Costa Rica Real Estate

26 05 2008

The cost of real estate in Costa Rica varies considerably. Although housing is generally affordable, contributing factors for price disparities can include the position of the land, accessible facilities in the area, personal taste, materials used if building, as well as the size of the property.

Opportunities to buy real estate in Costa Rica are plentiful, and property values have increased considerably over the last ten years. The value of beach property in particular has escalated significantly over the last decade. The reason for this is the result of the country’s increasing popularity.

Many foreigners look at buying property in the prime coastal development areas of Costa Rica for retirement or holiday homes, or simply to fulfill their dreams of owning a beachfront dwelling in a tropical paradise. As a result, beach front property is being snapped up at a rapid rate, and the price of real estate is soaring by the day.

Property shortages in metropolitan areas, as well as the rapidly growing population, are contributing factors to the rising of resale values in these areas as well. One can usually afford to build a dream home in Costa Rica as labour and materials are generally inexpensive.

In addition to beachfront homes, condominiums and farms or ranches can also be found with a more reasonable price tag attached. The value of these properties also depends on location and other aspects.

The Government welcomes Costa Rica real estate buying for investment purposes, but one should always take into consideration the prospect or likelihood that the property might have to be sold unexpectedly, or rented out, should personal circumstances suddenly change.

The laws of Costa Rica, and especially the property registration process, can be rather bewildering to a foreigner. It is recommended that property hunters talk to as many people as possible and search for a well-known, competent, licensed broker or realtor who can identify true market value and has adequate negotiating skills to get the best price for the property. Financing options will need to be explained, and the assistance of a lawyer will be necessary to do all the legal work.

The ever-increasing popularity of Costa Rica ensures excellent investment opportunities that are bound to bring in good returns. Beach property in Costa Rica is in great demand and real estate values are expected to double over the next ten to fifteen years.





Golfing in Costa Rica

15 05 2008

Costa Rica is an impressively popular tiny tropical paradise – known for its exciting array of activities and adventures, as well as its miles of dazzling white beaches and tropical forests – and it has now also become a highly sought after golfing destination.

Although still in early stages, the establishment of picturesque, well-maintained golf courses in Costa Rica has grown rapidly, with further golfing clubs expected to be opening soon. These luxurious golf courses, boasting undulating, rich green fairways, are lined by forests, mountains, and sandy beaches.

More often than not, a tee-off time is not required on the Costa Rican golf courses, as it is known to have the least crowded courses in the world. This means that you can enjoy an unhurried round of golf whilst relishing in the splendour of the surroundings. However, it would be recommended to contact the clubs beforehand to enquire about details such as accessibility to courses as well as costs. This usually varies quite considerably from course to course – seasons generally being the contributing factor.

Golf in Costa Rica, no matter how much you love the game, will, without a doubt, be put second on your list of ‘things to do in Costa Rica’. This incredible little country is also renowned for sipping cocktails on the glorious beaches whilst watching the sun set on the horizon. Alternatively, if you are not keen on relaxing on the beach, but enjoy constant excitement and activity, you have many other interesting and exhilarating options. Some of these options include deep sea fishing, white water rafting, hiking through the captivatingly scenic mountains, exploring enchanting tropical forests and volcanoes, and even bird-watching.

The weather in Costa Rica is near perfect, although some areas do get extremely warm. Many golfers choose to play their much-loved game in the early morning or late afternoon, whilst enjoying the time in between relaxing next to the sparkling clear swimming pools at the magnificent hotels – being cared for by the very helpful and chivalrous staff.

The people of Costa Rica are remarkably friendly and exceptionally hospitable. You are sure to feel incredibly welcome by these genial people. The population of Costa Rica has every reason to be proud of their unique country’s natural beauty and ecological diversity.

If you are looking for a golfing paradise that is full of adventure and exotic places to explore, Costa Rica is sure to leave you feeling thoroughly exhilarated and pacified.





Costa Rica Travel Guide

14 05 2008

With the invention of modern transportation, it is becoming even easier to travel to far away countries rather than places on our doorsteps. Costa Rica is just one of the very desirable vacation destinations that families and honeymooners alike want to enjoy. Located along the Caribbean coastline, its sandy beaches, tropical rainforests and various reservoirs make it a beautiful setting that everything can enjoy. As Costa Rica relies heavily on tourism; it is constantly adapting to cope with the growing demand from foreign visitors. If you choose to visit Costa Rica then it does come highly recommended and there is something for everyone to do, no matter what their tastes and preferences. Why not visit some of the many tropical rainforests which house over 1,000 species of orchids and a staggering 850 species of birds (such as Toucans and eight varieties of Parrots) which are rarely seen elsewhere.

The country whose capital is the “breathtaking” San Jose was once known as “Switzerland of Central America” due to its beautiful settings and friendly atmosphere which still welcomes all visitors today.

Costa Rica is primarily a Spanish speaking country but English is an inherited second language and therefore you won’t have any problems communicating with the locals.

Since the tourism boom in the 1980’s, Costa Rica has not just seen changes to its general surroundings, there has been a large and swift increase in the number of luxury apartments and hotels are offer to holidaymakers which are located to a large majority of the biggest attractions in the country, ranging from beaches, forests, nature reserves and even volcanoes.

Facts about Costa Rica:
Full Name: Republic of Costa Rica
Capital: San Jose
Religion: Christianity
Languages: Spanish and English
Currency: Colon (CRC)
Literacy Rate: 96% as per figures from CIA World Factbook – February 2007 (this figure is one of the highest in the whole of this geographic location

The full size of Costa Rica is huge in comparison to other beauty spots across the world with it spanning across a staggering 51,100 square kilometres (19,730 square miles) and the latest population count in 2006 reached 4.20 million people.

Costa Rica borders Nicaragua which is located to the north and Panama which can be found south-southeast. When visiting, the highest point in the country is that of Cerro Chirripo which measures in at 3,810 meters and is the fifth highest peak in Central America.

You will find that 25% of Costa Rica is made up of national parks and comprises of several islands which make up the large area. These islands include Cocos Island and Calero Island which is the largest across the country with it stretching over 58.5 square miles.

It is not difficult to see why Costa Rica is becoming one of the fastest growing tourism locations with its beautiful beaches, breathtaking sights and relaxing atmosphere, it is ideal for everyone to enjoy. If you want to take a holiday over the next year then visiting Costa Rica (whether for the first time or not) will prove to be the best choice you could make.