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Costa Rica is a major tourist attraction for people from around the world but, primarily, the U.S. and Canada. Indeed, tourism accounts for nearly eight percent of its gross domestic product. This tiny country, only about the size of West Virginia, is world-famous for its warm, sun drenched beaches and beautiful tropical mountains and landscape. Though it encompasses only one tenth of one percent of the planet, it is home to an incredible diversity of plants and animals. In fact, nearly one of every five species of plants and animals on the globe is found here. There are more kinds of butterflies in this little place than on the entire African continent and nearly the same number of species of birds as in the continental United States. It is no wonder, then, that Costa Rica draws tourists like a magnet. This country, which has been a democracy since it cast off its Spanish conquerors, has acquired the status of a tourist hot spot in Central America. The boom in the tourism industry has contributed positively to the growth of Costa Rica real estate over the past decade.

Most real estate investors and second home buyers prefer areas that are attractions for tourists and, in particular, its magnificent Pacific coast. The large scale purchase of prime property along beach fronts (all of its beaches are public), mountain properties, farms (called fincas) and vacation rentals by expatriates have contributed to a steep hike in real estate prices in the most coveted areas.

Additionally, the massive influx of retirees and folks who choose to live in a tropical paradise and leave behind the pressures of day-to-day life has also contributed to the increase in property prices in some coastal areas. Plenty of investment has been coming into real estate from outside the country. The U.S. has led the way, certainly, but there are lots of investors from Canada and Western Europe. China has been increasing its presence in Costa Rica dramatically over the last few years, too and today there are thousands of Chinese who live there. In addition to beach-front property, the main areas of investment are farms, called fincas, which are being developed into subdivisions, mountain properties, and vacation rentals. Real estate prices have soared along the Pacific coast and some other parts of the country because expatriates and people wanting second homes have realized just how cheap, relative to the U.S. and Europe, land is.

A number of years ago, the country realized the benefits of sustainable development and tourism. Unlike many other countries, Costa Rica has learned the lesson that unregulated exploitation of resources is ultimately detrimental. Wisely, in the face of sometimes intense pressure, it refuses to allow oil exploration off its coasts. Tropical forests, once cut or burned for little farms, are returning. As more and more of the international community is encouraged to visit, investors from around the globe have found that Costa Rica is a wonderful real estate market. And, indeed, over the last decade there has been a real boom in development along the Pacific coast.

The severe economic downturn in the States and Europe has affected Costa Rica as well. Condo and subdivision development have slowed dramatically and in some parts along the Pacific coast, American second-home buyers, strapped for funds, have been forced to sell at very large discounts. One person’s challenge is another person’s opportunity.

However, many experts predict that the boom will resume in the coming years. Costa Rica will continue to draw tourists and retirees from America, Canada, and Europe. Savvy investors often pool their money to form real estate ventures with, up to now, assured returns. Indeed, many folks who invested in Costa Rica real estate a decade ago have seen their investment soar. To be sure, the economic woes in the States and Europe are felt here now but the price stagnation or decline is temporary and will form the basis of a great recovery.

The beach properties along the Pacific coast have seen, and will probably see, the largest increase in prices over time. The Caribbean coast remains relatively undeveloped. Certainly prices there, like all of Costa Rica, are rising but not nearly as much as on the other coast (which, of course, means that stress on prices have been less lately than on the Pacific side). And, as more and more Ticos move from the country into the big urban area around San Jose, available prime property has become increasingly scarce. Demand remains strong in the urban areas and, for more and more expats who live in Costa Rica, the amenities and climate around San Jose are proving irresistible.

Victor C. Krumm lives in tropical Costa Rica and has a beautiful websiteCosta Rica Vacations. Look at prettyCosta Rica Real Estate

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