Costa Rica Luxury Market Breakdown: $1M+ Listings

The New Face of Luxury in Costa Rica

Over the past decade, Costa Rica has evolved from a hidden eco-retreat into one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the Americas. Wealthy investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees from the United States, Canada, and Europe are now looking south, drawn by the country’s political stability, biodiversity, and increasingly sophisticated real estate market.

In 2025, luxury real estate in Costa Rica is no longer defined solely by ocean views and infinity pools. It’s about design, sustainability, privacy, and access. From the Papagayo Peninsula to Santa Teresa and the Central Valley, the country’s high-end segment is growing fast and diversifying even faster.

What Defines a $1 Million Property in 2025

In Guanacaste, the country’s premier coastal province, one million dollars buys a very different experience depending on location. In Playa Hermosa or Playas del Coco, buyers can expect a contemporary four-bedroom villa with panoramic ocean views, a private pool, and modern architecture. In contrast, that same budget might only secure a two-bedroom branded residence in Papagayo, where exclusivity and service elevate the price per square meter.

The luxury threshold also depends on access and amenities. In the northern Pacific, the “Golden Coast” of Guanacaste offers proximity to Liberia’s international airport, high-end developments such as Pacifico and Altos del Cacique, and full-service communities where property management, rental services, and security are integrated.

On the Nicoya Peninsula, in destinations like Nosara and Santa Teresa, a million dollars buys a secluded jungle estate, often eco-designed with solar systems and artisanal materials. Here, luxury takes a more bohemian tone, combining nature with design minimalism.

Market Drivers in the Luxury Segment

1. Branded DevelopmentsThe arrival of global luxury brands has changed the investment landscape. Projects such as Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Peninsula Papagayo and the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Residences in Guanacaste signal a new era of branded real estate. Buyers in this segment are not just purchasing property; they’re buying into a curated lifestyle, full-service living, and global brand assurance.

2. Sustainable LuxuryCosta Rica’s reputation for conservation influences design choices across the luxury sector. Developers are increasingly integrating renewable energy, greywater recycling, and natural ventilation systems. High-end buyers now prioritize environmental responsibility as much as comfort.

3. Remote Work and Dual ResidencyThe pandemic-era trend of remote living has matured into long-term relocation. Wealthy buyers often maintain dual bases, spending part of the year in Costa Rica to enjoy lifestyle, tax advantages, and safety.

4. Tourism as an Asset ClassShort-term rental yields remain a driver, even in the luxury segment. Ocean-view villas in Coco, Tamarindo, and Flamingo regularly command $800 to $2,500 per night during high season, creating investment-grade opportunities for high-net-worth individuals.

Key Luxury Markets to Watch

Península PapagayoStill the crown jewel of Costa Rican luxury, Papagayo is home to the Four Seasons, Andaz, and now the Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Prices for residences here range from $2 million to over $15 million, often purchased by global elites seeking complete privacy and world-class amenities.

Playas del Coco and Playa HermosaThe northern beaches remain strongholds for buyers seeking value relative to Papagayo. Luxury homes between $1 and $3 million offer strong rental potential and full ownership (titled land) with easy access to the airport and services.

Las Catalinas and FlamingoBoth are emerging as boutique luxury enclaves emphasizing walkability and design integrity. Las Catalinas combines new urbanism with ocean-view condos, while Flamingo’s new marina development is positioning it as Costa Rica’s future yachting hub.

Nosara and Santa TeresaOn the Nicoya Peninsula, these communities attract creative professionals and entrepreneurs. The luxury here is organic, informal, and rooted in wellness culture. A million dollars can buy a modern jungle home with a yoga deck and open-air living spaces.

Central Valley (Escazú and Santa Ana)While not coastal, these upscale suburbs of San José appeal to executives, diplomats, and families. Luxury condos and estates in gated communities such as Villa Real or Cerro Alto provide security, city access, and mountain views.

Investment Trends and Buyer Profile

In 2025, most luxury buyers in Costa Rica are North American, aged 45–70, with liquid capital from business exits or remote income. They tend to prioritize turnkey ownership, sustainability, and privacy.

Developers are responding by offering furnished, managed properties with concierge services and rental programs. The average luxury buyer today is not looking to manage staff or deal with logistics; they expect hospitality-level convenience with the feel of home.

Another noticeable trend is the rise of multi-home portfolios. Investors increasingly purchase two or more properties across different regions - for example, a rental villa in Guanacaste and a personal residence in the Central Valley - to balance income and lifestyle.

Challenges in the Luxury Market

Despite its momentum, Costa Rica’s high-end real estate sector is not without challenges.

• Construction costs have increased by nearly 20% since 2021 due to material imports and labor shortages.

• Financing remains limited for foreigners, keeping transactions largely cash-based.

• Inventory is tightening in prime coastal areas, especially for ocean-view lots and beachfront land.

  
  

These factors reinforce the importance of working with reputable developers and conducting proper due diligence.

The Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

The luxury segment in Costa Rica shows no signs of slowing. With new branded developments, infrastructure investments, and a growing global appetite for wellness-driven living, property values are expected to appreciate steadily.

Experts project a 5–7% annual increase in high-end property prices across Guanacaste, with even higher growth potential near new marinas and resorts. As more international schools, medical centers, and private aviation services expand in the region, Costa Rica’s luxury market will continue to rival traditional Caribbean and Mexican competitors.

Final Thoughts

Luxury real estate in Costa Rica has matured into a fully developed asset class. Whether your goal is an ocean-view villa, a branded resort residence, or an eco-conscious retreat, the market offers depth and sophistication to match global standards.

The key is alignment - between your lifestyle, investment horizon, and tolerance for complexity. For buyers seeking a balance of privacy, nature, and return potential, Costa Rica’s luxury market in 2025 remains a standout in the Americas.