Lake Arenal Costa Rica INFO and REAL ESTATE Guide

Lake Arenal, the undiscovered jewel of Costa Rica.

A 50 square mile, pristine fresh water lake high in the cool tropical mountains is fast becoming recognized as one of the permier upcoming real estate and touristic destinations in all of Central America.

Just a three and a half hour scenic drive from the Costa Rica capital, San Jose, or two hours from the new Liberia International Airport, the Lake Arenal region will remind you of many other beautiful places in the world such as the lakes between Switzerland and northern Italy. The ample rainfall and numerous rivers give it a cool but lush tropical annual ambiance known for its uique exotic and diverse flora and fauna.

Real estate prices in the Lake Arenal Costa Rica area are still low, especially compared to San Jose and the coastal areas and there are bargains to be found, as this area is still in the early stages of discovery.

WHY COSTA RICA

Good Question, why not Nicaragua, Panama or some other Central, South American country, or a Caribbean Island. First, stability, Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world that has no army. It was disbanded in 1948, and all the money that is spent on armed services in other countries is put into education, infrastructure, roads and social services. Costa Rica is the safest country in all of Central/South American and is often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America. Costa Rica is a relatively large country by Central American standards, roughly the size of West Virginia. There is a composite of climates and topographies, mountains, plains and coastal zones (Caribbean and Pacific) to choose from. Phone, electricity, Internet and TV service are modern and reliable. The medical facilities in the private hospitals are first class and a fraction of the cost in the US, as is the medical insurance available to foreign residents. Taxes are very low and the cost of living makes retirement extremely affordable and attractive in Costa Rica.

LAND

Land can still be purchased for $1 per meter or $4000 per acre in larger parcels, some with springs and rivers included. As land becomes sub divided and developed into smaller parcels, is on or close to the main road, or close to a small town the price increases. Land in sub divided residential communities run between $12 and $40 per square meter, some gated communities include pools, tennis courts and private docks on the lake. and there is everything in between from small developed homesites to farms over 1000 acres, and even several lakefront parcels with access to Lake Arenal Costa Rica.

HOMES

There is a wide range of homes available in the region. Tico (rustic) homes can be found for as little as $30,000-40,000 on a small piece of land in many parts of Costa Rica. A more American/European style home on a half acre plus lot can be found in the $100,000 to $250,000 range, some even in gated communities. We also have homes on larger parcels of land, should you wish more privacy. For those looking for something more upscale, there is also a good selection of more luxurious homes, with pools, tennis courts, guest cottages, rivers, ponds and even lakefront with private docks.

There are also several lakefront condo/townhouse developments available with pools and tennis courts if you are interested in more communal living here on Lake Arenal in Costa Rica.

If you cannot find what you are looking for or simply wish to build your dream home, we can recommend experienced, proven architects and builders. Construction costs are low and you can expect to pay $40 to $50 per square foot for good construction.

COMMERCIAL

We maintain a wide variety of commercial listings including small bed and breakfasts all the way to larger hotels with restaurants/bars and pools. We also have shops, bars and other commercial properties in all price ranges. We can also guide you in starting a new commercial venture and give you our ideas and experience on what new services we think would be successful in the area.

DEVELOPMENT

There are many good development opportunities in Lake Arenal Costa Rica, from land sub division, to spec homes, condominium development and commercial activity which we will be happy to discuss with you and guide you through the ever changing laws and rules and regulations. We maintain excellent relationships with all the governmental authorities necessary for permits and guide lines for any type of development you may wish to pursue. We also have a list of certified surveyors, engineers, and heavy equipment operators experienced in development of property at Lake Arenal Costa Rica.

We here at CENTURY 21 Lake Arenal Costa Rica are in the early stages of a planned gated residential sub division to include homesites and model homes which will be offered for sale completely furnished and to include a community pool and recreation area, with excellent long term financing.

RENTALS/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

We offer a wide variety of long term and short term/vacation type rentals, from small studio apartments all the way to large luxury villas with pools

We also have available a property management service for absentee owners who wish to either rent their homes while not here, or to have a regular inspection/maintenance program for their properties, including security checks, grounds, pool and house maintenance.

PURCHASING PROPERTY

Costa Rican law recognizes the absolute right to ownership of real property. There are no restrictions as to foreign ownership of Costa Rican property.

The Government operates a fully computerized public registry of all properties in Costa Rica which provide information as to ownership, title, liens, encumbrances, boundaries, property taxes and other recorded documents, so that clear title can be assured when property is purchased. We recommend the use of a reputable attorney when purchasing property and we can provide you with a list of the lawyers we recommend.

Let us help you find your dream Costa Rica Real Estate on Lake Arenal.

Home | Homes/Condos | Land | Commercial | Costa Rica Info | Maps