Central Valley’s Tourism Magnet: Urban Convenience and Cultural Attractions
Located just 20 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport and encompassing the capital city of San José, the Central Valley welcomes over 1.5 million international visitors annually. The region’s appeal stems from its cultural institutions, including the National Theater and Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, along with proximity to weekend getaway destinations such as Poás Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, creating sustained demand for both short and long-term accommodations.
Condominium Real Estate: Central Valley’s Premium Market
The Central Valley’s real estate market features predominantly modern condominiums and gated communities, with prices ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 depending on location and amenities. The market demonstrates remarkable stability compared to coastal regions, with steady 5-8% annual appreciation over the past decade and minimal seasonal fluctuations due to its year-round pleasant climate and strong local and expatriate demand.
Long-term Rentals and Commercial Investment Opportunities
The Central Valley offers diverse investment options including residential long-term rentals to expatriates and professionals, commercial properties in growing business districts, and development land in expanding urban areas. Unlike coastal areas, Central Valley properties maintain consistent occupancy rates throughout the year (85-90%), providing investors with stable monthly income and lower property management overhead compared to vacation rentals.
Horizontal Property Law Protects Property Values
Costa Rica’s Horizontal Property Law (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal) provides specific protections for condominium developments in the Central Valley, regulating HOA governance, common area maintenance, and architectural guidelines. These regulations ensure neighborhood aesthetic integrity and property value preservation, while recent amendments have strengthened enforcement mechanisms for delinquent HOA fees, further stabilizing multi-unit developments throughout the region.
