Why Guanacaste Is the Best Place to Buy Property in Costa Rica

A Region That Consistently Outperforms

If you look at where foreign buyers actually purchase property in Costa Rica, a clear pattern emerges. Again and again, one region rises to the top: Guanacaste.

From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, Guanacaste has become the country’s most in-demand real estate market. This is not by accident, nor is it just about beaches. It is the result of infrastructure, accessibility, lifestyle, and long-term investment fundamentals aligning in a way few regions can match.

Here is why Guanacaste continues to be the best place to buy property in Costa Rica in 2025.

1. Direct International Airport Access Changes Everything

Guanacaste is home to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), which offers nonstop flights from major cities in the United States and Canada.

This single factor dramatically impacts real estate value.

Buyers can:

• Fly in without crossing the country

• Reach beach towns within 20–45 minutes

• Attract higher rental demand due to easy access

  
  

Properties near Liberia Airport consistently outperform similar properties in regions that require long drives from San José. Accessibility increases rental occupancy, resale demand, and long-term value.

2. Strong Rental Demand Year-Round

Guanacaste is Costa Rica’s most established vacation rental market.

Unlike some regions that rely heavily on domestic tourism or seasonal travelers, Guanacaste attracts:

• North American families

• Retirees escaping winter

• Digital nomads

• Luxury travelers

• Long-stay snowbirds

  
  

Beach towns like Playas del Coco, Tamarindo, Flamingo, and Playa Hermosa generate consistent short-term rental demand, especially during high season. This makes Guanacaste particularly attractive to buyers looking to offset ownership costs or build income-producing properties.

3. Infrastructure Built for Foreign Buyers

Guanacaste is designed around international living.

Compared to other regions, it offers:

• Reliable fiber-optic internet

• Private hospitals and clinics

• International schools

• Modern grocery stores

• Gated communities with full services

  
  

This infrastructure reduces friction for buyers relocating or managing property remotely. For families, retirees, and investors alike, Guanacaste offers a smoother transition into Costa Rican life.

4. A Wide Range of Property Options

One of Guanacaste’s biggest strengths is diversity.

Buyers can find:

• Entry-level condos near the beach

• Mid-range homes in walkable communities

• Luxury ocean-view villas

• Gated resort-style developments

• Land for custom builds

  
  

Whether your budget is $250,000 or $2 million, Guanacaste offers real options across multiple towns, allowing buyers to scale up over time without leaving the region.

5. Titled Property Near the Coast

Unlike some parts of Costa Rica where beachfront ownership is complicated, Guanacaste offers more titled land near the ocean.

Many properties sit just outside the maritime zone but still offer:

• Ocean views

• Walkable beach access

• Clear ownership rights

  
  

This simplifies the buying process and reduces legal risk for foreign buyers, especially compared to concession-heavy regions.

6. Long-Term Appreciation Trends

Over the past decade, Guanacaste has shown steady appreciation, particularly in areas near:

• International airport access

• New infrastructure projects

• Marinas and luxury developments

  
  

While Costa Rica is not a speculative market, Guanacaste has proven to be one of the country’s most reliable regions for long-term value growth.

As supply tightens in prime locations, especially for ocean-view properties, appreciation pressure continues to build.

7. Lifestyle That Appeals to a Global Audience

Beyond numbers and logistics, Guanacaste delivers a lifestyle that resonates with buyers worldwide.

The region offers:

• Dry, sunny climate most of the year

• Calm beaches suitable for families

• Surfing, sailing, and outdoor sports

• Wellness, yoga, and eco-living

• A large, established expat community

  
  

This lifestyle appeal is not a trend — it is a structural advantage that continues to attract buyers year after year.

8. Easier Property Management from Abroad

For buyers who live outside Costa Rica, Guanacaste is one of the easiest regions to own property remotely.

Why?

• Established property management companies

• Professional cleaning and maintenance services

• Strong vacation rental ecosystem

• Reliable local contractors

  
  

This lowers risk and stress for investors who cannot be on-site full time.

9. Clear Exit Strategy and Liquidity

When the time comes to sell, Guanacaste properties benefit from:

• High international visibility

• Broad buyer pool

• Strong online search demand

• Established resale markets

  
  

Liquidity matters, especially for foreign buyers. Guanacaste offers one of the clearest exit paths in Costa Rican real estate.

10. A Market That Rewards Smart Buyers

Guanacaste is not the cheapest region in Costa Rica — and that’s exactly why it works.

Prices reflect:

• Demand

• Infrastructure

• Accessibility

• Lifestyle value

  
  

For buyers who focus on quality, location, and long-term fundamentals, Guanacaste consistently rewards patience and planning.

Final Thoughts

Guanacaste has become Costa Rica’s leading real estate market for a reason. It combines accessibility, lifestyle, rental demand, and legal clarity in a way no other region fully matches.

Whether your goal is investment, relocation, or a second home, Guanacaste offers a balance of enjoyment and security that continues to attract buyers from around the world.

For those asking where to start when buying property in Costa Rica, the answer is often the same:

Start in Guanacaste.

Want help finding the best property deals? 

Contact me directly for personalized listings, video walkthroughs, or a free consultation.

sabina@palmrealestatecr.com| WhatsApp Me +506 8713 8080 | Based in Guanacaste, CR