Costa Rica real estate hit the big time with investors in 2018, growing significantly over previous years. And, our South Pacific region of Costa Rica is likely to be even bigger in 2019. For a long time, the Central Valley area in Costa Rica that includes the capital, San Jose, has been at the top of expat lists as the best place to live in Costa Rica. But Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) tides appear to be shifting in Costa Rica and around the world, towards a future with a waterfront view or access.
Knight Frank Global Waterfront Report estimates that in 2018, prime waterfront properties sold for an average of 40% more than comparable inland properties. And this shift has become quite evident for us.
In 2018, the team of agents at C21 Ballena Properties sold more than double the properties sold in 2017, between the same four agents. Our sales figures have also doubled over 2017, which was already a bigger year than 2016. And the way that this season has kicked off, we know that 2019 will be our busiest year yet.
Costa Rica’s Southern Zone has numerous ocean view properties available. And from what our clients are telling us, many of them do want the spectacular ocean view. However, many of these desirable properties are being rapidly sold!
Tourism grows significantly in 2018
The ICT report, released late 2018, tallied 333,475 international arrivals to Costa Rica in September and October of this year. That’s up more than 3,300 people from the 330,158 people who visited during those months in 2017.
The Juan Santamaria Airport expects close to 2.5 million travelers during this high season. Thirteen airlines have increased their frequencies during these months to both the Juan Santamaria Airport and the Liberia Airport in Guanacaste, among them, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, British Airways, Southwest, United Airlines and American Airlines. The airport expects to close this year with the total traffic of 5 million people.
The importance of community in Costa Rica’s global image
The abundance of online information about Costa Rica has created international interest in the pura vida vibes of this nation. Consumers today are generally looking for something more intangible: a sense of identification with a community. There are many online platforms for people to join and learn about Costa Rica and begin to create a sense of community. The Ballena Coast and Ojochal have strong community connections, with events and activities to meet neighbors and to create a realistic sense of community.
Costa Rica recognized internationally
For anyone who has visited both Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces, our Southern Zone region is far more spectacular in biodiversity and pristine landscapes, and we do not have water shortages here. Resort tourists may love the Guanacaste region for its first world amenities, but anyone really looking to invest in a less-stressful and more joyful lifestyle, the South Pacific is the place to be in 2019.We can guarantee that every year, more and more travelers are finding us, off the beaten path; and this area will surely find its place on the global map soon.
What C21 Ballena Properties Can Do For You
Our C21 Ballena Properties office is proud to be the #1 producing office in Central America in 2018!
We are very proud to be the recipient of this award; and to receive the designation of “Fine Homes & Estates”. We are the only office in Central America to receive this designation! Watch for our new website featuring the “Fine Homes & Estates” portfolio of properties…it is coming soon! This is in addition to our Century 21 Ballena Properties web portal, and our Century 21 Global portal. All featuring excellent properties of all kinds on the Sothern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.
Do you have questions about this article, or buying property in Costa Rica? Contact us!
