Buying a retirement home in Costa Rica If you plan to head south for retirement, consider looking south of the border. Some of the best deals in retirement real estate there is in Costa Rica, the most peaceful nation in Central America, located five borders south of the United States. Many retirees choose Costa Rica for its natural beauty, its warm climate all year, and the cost of living affordable. Buy a house in Costa Rica is also a sound investment, as more retirees on the market, and housing demand continues to increase.
As a resident of Costa Rica, you'll feel like you're on vacation all year, but without the high prices normally. The cost of living is much lower here than in American popular retirement destinations like Florida and Arizona, and even lower than most other Central American countries, particularly near the capital city of Costa Rica, San Jose. For seven dollars a day, you can take the bus all over San Jose, eat three meals out and enjoy a range of cultural attractions.
Properties in Costa Rica are also very affordable, with luxury condos and houses in general, from the range of $ 200K. For this price, you'll find houses with a wide range of facilities like swimming pools, spacious terraces, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and granite and stainless steel kitchens. You'll also save on services in Costa Rica, which cost 30 percent less than in the U.S.
The market for retirement homes in Costa Rica has produced a variety of attractive communities 55 +, similar to the U.S. These communities offer a wide selection of beautiful villa-style houses, carefully planned parks and green spaces and facilities such as fitness centers, clubhouses, and meeting rooms. Costa Rica retirement communities are also planned with the health and well-being in mind - residents have access to support services to live with a trained and professional.
Become a resident of Costa Rica is generally easy, and can be done after you move there. To qualify for the Pensionado (retired) status you must earn a minimum of $ 600 per month for five years, while a rentista "card requires an income of $ 1,000 per month for five years.
Most of your research before moving to Costa Rica should focus on finding qualified brokers and agents to work with. A professional real estate can put you in touch with the best deals quickly, and take the uncertainty of leaving the country.
Posted on August 18, 2010.