health Care:  Costa Rica has one of the best, publicly–funded, medical systems in the world.  The quality of the health care is reflected in the average life expectancy of  76.3 years.  World-class private health care is also available at a fraction of the cost for similar care in Canada or the US.  State of the art hospitals and skilled North American-trained surgeons have made Costa Rica a center for medical tourism.

• Standard of Living:  Costa Rica has the largest percentage of middle class and the most equitable distribution of wealth in Latin America.  The grinding poverty of many Latin American countries is absent. 

• Education:  Costa Rica has a 97% literacy rate and an excellent education system, leading to an educated and skilled workforce.

• Taxes:  Realty tax is only ¼ of 1% of the assessed value of the property.  Real estate investors pay NO capital gains tax on the sale of property.

• Banking:  High-interest bank rates are tax free.  Government banks provide deposit insurance.

• Infrastructure:  Telephone, hi-speed internet, transportation easily available.

• Climate:  And don’t forget the climate!! 

• Demographics:  The 55-64 year-old age group is the fastest growing age bracket in North America.  The “Baby Boomers” will continue to influence markets as they have in the past.  The growing demand for vacation and retirement property means strong growth and increasing property values in Costa Rica.

• The hottest real estate market in all of Costa Rica is the Papagyo Peninsula, located  in the North West Province of Guanacaste.

Why Guanacaste?

There are two major factors responsible for the outstanding investment potential of this area.

• Peninsula Papagayo Project:  A major government initiative known as the “Peninsula Papagayo Project” refers to the recently initiated Government plan to develop this prime area into the premier vacation and resort destination in the country.  In the past year, over 30 major resort and hotel chains have committed to opening in the area by 2009.

•  Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia:  The recent opening of the international airport  in Liberia has made the Guanacaste area easily accessible.  Previously there were no international flights to Liberia and a  4 hour drive from San Jose was required to reach the beautiful beaches of the Pacific.  The airport in Liberia is expanding rapidly to accommodate the increasing volume of visitors to the area. There are now approximately   60 international flights arriving weekly -  and the numbers continue to grow.  A  13.5  million  dollar expansion is now planned.