The Republic of Costa Rica is an amazing place to live in. The country is experiencing major development under the presidency of Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias.
Costa Rica stands out among the Latin countries, including even Chile, Mexico and Brazil.  According to most sources, Costa Rica has the premier reputation for safety and democracy in the region.  For example, in the global rankings of democracies recently published by the Economist, only 28 nations were considered full democracies.  And of all the nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, only Costa Rica made the list (and Uruguay, which was last).  Even Chile was deemed a “flawed democracy.”  And the “ticos,” as the citizens call themselves with pride,  recently justified the honor by approving CAFTA in a national referendum. 

 

In addition, Costa Rica did very well in the Economist’s 2007 “business risk of investing” survey.  It came in at 33^rd in the world, out of  over 200 — and not that far behind the US at 23^rd!  Costa Rica was deemed a safer business environment than any other nation south of the US, except Chile (which even beat the US).  So everyone expects the pace of foreign investment here to quicken.  After all, the market is looking for three things: safety (physical and legal), beauty, and proximity.  With those three in place, infrastructure will follow.  If Costa Rica continues to move politically more towards places like Switzerland and Canada, and away from the Nicaragua and Guatemalan model, it’s current boom may well become a permanent prosperity.

 

Costa Rica is widely known for its scenic beauty.  But that is only part of the story.  After all, Colombia and Guatemala are even more beautiful.  What stands out about the ticos is their extremely hospitable and friendly disposition.  National politics is built on respect and conciliation, and a deep sense of duty towards the poor.   In Costa Rica, medical care is free to all, unlike any other Latin nation and even the US.  In addition, every poor Costa Rican is elgible for a free plot of land and the funds to build a small house, courtesy of the government.   The poverty rate is about 19%, about half of neighboring (and wealthier) Panama’s, and ¼ of Nicaragua’s.  But rather than being swept under the rug, this issue is widely discussed by all the major parties, with many plans being proposed to help the poor improve their status.

 

The countryside, and the cities and towns besides the capital of San Jose, are tranquil and safe to visit or live in.  Foreigners, if they behave well and show respect, are welcome.

 

Buying real estate in Costa Rica is made extremely easy by landassurance.com.  This US-owned company has been in business for over ten years.  Located in the resort town of Dominical, Land Assurance is a leading property broker along the southern Pacific Coast, where it offers Costa Rican properties for sale.  Times have changed since Land Assurance opened its doors back in 1996.  Real estate in Costa Rica with decent access and nice views, especially of the ocean, can no longer be bought at the cheap prices of ten years ago.  That’s because back then, there was minimal infrastructure in place.  But now as roads are built, gravel roads are paved, resort are developed, golf courses are created, marinas start up, and so on, prices have risen accordingly.  However, the Southern Pacific Coast, from Quepos to Panama, is still very much on the ground floor in terms of costs to buy real estate.  One need only compare its prices to Guanacaste to realize how much more expensive land and houses are going to become south of Quepos, around the towns of Matapalo, Hatillo, Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, Palmar, and Golfito.

 

Prices are generally driven by location, as well as infrastructure.  Location can be defined by the scenic beauty and natural attractions of a given area.  Infrastructure includes not only the physical improvements like roads, airports, resorts, hospitals, and so on, but also the availability of financial instruments.  Only now are bank loans becoming widely available to foreigners for the purchase of real estate.  And the easier the credit, the higher prices tend to be pushed (more money competing for the same amount of land).  

 

The entire procedure of buying real estate in Costa Rica is simplified to a great extent by landassurance.com. The company can be easily contacted on their website www.landassurance.com