How Much Does A House On A Beach In Costa Rica Cost?

by Jeanne in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is beautiful, and people want to live on or at the beach.

The never-ending question is always the cost of a house on the beach.

There are beautiful beaches with in-demand properties all over Costa Rica, and figuring out where you want to live, where the houses are, and which ones are still available takes a concerted effort. It takes teamwork between you and a real estate agent.

About Costa Rica real estate

Costa Rica doesn’t have an MLS (multiple listing service), so many real estate sites will attempt to consolidate all home listings.

These sites aren’t always well-maintained and aren’t updated in real time.

As a result, it’s not uncommon to find a listing you like only to find out it’s already sold.

Bottom line — there isn’t a one-stop shop, an MLS, to research real estate like there is in the U.S. and Canada.

The best way to find beach property is to narrow down the places in Costa Rica you’d consider living and check out 2-3 local real estate companies for listings in that area.

Considerations for buying a house on the beach

When thinking about living on the beach, here is a list of criteria to think about:

• How much rainfall is there? – There are 12 micro-climates in Costa Rica, and the amount of rainfall differs between each one.
• Do you want access to large towns and cities?
• How safe is the area?
• Is there a complete Infrastructure to support your needs?
• What is the level of or proximity to medical care?
• How close do you want to be to an airport?

The following towns/areas are along some of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica.

Jaco

Jaco is the closest central beachside town to the capital city of San Jose, which means it’s less than a 1.5-hour drive to Liberia International Airport.

The town of Jaco sits in a cove with a rocky beach at both ends. It is known for surfing, beaches, nightlife, and beautiful sunsets.

Jaco Property 1

Url: https://www.coldwellbankerjacobeach.com/property/16410/

Listed at $499,000 3/3 with 2,799 sq. ft.

Jaco Property 2

Url: https://www.coldwellbankerjacobeach.com/property/17328/

Listed at $510,000 4/3 with 1,991 sq. ft.

Both are Active as of 1/29/2023

Tamarindo/Langosta/Playa Grande

Tamarindo is the Guanacaste Province located in the Northwest. It is the largest beach town in Guanacaste and one of the largest in Costa Rica.

It’s known for its beaches and wild nightlife. Point of interest—Playa Grande beach, just to its north, is a primary nesting spot for giant leatherback turtles.

Playa Langosta is 2km (1.2 miles) south of Tamarindo, with a very different vibe. It’s more laid back, with only a few hotels, rentals, and businesses.

Tamarindo/Langosta/Playa Grande Property 1:

Url: https://kraincostarica.com/en/junquillal/all-properties-for-sale-in-junquillal-costa-rica/rs2200821

Listed at $4,400,000 5/5 with 2,928 sq. ft.

Tamarindo/Langosta/Playa Grande Property 1:

Url: https://www.point2homes.com/CR/Home-For-Sale/Guanacaste/Tamarindo/Playa-Tamarindo/Casa-Zoul-Senderos-9B-Magnificent-Luxury-House/131071346.html

Listed at $1,530,000 4/4 with 5,081 sq. ft.

Both are Active as of 1/29/2023

Junquillal

Junquillal is located 30 minutes from Tamarindo. It’s rural and calls for surfers to hit its offshore waves along its gray beach. It is also home to a turtle hatchery, campgrounds, some condos, and a few restaurants.

It’s attracting more development yearly, so this may be an excellent place to check out before prices get too high.

Junquillal Property 1:

Url: https://kraincostarica.com/en/junquillal/all-properties-for-sale-in-junquillal-costa-rica/rs2200821

Listed at $495,000 3/2 with 1,797 sq. ft.

Junquillal Property 2:

Url: https://www.lat10realty.com/property/2br-home-with-two-guest-cabins-on-1-3-acres/

Listed at $695,000 4/4 with 3,000 sq. ft.

Both properties are active as of 1/29/23

Flamingo/Surfside/Potrero

In terms of real estate, these three towns are considered one. You can drive between the three in 10 minutes.

Playa Flamingo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches with fine white sand. It has a newly built high-end marina, so development is a big part of this area.

Potrero is divided into a north and south side. Its south side is called Surfside, a growing enclave of ex-pat homes mixed with locals. The north side of town is Potrero.

All three towns have restaurants, bars, and beautiful beaches. However, of the three, Potrero is the least touristy, with primarily local charm.

Flamingo/Surfside/Potrero Property 1:

Url: https://kraincostarica.com/en/search-properties/rs2201047

Listed at $720,000 4/3 with 3,444 sq. ft.

Flamingo/Surfside/Potrero Property 2:

Url: https://kraincostarica.com/en/search-properties/rs2201077

Listed at $799,000 3/4 with 4,499 sq. ft.

Both are Active as of 1/29/2023

Las Catalinas

Las Catalinas is an exclusive, privately owned resort town. It was developed starting in 2006 also in Guanacaste Province in northwest Costa Rica.

It’s car-free and completely walkable, a salute to New Urbanism. It is a high-end town located just a few miles north of Potrero.

Las Catalinas Property 1

Url: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/residential-sales/5-calle-cartagena-

Listed at $999,000 2/3 with 1,485 sq. ft.

Las Catalinas Property 2

Url: https://www.lascatalinascr.com/residential-sales/5-calle-la-ronda

Coco

It has several beautiful beaches, bars, restaurants, and a busy nightlife.

Playas del Coco Property 1

Url: https://www.point2homes.com/CR/Home-For-Sale/Guanacaste/Playas-Del-Coco/Casa-Selvita/127995415.html

Listed at $1,550,000 2/1 with 2,100 sq. ft.

Note: this is a prime beach property with many development opportunities!

Playas Coco Property 2

Url: https://www.prestige-ocean-properties.com/Playas_Del_Coco/Guanacaste/Homes/Playas_Del_Coco/Agent/Listing_546692405.html

Listed at $650,000 5/4 with 1,829 sq. ft.

More Important Things to Know

Costa Rica is very protective of its beaches, wildlife, and resources. As a result, individual homes and homes in developments are rarely directly on the beach.

However, many can be found within walking distance of beautiful beaches; still, others have magnificent ocean views and are accessible within a short drive (5min.) Beach and Ocean view homes range in cost from $400,000 to $2+M.

Concession Land

Individual homes directly on the beach are rare concerning the number of houses within walking distance, and many Beach front properties may have to be purchased under a concession.

Titled Property

HOAs

A Final Thought