Costa Rica Investments, Real Estate & Relocation

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We sit down with Daniel Calvosa, owner of CPS Construction, a high-end luxury construction company with projects across Costa Rica. With more than 17 years of experience building in the country, Daniel shares the insider knowledge you need to know before starting a construction project, from choosing the right builder and understanding fixed-price versus cost-plus contracts to avoiding hidden costs, managing projects remotely, and selecting materials that can withstand Costa Rica’s tropical climate. We also discuss how global economic uncertainty is affecting construction demand, how to keep costs under control wi...

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Today, we're joined by Alex Albert of Albert Investments to talk about what investing in Costa Rica really looks like once the dust has settled and the bills start coming in! Three years on from his original investments in Hacienda Pinilla and Villa Allegria, we're looking back at what went well, what didn't quite go to plan, the surprises along the way, and what Alex would do differently if he were starting again today. We'll also discuss how global uncertainty is affecting the Costa Rican real estate market, what makes...

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Today, we're joined by Patrick Hierbert from Autris and Veritas Villages, a collection of communities across Latin America built around sustainability, freedom of choice and bringing like-minded people together. Today, we're going to talk about what makes these communities different from a traditional residential development or resort, how the model works from an investment perspective, and why Patrick has chosen Atenas, Costa Rica as the location for his next development. We'll also get into the realities of developing across Latin America, what he's learned along the way, and perhaps a...

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Today, we're joined by Aurel Robert, a Swiss entrepreneur who has been living in Costa Rica since 2021 and is the founder of Realiti, a real estate technology platform focused on bringing greater price transparency and better data to the Costa Rican property market. Today, we're going to talk about what the data is actually telling us about the Costa Rican real estate market, how Realiti works, what Aurel has discovered from analyzing the market, and what he thinks investors and buyers should be paying attention to right now.

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Today, we're joined by Cristina Guerrini, owner of BlueZone Legal, to talk about some of the biggest issues affecting foreigners, investors and business owners in Costa Rica right now. We’ll get into the latest changes around immigration and residency, what’s really happening with vacation-rental regulations, and how the current global economic environment is impacting Costa Rica. We’ll also cut through some of the confusion and social-media noise to get Cristina’s take on what people actually need to know if they’re looking to live, invest or do busines...

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Today we’re joined by Paola Retana, lawyer and partner at Legal She.  With 2026 bringing plenty of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension and changing regulations, we’re digging into what’s actually happening on the ground and, more importantly, what property owners, investors, businesses and expats need to know. We’ll cover everything from real estate, zoning, construction and permitting to vacation rentals, foreign investment and proposed changes that could have a real impact on Costa Rica’s property and tourism sectors.  

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Today we’re sitting down with Gustavo Morales, Co-Owner of Accounting Services Costa Rica, to talk about the side of Costa Rican real estate and investing that doesn’t always make it onto Google—or gets explained correctly over a sunset cocktail. Gustavo and his team work with businesses, investors and foreigners navigating the Costa Rican tax, accounting, HR and legal landscape, with experience across Costa Rica, the U.S. and Canada. We’re going to cut through some of the confusion around taxes, corporations, Airbnb income, IVA, deductions and the diff...

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Today we’re heading to Tamarindo to find out what’s really happening in one of Costa Rica’s most talked-about beach towns. I’m joined by longtime Tamarindo resident and real estate advisor Lauren Mantey, who I’ve known for years, to talk about how the town has changed, who’s moving there and buying property today, what life is actually like beyond the beach, and whether Tamarindo is becoming too developed or simply evolving into what makes it successful. We’ll also get into the real estate opportunities, the impact of...

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We talk to Beth O’Brien, owner of Beth Anna & Co, to explore what really makes a real estate development successful beyond beautiful buildings and Instagram-worthy images. We discuss how economic uncertainty is affecting Costa Rica real estate, where developers often get branding and marketing wrong, why the guest experience is at the heart of a strong brand, and how luxury travellers are increasingly prioritising authenticity, privacy, wellness and experiences. Beth also shares her insights into Costa Rica’s wellness tourism opportunities, overhyped trends, where she would invest $100,000 in marketing a bo...

