2CRRE Magazine | Set-Oct 2023

Want a heads-up on all things Real Estate in Costa Rica? Check out our episodes of our feature podcast.

What are the Legal Water Sources for a Property

Todd & Scott Cutter Brokers

Laura Duran

Marketing Director

Marcela Fernández | Alonso Aguilar Lead Designer Copywriter

WHAT ARE THE LEGAL WATER SOURCES FOR A PROPERTY IN COSTA RICA?

When you are buying property here in Costa Rica, one of the most important factors to consider is the water source for your future home. There are four options here in our area for water:

1 Municpal water (AYA) The AYA currently only provides water along the main road of Santa Teresa, and up to an approximate altitude of 60 meters on the side roads A huge number of properties and residences remain without access to the municipal water If you are purchasing a house you will want to check whether the property is already connected to the municipal water If you are buying raw land, during the due diligence process you will want your lawyer to obtain a water availability letter from the AYA confirming that they will connect the property to the municipal water

2 Community ASADA Some areas (such as Delicias and parts of San Isidro) are provided with water by a local community ASADA This is simlar to having a municipal connection, but the system is run by the community association As with the above, the availabilty of a connection with an ASADA will be checked during due diligence process of your purchase

3 Hand-dug or Artisinal Well Where there is no access to either the AYA or an ASADA, the options will be either a hand-dug well or a perforated well An artisinal well is dug by hand, with maximum depths likely to be up to 30 meters There are two advantages of a hand-dug well over a perforated well - 1 you don´t need to obtain a permit prior to digging and 2 it is much cheaper However, new regulations have recently been established regarding hand-dug wells that greatly impact on how you can develop the land Firstly, the Water

Department of the MINAET is no longer providing registrations for hand-dug wells In the Cobano area (including Santa Teresa), the local Municipal government has decided that they will not provide building permits for properties that do not have a registration for their well This means that if you are buying property without a current legal water source and for which connection to the municipal/ ASADA water is not possible, your only option will be to do a perforated well if you plan to build Secondly, the set back for septic tanks or treatment plants from a hand-dug well is 40 meters This is a big area, and during the due diligence you will want to make sure that any future construction is not unduly impacted by this set back The current price for digging a hand-dug well is approximately $470 per meter So a 10 meter well will cost you approximately $4,700

4 Perforated Well - a perforated well is a deep well that is created by heavy-duty drilling machinery Before drilling you need to obtain a drill permit from the MINAET (this can take between 1 and 6 months) And after drilling you will need to obtain a concession to use the water

before you can either obtain a building permit or connect to the well to use it A concession can take anywhere from 6 months to 18 months to obtain Perforated wells can be anywhere from 40 meters in depth to 180 meters in depth The drilling is charged by the meter, with the current cost being approximately $160 per meter There is also a cost for obtaining the permit, mobilization, pump test and concession application Costs can be around approximately $30,000 depending on how deep you have to drill to find water There are certain rules to consider when contemplating a perforated well There is a setback of a radius of 40 meters from all buildings, roads and property lines The setback can be reduced by completing a filtration study to prove that there are no dangers of the water well contaminating the aquifer Based on the filtration study results, the geologist can apply for a reduction of the setback to a 15-meter radius There is also a setback for drilled wells from other registered wells, natural springs and rivers of 100 meters These setbacks will obviously need to be studied in order to work out if it is possible to drill a perforated well on your property

Photo by: Derek Owens - Unsplash.

This contemporary residence is in Parque Valle del Sol, a very elegant gated community located in Santa Ana and which has become a very aspirational area for Costa Rican families and expats who either work o retire in our country The community currently accommodates about 325 families and has continually increased through the years at a balanced pace Its heart is the 18 hole golf course that ends up being the “backyard” for many homes facing the course’s fairways and greens

AVENIDA ESCAZU NEW TOWER

PENTHOUSE, #601 | Escazu

| 3 beds |

|

The location and lifestyle of this residence are unparalleled Avenida Escazu 302 is the newest residential tower constructed in Avenida, with a total of 38 residences located in front of Nova Cinemas and Texas Tech University

288 m2 living area

3,5 baths

HOA $800 00/mo | $759,000

ALTO LAS PALOMAS VILLA VENTO PANORAMIC CONDO

This residential building was completed in 2003 by well knownTabor Construction Company and Costa Rican well known architect Eduardo Reifer As we all know views are a must in residential towers, this specific community allows for western San Jose valley views

279 m2 living area | 3 beds, 2,5 baths | HOA $800 00/mo | $575,000

| Santa Ana

AVENIDA ESCAZU TOP FLOOR LOFT, #604 |

152 m2 living area | 2 beds | 2,5 baths | HOA $438 00/mo | $529,000

This turnkey luxury loft is located in the heart of Avenida Escazu With a beautiful balcony view of the renowned plaza of Avenida, the location and lifestyle of this residence are unparalleled

Escazu

ESCAZU VILLAGE TOP FLOOR CORNER FLAT, #701

123 m 2 living area | 2 beds | 2 baths |

$480,000

This turnkey modern residence is located on the top floor in one of the best performing, established development projects executed in the last decade in San Rafael, Escazu

