Before the paved highway was completed in 2009 connecting the Costa Ballena region with larger city centers like San Jose, the inventory of homes available to purchase was quite low. Most expats in the early days had to buy land and build their own homes. But with transportation of supplies being limited and expensive, many opted for the finishes that were locally available. There were only four muted color choices of tile; granite and quartz counters weren’t an affordable option if watching the budget; locals only built one style of roof-line; windows (single pane only) were usually small; and while well-built, most homes were made of concrete to keep it cool inside.
With easier accessibility to the area, expats have discovered they can have it all! Along with cool climates above sea level, ocean views, primary rainforest and abundant wildlife, there are an almost unlimited number of choices for building and finishing materials – all within a mile or two of the conveniences needed to maintain a modern lifestyle.
Already, newly-built homes with the aforementioned qualities are becoming more difficult to find if you are on a tight budget or a fixed income. Buyers often arrive with a preconceived notion of what they want. That can mean they have priced themselves out of their dream before we even start their search on the ground, with often older homes on the market in need of someone with vision and adventure are sitting on the market at much lower prices. Opportunity awaits: If you are willing to build, you should be willing to renovate.
In many cases, homes on the market that are only 10-20 years old just need a facelift. And with the availability now of talented architects in the area and an inexpensive workforce, you can quickly and inexpensively see your dream come to life. Replacing tile and fixtures, changing the roofline to capture natural light and day and night breezes, opening up exterior walls to merge the inside with breathtaking ocean views, can be affordable. The finished product can be much more home than you thought you could afford.