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We chat with Casey Halloran, CEO of Costa Rican Vacations and the Namu Travel Group, to get his take on the current state of Costa Rica’s tourism and real estate markets. They discuss how global economic uncertainty is affecting demand, where Costa Rica’s strongest tourism markets are coming from, whether the country is becoming too expensive, what makes a hotel or vacation rental commercially successful, and the mistakes developers consistently make. Casey also shares where he sees the biggest untapped opportunities over the next decade, what he believes peop...

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Today, we’re joined by Daveed Hollander, President and Master Franchisor of Coldwell Banker Costa Rica. Daveed has been in Costa Rica real estate for more than two decades and knows the market from both the business side and from living in the Southern Pacific around Dominical and Uvita. Today, we’re going to get his take on what’s really happening in Costa Rica real estate in 2026—from how global uncertainty is affecting buyers and sellers, to whether the right properties are still commanding a premium. We’ll also dive into...

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Richard Bexon, Developer of Arenal Ridge and Managing Director of Belong Costa Rica, sits down with Jake Alexander to talk about how the vision for Arenal Ridge came to life, what the project is all about, what makes it unique, and why he believes La Fortuna is the right place for such a significant investment. They also discuss the lessons learned from developing the Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas, how those experiences have shaped the Arenal Ridge masterplan, and what’s next for this ambitious project.

Arenal Ridge: ww...

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We sit down with Daniel Gehring, owner of El Remanso Lodge in Costa Rica’s remote and spectacular Osa Peninsula.  We discuss what’s really happening in Costa Rica’s tourism market in 2026, how global economic uncertainty is affecting visitors, and the unique opportunities and challenges of operating a high-end hospitality business in one of the country’s most remote destinations. Daniel shares the realities behind running an eco-lodge, from staffing and logistics to the hidden costs guests never see, as well as what investors often get wrong when looking at Costa...

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Richard Bexon, Managing Director and Head Developer of Belong Costa Rica, joins Jake Alexander to talk through the final stretch of developing the Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas — the triumphs, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. They dig into what made these villas different, how the team cut development time by 25%, and what's next as Belong moves into its newest project in Arenal.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

Arenal Project:  https://www.arenalridge.com/

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We sit down with relocation, investment and real estate specialist Pilar Vargas to explore why Costa Rica's Central Valley is becoming one of the country's most attractive regions for investors, retirees and those seeking a better quality of life. Pilar shares her insights on how global economic uncertainty has influenced buyer demand, why areas such as Grecia, San Ramón and Atenas continue to grow in popularity, and how these markets compare to Costa Rica's beach destinations. We also discuss rental opportunities, expected investment returns, emerging neighborhoods, long-term market trends a...

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We chat with Shelby Dobreff of Coldwell Banker Jacó to take a deep dive into one of Costa Rica's most talked-about real estate markets. We discuss how global economic uncertainty is influencing buyer behavior, whether Jacó is currently a buyer's or seller's market, who's investing in the area, and which property types are generating the strongest demand. Shelby also shares his thoughts on luxury real estate, the best opportunities for cash-flow investors, common mistakes buyers make, and which neighboring areas could become the next investment hotspots. 

Free 15 min con...

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Today I'm joined by Scott Cutter, founder of 2 Costa Rica Real Estate and one of the country's most experienced brokers. Scott has watched Costa Rica evolve over the past few decades from a relatively undiscovered destination into one of the world's hottest markets for investors, retirees, families, and lifestyle buyers. We'll dive into how global uncertainty is impacting real estate, where the biggest opportunities exist today, which markets are heating up, and what buyers should be paying attention to before making an investment. As always, expect plenty of practical insights...

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Today, we're joined by someone who has spent decades turning ambitious ideas into reality in Costa Rica—Neal Herman. From helping shape Las Catalinas into one of the country's most recognized master-planned communities to leading Punta Cacique, home to the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica, Neal has had a front-row seat to some of the biggest successes, toughest challenges, and most interesting lessons in Costa Rican development. In this episode, we'll go beyond the glossy marketing brochures and LinkedIn headlines to discuss what it really takes to develop, operate, an...

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We chat with Alex Stripe, owner and chief inspector of Stripe Signature Inspections, to discuss what every buyer should know before purchasing property in Costa Rica. Drawing on years of experience inspecting homes across the country, Alex shares what he's seeing on the ground in 2026, why not all home inspectors are created equal, and how buyers can find the right professional to protect their investment. The conversation dives into the unique challenges of owning property in a tropical climate, common construction defects, septic and water system concerns, and the red...