PRICED TO SELL TOP FLOOR FLAT, #733

San Rafael, Escazú | 123 m 2 living area | 2 beds | 2 baths | $475,000

If you seek prime location, exclusivity, and convenience, this is the ideal residence for you The home boasts a stunning, expansive terrace that overlooks the majestic Escazu mountains

ELEGANT CLASSICAL HOME IN FRANCOSTA

240 m2 living area | 4 beds | 3 baths |

Nestled within the esteemed Francosta community in Heredia, this timeless 240m2 classical residence is the epitome of luxury living Situated on a generous 303m2 lot within a secure horizontal condominium

HOA $155 00/mo | $300,000

CASA SONIDOS DEL AGUA. WALK TO BEACH LUXURY RENTAL | Manuel Antonio

It is an architectural masterpiece, designed to integrate the elements of water, wind, and sunlight into its feel and every inch of the home provides both the panoramic views and refreshing tropical breezes The home is nestled into one of the last, undeveloped tracts of land in Manuel Antonio

2,037 m2 lot | 400 m2 living area | 4 beds | 4,5 baths | $2,800,000

DEVELOPMENT LAND BY QUEPOS

| Manuel Antonio

8,000 m2 lot | $800,000

Positioned in an area of exciting growth, the location is unmatched in its accessibility and potential The proximity to the Quepos airport not only offers convenience for travel but also opens the door to a world of possibilities

SPECTACULAR OCEAN & MARINA VIEWS ESTATE | Manuel Antonio

7,000

With a thoughtfully chosen building site, privacy and tranquility are assured Whether you envision a modern architectural masterpiece or a cozy coastal retreat, this property offers endless possibilities to bring your dream home to life

m2 lot | $960,000

PRIVATE JUNGLE WILDLIFE REFUGE WITH

LUXURIOUS APARTMENTS

This opportunity provides ample space for building a luxurious residence, a vacation rental property, or a commercial development The gated entry ensures security and privacy for residents or guests

LA HACIENDA BY QUEPOS AIRPORT & DEVELOPMENT LAND, #6

| Manuel Antonio

4,833 m 2 lot | 550 m 2 living area | 6 beds | 3,5 baths | $680,000

Nestled in a prime location, this property offers an exceptional opportunity for family living or versatile commercial use Its privileged setting is ideal for creating cherished memories with your loved ones or transforming it into a dynamic business venture

SURFER’S PARADISE HILLS OF ESTERILLOS

| Jaco

605 49 m2 lot | 200 m2 living area | 3 beds | 5 baths | $385,000

Discover your dream beach home just steps away from a stunning shoreline! This charming house offers the perfect retreat for relaxation, situated less than a mile from a breathtaking beach where you can walk, run, and soak in the beauty of every sunrise and sunset

THE NEW COBANO AIRPORT OPENS

AUGUST 5TH

This is very exciting news to the Souther Nicoya Peninsula. This airport is only a 15 minute drive from Playa Carmen, 20 minutes from Santa Teresa and Mal País, and just 7 minutes form Montezuma.

The Cobano Airport will replace the Tambor Airstrip and cut driving time in less than half for travelers visiting our area This new airport will also offer more comfort and amenities to the travelers than the simple shade and bench that the Tambor airport has provided

This beautiful new airport is about the same size as the Tobias Bolaños airport in Pavas and can host larger airplanes than Tambor, making landing for larger airplanes and charter flights a possibility The landing strip is 1300 meters long and due to its surroundings and wind conditions, pilots will be able to take off and land in both directions, making it safer for travelers There will also be lighting to allow for night time flights, which is great for emergeny flight situations

There will be regular flights coming in daily from San Jose by both Costa Rica Green Airways and Sansa Airlines, as well as many private charter flights In the future they are hoping to open up other flight routes to other destinations in Costa Rica like Liberia, Arenal, Quepos and other popular destinations

The airport will also have some additional services like a restaurant, shops, car rental services, transport services and a tours counter on site There will also be a large parking area and hangars to store and park aicraft This is all huge news for the Nicoya Peninsula

We can’t wait to test it out!

EXCEPTIONAL OCEAN VIEW HOME

| Maramar, Santa Teresa

This modern home is located in one of the most exclusive gated communities in North Santa Teresa, Maramar.

