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Costa Rica Condos - What does 'condo' mean?
Scott Oliver - May 2009
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Apart from the usual English/Spanish language differences there are other minor things you need to be aware of when searching for Costa Rica real estate.

When someone refers to 'Costa Rica Condos' as we do on our site, please bear in mind that when using the word 'condo' in Costa Rica, this could mean practically any kind of home from a $75K townhouse to a multi-million dollar mansion sitting in a wonderful gated community with a pool and views to die for...

A 'condo' is merely a home that falls under the condominium laws of Costa Rica and is not just an 'apartment' which is what some people think of when they hear the word 'condo.'

Where do you hope to buy real estate in Costa Rica?
In the City of San Jose
Outskirts of San Jose - Escazu & Santa Ana
Less than one hour from San Jose
Less than two hours from San Jose
Less than three hours from San Jose
North Pacific
Central Pacific
South Pacific
Caribbean

Condos in Costa Rica are fast becoming the #1 choice for North American real estate buyers because:

  1. Reliable 24/7 security is provided and there's always a friendly neighbour happy to keep an eye on things for you while you travel.
  2. A swimming pool and barbecue area is often provided.
  3. Some condos will also offer tennis courts and walking trails.
  4. Landscaping, maintenance and security are normally included in a very reasonable monthly fee. Let someone else worry about that!
  5. Condo regulations tend to make living less problematic. For example, your neighbor can't suddenly decided to operate a sawmill out of his garage which I have seen happen.
  6. Homes within the same condo community tend to have similar styles giving the community a specific identity and making it more presentable.
  7. Some experts believe that condos tend to appreciate faster than a stand alone home.

Costa Rica Real Estate Scams & How To Avoid Them

Having said all that, there are uncaring and ignorant people who will simply ignore the regulations of the condominium and feel that the bylaws do not apply to them but only to others...

Although it says that only small dogs are allowed, they may have an enormous Rottweiler barking in their garden, so doing your homework and visiting the condominium, presenting yourself to a few neighbours and chatting to the guards is important and could reveal some of these problems.

For the most part, a Costa Rica condo gives you the freedom to live safely, happily and, allows you the flexibility to travel whenever you wish without worry.

So if you have not yet visited our 'Costa Rica condo' department because you thought it was only apartments, you may wish to take a look as you will find quite a few beautiful homes there and yes! They are Costa Rica condos.

Written by Scott Oliver, author of How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa and Costa Rica's Guide To Making Money Offshore. This new feature was created at the request of numerous VIP Members who have asked us repeatedly to recommend experienced developers with a proven track record who are building quality homes in Costa Rica.

If you would like to communicate with a real estate professional who focuses on Costa Rica condos in the Central Valley area, please use the form below:

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