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We sit down with Joaquin Rodriguez, Co-Owner and Sales & Marketing Director at Stay in Costa Rica, one of the country's premier luxury property management companies. We discuss what the first half of 2026 has looked like on the ground amid global economic uncertainty, how Stay in Costa Rica grew into one of the most respected property management brands in the country, and what most owners get wrong about managing vacation rentals. Joaquin shares insights on the amenities that actually increase bookings and revenue, the costly mistakes investors make when building and...

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We sit down with Richie Velasquez from Playa Grande Real Estate to get a candid, on-the-ground look at what’s really happening in Costa Rica’s booming property market. Having lived across Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica for more than 35 years, Richie brings decades of regional experience, local knowledge, and a unique perspective shaped by his passion for photography, videography, and real estate. We discuss what buyers and investors may not be seeing in Guanacaste, whether we’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market, and which price points are moving...

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We chat with Gabriel Saragovia, one of the visionaries behind Rio Perdido and one of Costa Rica’s leading voices in eco-wellness tourism. We dive into what’s really happening on the ground in Costa Rica tourism in 2026, how global volatility is impacting travel and development, and why wellness has become far more than just a marketing buzzword. Gabriel shares insights into the importance of masterplanning, landscape integration, and creating hospitality experiences that connect people to nature in a meaningful way. The conversation explores the future of eco-luxury, current wellness tren...

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We chat with Juan Diego Cardenas, Owner and Chief Architect of Studio Anonima, an architectural firm here in Costa Rica that’s been pushing the boundaries of design while integrating projects into the natural environment and surrounding community. We’re going to get into what foreign developers often get wrong in Costa Rica, why designing in the tropics is completely different from North America or Europe, how to maximize value without destroying the natural feel of a property, and where architecture and development in Costa Rica is heading over the next...

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We chat with Pilar Vargas, Relocation and Buyers Rep to unpack why, despite a volatile start to 2026 globally, demand in Costa Rica’s Central Valley has remained resilient—if not increasingly strategic—as buyers shift toward lifestyle stability, value, and long-term livability. We dive into why the Central Valley is no longer just an afterthought to the beaches, but a serious contender for expats, families, and investors alike, offering a unique blend of climate, infrastructure, healthcare, and accessibility. Pilar breaks down the most in-demand areas from Escazú and Santa Ana to Grec...

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We sit down with Spencer Barber to unpack what’s really happening on the ground in Costa Rica as global volatility shapes investor behavior in early 2026. We dive into why developers are increasingly choosing Costa Rica over the U.S., and the specific opportunities Spencer saw early in places like Playa Negra that others overlooked. He shares the most common (and costly) mistakes foreign developers make when entering the market, and why having the right local team isn’t just important—it’s everything. We also explore what buyers are actually...

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We sit down with Andrey Quesada to discuss one of Costa Rica’s fastest-growing regions. From booming demand driven by free trade zones and lifestyle appeal, to land prices, rental yields, buyer trends, and where the real opportunities lie in 2026, Andrey shares the kind of on-the-ground insights you won’t find online. If you’re curious about investing in Grecia, San Ramón, or Costa Rica’s next growth market, this episode is packed with value.

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Andrey Quesada: [email protected]

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We sit down with Ben Rutherford of Bluezone Realty to unpack what’s really happening in Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific market in 2026. We cover how global volatility is impacting local real estate, why stopping at Manuel Antonio might mean missing key opportunities further south, and whether we’re firmly in a buyer’s market. Ben shares where prices are adjusting, what’s actually selling, and the biggest mistakes sellers are making, along with his long-term pick for the best beach town to invest in. 

Contact us: info@investingco...

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In today’s episode of Developer Diaries, Jake and Richard Bexon break down the lessons learned from developing Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas 1–3—and how those insights shaped the build of Villa 4.

They share why Richard and Belong Costa Rica ultimately launched their own construction company, how they delivered the project in record time, what it took to make that happen, and the key challenges they faced along the way.

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Jake Alexander & Richard Bexon break down how fractional ownership is emerging as a hands-off way to invest in luxury property in Costa Rica.

