Build a home in Costa Rica as a way to start creating a more prosperous future, with the help of the best home builders.

Buying Costa Rica investment property means that you’re getting assets that will continue to appreciate even during recession times.

Why Build a Home in Costa Rica in 2025?

Costa Rica has evolved into one of the most attractive destinations for foreign homeowners and investors especially in 2025. Beyond its natural beauty, the country offers a rare combination of political stability, strong property rights, and long-term economic security. These are the kinds of fundamentals investors rely on when choosing a safe place to build or retire.

The country continues investing in infrastructure, tourism, and digital connectivity, making coastal towns and inland communities ideal for both living and rental income opportunities. International demand has also strengthened, driven by Americans, Canadians, and Europeans seeking a peaceful lifestyle with dependable appreciation.

For buyers who want a home that doubles as a long-term asset, Costa Rica delivers a favorable climate financially, socially, and literally. This combination is one of the reasons more expats choose to build instead of purchasing older resale homes.

Why?

It’s simple: This is a beautiful, peaceful country, with no army, and with the most political stability in the region.

And foreign investment is more than welcome.

In fact, the government knows foreigners are a source of wealth for the local economy in all senses.

And for that reason, they definitely want more ex-pats to start calling this amazing country their new home.

Cost to Build a Home in Costa Rica (Updated 2025)

Construction costs in Costa Rica remain competitive compared to North America and Europe, especially when building with an experienced local construction company. While prices can vary depending on location, finishes, and land preparation, most modern homes range between:

$1,500–$2,000 per m² for mid-range finishes
$2,000–$2,500 per m² for luxury homes
Additional costs: land preparation, retaining walls, pools, septic systems, and access roads

Several factors influence the final price:

Terrain and soil conditions
Choice of materials
Import taxes vs. direct importer benefits
Coastal vs. inland location
Custom design complexity

Finish Touch Enterprises reduces overall costs through direct material importing and the use of their own construction crew—eliminating layers of subcontractor markups that normally inflate pricing.

Work with a reliable Costa Rica construction company

If you want to build a home in Costa Rica and get the best value without overspending, work with a reliable Costa Rica construction company such as Finish Touch Enterprises.

We have been creating the most amazing homes in the best spots all around the Central Southern Pacific and Guanacaste regions for decades.

And as we know foreign buyers well, we’re always working on improving our current set of 30+ home designs.

All with the goal of offering a custom result that will satisfy not just the needs, but most importantly, the WANTS from each one of our clients.

What’s great about our company is that we count on our own Costa Rica construction crew and equipment.

And this means that we know how to think and work as a solid unit. Delivering residential projects in a fast and efficient way.

Plus, we are direct importers of materials. So this means a lot of savings for those working with a set budget.

Step-by-Step Process to Build a Home with Finish Touch Enterprises

Building a home in Costa Rica becomes significantly smoother when you work with a company that handles each step with precision. Our process was designed to help foreign clients build with confidence, clarity, and total transparency.

Free Consultation & Concept Discussion
You explain your vision, goals, budget, and preferred locations, and we provide guidance based on local conditions and investment potential.
Land Review & Feasibility Check
If you already own land, we evaluate topography, access roads, utilities, and building conditions. If not, we help you explore options.
Home Design or Model Selection
Choose from our 30+ architectural models or work with our designers to customize a plan that fits your lifestyle or Airbnb strategy.
Permit Management
We handle all paperwork, including municipal permits, environmental reviews, and construction approvals—so you never deal with bureaucracy.
Construction Phase & Quality Control
Our in-house crew and heavy equipment allow us to maintain high quality, eliminate delays, and control every step of the build.
Final Delivery & Walkthrough
Once complete, we go through the final inspection with you to ensure everything matches your expectations and design intent.

This structured approach prevents cost overruns and ensures your home is delivered efficiently and professionally.

Build a home in Costa Rica as an investment property

Costa Rica offers you the perfect scenario so that you can become a successful owner of investment property Costa Rica.

This is because all you need to own Costa Rica real estate is your tourist visa. That’s it.

And the return on investment it’s outstanding for these kinds of custom-designed properties that Americans love.

The great thing is that when you build a home in Costa Rica with Finish Touch Enterprises, we can design it with your particular selling intentions in mind.

For example, let’s say that you’re looking for Costa Rica real estate for ex-pats for your growing portfolio holding…

Then we can work on the perfect residential project for those looking for Costa Rica retirement homes for sale.

Best Places to Build a Home in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has several regions ideal for foreign homeowners and investors, each offering a different lifestyle and growth potential. Based on our experience, these are the best areas for new builds:

Central Southern Pacific (Ojochal, Uvita, Dominical)
Known for stunning beaches, vibrant wildlife, and one of the most welcoming expat communities. Perfect for retirement homes or Airbnb rentals.

