Costa Rica homes for sale on Costa Rica Playbook start at about $155,000 and run past $9 million, with the largest selection in the South Pacific: Uvita, Ojochal, Dominical, Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Hundreds of listings are live at the time of writing. Mark Savoia is a buyer's agent who lives in Uvita. He helps you pick the right area first, then the right house.
Who this is for
This page is for you if you are still choosing where to buy. Most people start with a budget and a picture of the life they want, then find out the town decides more than the house does: schools, hospitals, roads, heat and how far the beach is.
The areas at a glance
Uvita: the South Pacific's service hub, with about 325 listings. Town homes, beach-access homes near the Whale's Tail, and hillside view property. Young families and growth investors.
Ojochal: a quiet village south of Uvita with about 235 listings, low-priced view lots, and many restaurants and small hotels for its size. Retirees and home builders.
Dominical: surf and jungle, with about 120 listings, plus the high-end view homes of Escaleras and the rural ridges of Portalón.
Manuel Antonio and Quepos: the pricier central Pacific, with a national park, a marina and a strong rental market.
Land and farms: lots from about US$150,000, plus fincas and development land.
What homes cost
Real examples at the time of writing:
Under US$250,000: Spacious 4-Bedroom Home in Quepos, US$155,000. Turnkey Tropical Casita in Ojochal, US$199,000. Turnkey 2-Bed Home in Uvita, US$214,500. Furnished Ocean View Home in Playa Hermosa, 3 bed, US$223,000.
US$250,000 to US$600,000: Walk-to-Beach Villa in Playa Hermosa, Uvita, 3 bed, US$349,000. Private Jungle Villa in Manuel Antonio, US$369,000. Oversized Pool Villa in Central Uvita, US$449,000. Rainforest Home + Guest Casita in Dominical, US$639,000.
US$1 million and up: Whale's Tail View Home in Uvita, US$1,195,000. Luxury 4-Bed Villa in Ojochal, US$1,899,000. Private Ocean View Estate in Manuel Antonio, US$2,595,000.
Looking for cheap homes in Costa Rica?
Be realistic about the coast. On Costa Rica Playbook, beach-area homes under US$250,000 exist but are few, and they go fast. Your money goes further in three ways:
Go inland. The mountains around San Isidro de El General, about an hour from the beach, cost far less to buy and to live in. In Platanillo, on the road between Dominical and San Isidro, a new 2-bed home is listed at US$205,000.
Go up. A house 15 minutes inland from Uvita at 1,800 feet costs meaningfully less than the same square footage with an ocean view above the highway, and uses less power.
Buy land and build. Lots start around US$150,000, but budget for the build, the water letter and three to six months or more for permits.
What buying costs on top of the price
Plan on a 1.5% transfer tax, about 1.5% in notary fees, and legal, escrow and registry costs on top. On a US$500,000 home, budget roughly US$17,500 to US$30,000. Municipal property tax is 0.25% of the registered value each year, which resets to your purchase price when the sale is registered. Buying at US$200,000 or more in a qualifying asset can also support Inversionista residency.
What you get from Mark
Help choosing the area before you choose the house.
A shortlist, with photos, videos and live walkthroughs.
A buyer-side read on price in a market with no MLS.
Referrals to lawyers, lenders, inspectors and movers.
How it works
Tell Mark your budget, timeline and the life you want.
Narrow to one or two areas, then review a shortlist.
Tour in person or on video, and make an offer.
Your lawyer handles the agreement, escrow and due diligence.
Close before a notary, in person or remotely.
Why buyers work with Mark Savoia
Mark Savoia is a North American expat with ten years of experience who has helped thousands of people from around the world buy property in Costa Rica. From Google reviews:
"Mark has helped me out so much, buying a property in uvita, costa rica." (Google review)
"His expertise of the different areas of Costa Rica is unmatched." (Google review)
Frequently asked questions
Can Americans and Canadians buy a house in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners can own titled property with the same rights as citizens, and you don't need residency to buy. Beach concession land is the main exception.
What is the cheapest home on the coast?
At the time of writing, the lowest-priced homes on Costa Rica Playbook start around US$155,000, and beach-area homes under US$250,000 are limited.
Which area is best for families?
Uvita has the most schools and services in the South Pacific. Manuel Antonio has CRIA. The right choice depends on your budget and how close you need to be to a hospital.
Can I get a mortgage in Costa Rica?
Options exist, including private lenders and, on some listings, owner financing. Read the Costa Rica Playbook financing guide for details.
How long does it take to buy a house?
Due diligence usually runs 30 days, and Mark pushes for 55 to 60 days for foreign buyers. Registration after closing takes from two weeks to a couple of months.
Do I need to visit before I buy?
No. Many of Mark's clients buy and close without setting foot in the country, using his team's videos and live walkthroughs.
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Not sure where to start? Talk to Mark about buying a home in Costa Rica.
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