Similar to U.S.-style syndications, investors benefit from annual dividends while also enjoying personal usage of the property throughout the year—typically with a structured exit around year five.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://calendly.com/richardbexon1/investing

Contact us: [email protected]

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We speak with Valeria Aguiluz from TLA Escrow about the recent news of an escrow company in Costa Rica disappearing with clients’ funds. In this episode, we discuss potential conflicts of interest in real estate transactions, the key questions buyers and investors should be asking, and how to ensure you are working with a reputable and trustworthy escrow provider.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

Contact us: [email protected]

TLA escrow: https://www.tlaservices.com/

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Andres Murillo, Real Estate Agent for 2CR in Guanacaste, discusses what’s happening across the growing beach towns of Playa Grande, Avellanas, and Tamarindo. He shares his perspective on the current state of the market, whether we are truly entering a buyer’s market, what types of properties are moving quickly, and where he sees the biggest opportunities in Guanacaste real estate over the next 5–10 years.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

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Andres Murrilo: [email protected]

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Jake Alexander and Richard Bexon discuss the journey from discovering the land that would become the Manuel Antonio Tree House Villas to delivering the first three completed villas. They explore where the original idea came from, the market data that validated the concept, the architectural design process, and the challenges they faced along the way—particularly during construction.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

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We talk to Dan Williams, top Real Estate Agent for Coldwell Banker Tamarindo about what's happening in the Guanacaste Real Estate Market, where it's a buyers market, where it's a sellers market and where he thinks the opportunities lie in Costa Rica Real Estate.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

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Dan Williams: [email protected]

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We chat with Zach Kay, CEO and Founder of Second Street, a mortgage company offering fixed interest 30 year terms on Costa Rica mortgages.  We discuss how their offering differs, what people need to understand about loans in Costa Rica and where he sees opportunity in Costa Rica's Real Estate and Investment market.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

Contact us: [email protected]

Zach Kay: https://www.mysecondstreet.com/

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We chat with Pablo Arias about the real conversations happening beneath the “pura vida” surface: are Ticos actually upset with foreigners, or with the speed of change? What earns genuine respect here, and what quietly fuels resentment? We explore the difference between contributing to Costa Rica versus extracting from it, what’s truly driving the rising cost of living, whether beach towns are losing their identity, and where real opportunity still exists — including where you’d put $500,000 today if you had to invest in the country’s future.

Free 15 min...

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I sat down with Casey Halloran on the Let’s Talk Tourism podcast to cut through the noise around Costa Rica investing in 2026. We talk candidly about who will thrive, who will struggle, where genuine opportunity still exists, and the hard truths most people miss about tourism investing in Costa Rica.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

Contact us: [email protected]

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We talk to Bob Davey, Principal of Christie’s International Real Estate Costa Rica and General Partner of Las Catalinas about what happened in 2025 and where he sees opportunity in 2026.  Bob talks about Costa Rica being a lifestyle investment and gives his advice when investing into new developments in Costa Rica.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

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Bob Davey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-f-bob-davey-85987ba/

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I’m joined by Dan Chaput for an unfiltered look at Costa Rica in 2026. From real estate marketing and investing to security, gentrification, and politics, we talk about what’s real, what’s hype, and what people aren’t saying out loud. Dan never holds back—and this episode is no exception.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

Contact us: [email protected]

Costa Private Loans: https://costaprivateloans.com/

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We sit down with Rolando Campos, owner of Chayote Lodge and a 30-year tourism veteran, to unpack what really happened in Costa Rica’s tourism sector in 2025. Rolando shares his outlook for 2026, where he sees the best investment opportunities, and the realities facing boutique hotels amid the continued evolution of luxury tourism in Costa Rica.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

Contact us: [email protected]

Chayote Lodge: https://www.chayotelodge.com/

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Developer and CEO of Belong Costa Rica, Richard Bexon, joins us to break down the journey behind creating Arenal’s #1 luxury vacation rental. We dive into why he chose Arenal, the data and experience that informed the investment decision, and the real-world challenges of taking a project from concept and design through construction and delivery.

Free 15 min consultation:  https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult

Contact us: [email protected]

Xanadu Arenal Villa: https://www.xanaduarenal.com/