Investing in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa is a thriving beachfront investment destination on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, characterized by its bohemian surf culture and rapidly appreciating property values. This once-remote fishing village has transformed into a premium real estate market attracting international investors seeking both lifestyle returns and steady appreciation.

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  • Santa Teresa Highlights

    • World-renowned surfing destination attracting international tourism
    • Expanding digital nomad and remote work community
    • Booming wellness and retreat tourism sector

    • Curated Investment Opportunities in Santa Teresa

    Experience the power of Costa Rica Investments: explore Santa Teresa's diverse investment opportunities, tailored to your goals. 

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  • Region Key Benefits

    • Exceptional natural beauty protected by strict development regulations
    • Growing year-round appeal reducing traditional seasonal fluctuations
    • Strong rental demand across multiple market segments (surf tourism, digital nomads, wellness retreats)
    • Strategic location within the Blue Zone of Nicoya Peninsula, known for longevity and wellness

    • Geographic & Market Data

    Santa Teresa represents a maturing market that has evolved from an off-the-grid surf spot to an internationally recognized destination. The buyer demographic skews toward North American and European investors (70%), with growing interest from Latin American buyers. The market demonstrates strong fundamentals with limited inventory, increasing demand, and controlled development, creating a stable investment environment despite its relatively recent emergence on the international investment radar.

    Region:
    Nicoya Peninsula

    I wanted a vacation rental that would also grow in value. Costa Rica Investments found me a $1.7M colonial home in Uvita, managed a $300K renovation, and split it into two ocean-view lots. In 12 months, my $2M investment became a $3.3M asset — a 65% return! 

    They handled the entire process while I stayed home — it was seamless.”

    John B.

    Real Estate Investor

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    Santa Teresa Investment Profile

    Santa Teresa offers a compelling investment profile characterized by strong high-season occupancy rates (85-95% from December to April), respectable green season performance (45-65% from May to November), and growing shoulder seasons. The market appeals primarily to lifestyle investors seeking personal use combined with income potential, though pure investment plays are increasingly common as the area’s reputation solidifies. The market’s evolution from frontier to emerging status has reduced risk while still offering significant upside potential compared to more established Costa Rican destinations.

  • Current Market Trends

    • Rapid infrastructure improvements including road paving and expanded utilities
    • Increasing interest from luxury hotel brands seeking development opportunities
    • Growing demand for turnkey properties with professional management

    • More on Santa Teresa as an Investment Opportunity

    Santa Teresa’s Tourism Magnet: World-Class Surfing Beaches

    Located approximately 150km from San José International Airport (a 5-hour journey including a ferry crossing or 30-minute connecting flight to Tambor), Santa Teresa welcomes over 100,000 visitors annually. The consistent year-round surf breaks, pristine white sand beaches, and jungle-meets-ocean aesthetic have earned it recognition as one of the world’s top surfing destinations, with celebrities and digital nomads contributing to its growing international appeal.

    Beachfront and Jungle Real Estate: Santa Teresa’s Premium Market

    The real estate market features a distinctive mix of luxurious beachfront properties, jungle-view homes, and hillside estates with ocean vistas. Property values have shown consistent appreciation of 8-12% annually over the past decade, with beachfront parcels commanding premium prices due to limited supply and strict coastal regulations. The market has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continuing to attract investment even during global economic downturns.

    Vacation Rentals and Commercial Investment Opportunities

    Santa Teresa offers diverse investment opportunities ranging from boutique hotels and vacation rental properties to commercial spaces and undeveloped land. While high season (December-April) can deliver occupancy rates exceeding 90%, the growing popularity of Santa Teresa as a digital nomad destination has expanded the traditional tourist season, with many properties now achieving 65-75% annual occupancy. Commercial spaces catering to wellness, hospitality, and outdoor activities continue to perform exceptionally well.

    Maritime Zone Regulations Protect Property Values

    Costa Rica’s Maritime Zone Law (Ley Marítima Terrestre) restricts development within 200 meters of the high tide line, with the first 50 meters being public domain. This regulation has preserved Santa Teresa’s natural beauty while creating scarcity for legally developable beachfront properties. Additionally, height restrictions limiting buildings to 12 meters have protected ocean views and prevented overdevelopment, helping maintain the area’s authentic character and property values.

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