Guanacaste (Tamarindo, Flamingo, Brasilito, Nosara)
Sun-drenched beaches, excellent road infrastructure, and thriving tourism make this region ideal for investment homes and vacation properties.

Lake Arenal Region
A cooler climate with panoramic mountain and lake views. Great for eco-friendly homes and wellness retreats.

Central Valley (Escazú, Santa Ana, Heredia)
Urban comforts with suburban calm. A strong option for families who need access to schools, healthcare, and city services.

Each region offers something different—whether it’s privacy, community, rental demand, or scenic beauty. Working with a local construction team helps you choose the region that matches your goals.

Or, maybe you want to build Costa Rica new homes for those searching for the perfect oasis away from the cold winters at home?

Maybe you want to create your own Costa Rica Airbnb empire by building one or more Costa Rica houses?

And indeed, our custom builders company can definitely help you get the exact result you’re currently envisioning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Home in Costa Rica

Many foreigners make avoidable mistakes when building their first home in Costa Rica. Preventing these early saves time, stress, and money.

Choosing land without proper access roads
Some lots look perfect but require expensive grading or road work.

Hiring foreign builders instead of experienced local teams
Local knowledge is essential for construction laws, terrain, and climate.

Underestimating permit timelines
Professional help speeds this up dramatically.

Not budgeting for land preparation
Costa Rica’s terrain varies—flat lots are rare.

Choosing materials without considering humidity and coastal conditions
Local builders know what performs best long-term.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you ensure your home is durable, legal, and designed for the Costa Rican environment.

Costa Rica homes for sale: The perfect ex-pat custom residence

Let’s also discuss the possibility of you owning your own ex-pat exclusive residence in Costa Rica.

Here at Finish Touch Enterprises, we have worked with an extensive list of ex-pats who have chosen this wonderful country to start a new, re-envigorating life in paradise.

We have a number of exclusive models that have been designed with ex-pats in mind.

This means that these wonderful homes really offer you a number of amenities that will allow you to have the best time, all the time.

Build a home in Costa Rica: Become an ex-pat

What’s great about owning residential property in Costa Rica is that you automatically apply to become a resident.

During the waiting time for you to become a permanent resident of the country, all you need to do is to step out of the border for 72 hours every 3 months, and then you can return for another 3 months with your tourist visa.

All in all, the American and Costa Rica governments are very friendly towards the other.

And that means that as an American that’s registering Costa Rica investment property to move into the country, you will really be perceived as an ex-pat by everybody.

And you will really find this is a country that you will definitely enjoy living in.

Not just because of all the natural beauty. But also because this is a very American-like country, particularly in the coastal areas where our company operates.

Right at the coast in the Central Souther Pacific and Guanacaste, you will find yourself in your own stunningly beautiful isolated oasis; yet, you will be just minutes away from amazing restaurants; a lot of them run by successful ex-pats like yourself.

So, living in Costa Rica, and particularly in these amazing areas, means that you will feel in a new incredible environment, surrounded by nature you will feel thrilled to explore.

And you will also feel close to the people and the culture from back home because of this phenomenal, growing ex-pat community in the country.

Homes for sale in Costa Rica: Your second home away from home

If you don’t want to move to the country permanently, yet you still want to own Costa Rica real estate, then we can help you build a home in Costa Rica so that you can escape the long winters in the warmer, friendlier regions.

And now everybody is working away from the office.

So you can come and work from your new home in Costa Rica. Trusting that this is a country that counts with the best technical infrastructure for any professional to deliver work remotely fast and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can foreigners legally own property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Costa Rica allows foreigners to own property with the same rights as citizens, even on a tourist visa.
How long does it take to build a home?
Most homes take 8–12 months, depending on design complexity and location.
Do I need residency to build a house?
No. You can build, own, and manage property without residency.
Is building better than buying an existing home?
Yes—new builds offer better ROI, modern layouts, and lower maintenance.
What size of home is most popular among expats?
Two- and three-bedroom modern homes between 120–250 m² are the most requested.
Can I rent out my home while abroad?
Absolutely. Costa Rica’s Airbnb market is thriving, especially in coastal towns.
What areas offer the strongest rental demand?
Guanacaste and the Central Southern Pacific consistently outperform other regions.

Build a home in Costa Rica: Contact Us

Do you really wish to have a great future as a successful real estate investor?

Start by contacting CEO Michael Pechbrenner so that we can offer you a FREE CONSULTATION on how our company can help you turn your residential project plans into a reality.

Build a home in Costa Rica