Costa Rica real estate has not always been a hot commodity. In fact, in the 1970's and 1980's it was as Nicaragua stands now, on the brink of a major real estate boom with available low cost prime real estate everywhere. Individuals that purchased real estate during this time frame have hit the jackpot big time. For example, if you had purchased real estate for $40,000, now the properties worth over $750,000 in some areas.

Today Costa Rica real estate is indeed a hot commodity. In fact, over the past several years it has been the most popular location for real estate investment in Central America. Costa Rica still continues to have a low cost of living, which is very appealing. It also still boasts low real estate costs when compared to the United States, Canada and definitely the UK. Beachside properties are still up to 70% less expensive than in the US!

One of the biggest reasons for the current booming real estate economy is Costa Rica's history of a stable and peaceful government; something that cannot be said for many other Central American countries. Furthermore, an American purchasing land or other tangible real estate in Costa Rica has the exact same rights as Costa Rican citizens do. Moreover, Costa Rica does not have capital gains tax, just another added perk to purchasing Costa Rican real estate!

Depending on whether or not you are looking to flip a property or maintain a home for your retirement, you have a couple choices when it comes to Costa Rica real estate. One of the most lucrative ways to purchase property in Costa Rica would be to buy a lot of land and build on it. Of course, if you are going to buy land, location will be of the utmost importance. There are many popular locations for real estate investment in Costa Rica today. However the booming locations are found most on the Pacific coast and the areas surrounding the city of Jaco. Another prime investment location is the Guancaste Province and the Catalina Cove area, Costa Rica's most popular tourist destination.

Costa Rica Real Estate values continue to go up in most areas. The good news is that there are no signs that it will be coming to an end anytime soon. In fact, Nicaragua is trying to catch up to Costa Rica's booming real estate trend. If the political environment in Nicaragua stays at it is now, they could very well have a red hot real estate market in the upcoming years. For now, if you want to get a prime piece of real estate in Costa Rica you better act fast, as prices are going up and fast. Otherwise, you can always hope for the best and invest in Nicaraguan real estate in hopes that they become the next real estate phenomenon.