It is also located on one of the best ocean view lots within this gated community, overlooking the one-of-a-kind surf beach break known as “La Lora”, all the way down to Malpais Access to the homes is completely paved and the community has a a parking lot down by the 24/7 guard, where its homeowners can park their vehicles and walk to the beach

This home is being sold as a pre-sale with a premium on the price for the pre-sale buyer It will be completed by May 2024

MODERN OCEAN VIEW VILLA #5

Nerea Cabo Blanco, Mal Pais

Malpais is the perfect location for those looking for a secluded home surrounded by nature but close enough to the vibrant town of Santa Teresa and all that it offers

800 m2 | 5 beds | 5,5 baths | $3,000,000

DESIGNERS DREAM OCEAN VIEW HOME

2,206 m2 lot | 300 m2 living area | 3 beds | 3,5 baths | $1,275,000

This modern, tropical villa was created by the inspiration of the surrounding nature, exquisite ocean views and laid back lifestyle of Santa Teresa

| Santa Teresa

CASA LA DULCE VIDA IMMACULATE OCEAN VIEW HOME

| Playas Del Coco

This exquisite three bedroom, two and a half bath, ocean view home offers the epitome of luxury living in a sought-after resort community

Step into your personal oasis, where a stunning infinity pool graces the front of the house, inviting you to indulge in moments of relaxation and serenity Adjacent to the pool, an outdoor patio with a grill sets the scene for unforgettable gatherings with friends and family

Discover the true essence of coastal living in this exceptional ocean view home in Pacifico Embrace the Costa Rican dream and make this exclusive property yours today! Act swiftly, as this gem won’t stay on the market for long

214 m2 living area | 3 beds | 2,5 baths | $1,175,000

MATAPALO: AN OFF-THE-GRID OASIS IN THE SOUTHERN ZONE

One of the great draws of Costa Rica as a destination is the wide range of experiences to be had. Both international visitors and locals can pick and choose which places to discover depending on the kind of endeavor they’re willing to partake in and the kind of atmosphere they’re looking for. This means that despite the continued popularity of established hotspots, more secluded corners occasionally come into the spotlight.

One of the Southern Pacific’s most celebrated beaches is Matapalo, a place tailor-made for those who seek out a closer relationship with nature within a pristine tropical oasis. This small and tranquil town is half an hour from Manuel Antonio National Park and merely a 10-minute drive from the bohemian surf town of Dominical, essentially having the best of both worlds in terms of natural immersion and convenience.

Known for its off-the-grid allure, Matapalo is well regarded as a premier surfing destination, a place where incredible surf breaks can be ridden with a spectacular backdrop of coconut palms, a virgin rainforest, and vibrant sands. The best part? The unparalleled privacy to be had makes Matapalo a true hidden gem in the region.

If you ever want to diversify from top-tier surfing and relaxing in the paradisiacal coastal area, Matapalo is also a perfect spot to explore some of the country’s most iconic conservation areas like Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park, Marino Ballena National Park, and even the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve.

Between the splendid biodiversity of the Southern Pacific, the myriad of natural spectacles to witness, and the picturesque and immersive atmosphere of Matapalo, this unassuming beach town is definitely one of the quintessential ecological destinations in the country.

This natural marvel of a beach town is an enticing option to explore some of Costa Rica’s natural wonders from a place of utmost comfort.

One of the most desirable estate properties anywhere in the Southern Zone, the Achiote Reserve, stands above the rest in an area of real estate excellence The five acre hilltop, which is crowned by this Bali modern home, is one of only three properties in this 75 acre enclave

ESTABLISHED ECO-LODGE. SABALO LODGE

| Sierpe, Dominical

11 beds | 14 baths | $649,000

The expansive jungle property includes a large home that can accommodate up to six guests or be used as an owner’s home, four rustic, intimate cabins, four large platform tents, a restaurant area with a commercial style kitchen, and versatile covered spaces for gatherings or mindfulness pursuits

If you are selling or buying a property FIND A TRUSTED

REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

CASA ALTABELLA

Modern Colonial Golf-front Estate

| Los Almendros, Hacienda Pinilla

This modern Hacienda style villa takes Spanish Colonial design and envelops it with contemporary details, evoking a sense of warmth yet with clean aesthetics You will have the beauty of exposed wood beams mixed with outdoor privacy and spacious indoors

Thoughtfully designed, this large vacation home has sacrificed no detail, guaranteeing exclusive privacy, comfort, and unique luxury experience

2,023 43 m2 lot | 700 m2 living area | 4 beds | 6 baths | $1,950,000

EXQUISITELY RENOVATED FURNISHED VILLA, #19

2 2378 acres | 447 m2 living area | 3 beds | 3,5 baths | $865,000

Los Malinches is a charming traditional Spanish Colonial community built by the renowned architect, Ronald Zurcher The residences in Los Malinches features full concrete block construction, clay-tile roofs, and large wooden beams There are a total of 28 villas distributed over 5 buildings, each surrounding a central courtyard with beautiful gardens

| Los Malinches, Hacienda Pinilla

STUNNING HOME IN PLAYA GRANDE |

725 ha lot | 488 m2 living area | 4 beds | 5,5 baths | $865,000

This beautiful four-bedroom home is just minutes from the well-recognized beach, Playa Grande It is a stunning beach renowned for its pristine beauty and fantastic surf Located on the Pacific coast, Playa Grande offers a captivating mix of sun, sand, and adventure

STUNNING BALINESE TROPICAL HOME

CASA RIO

|

Tamarindo

Casa Rio is located only two blocks from the famous Playa Avellanas beach, known for its world class waves This short 12 minute walk will not only have you in the surf but as well as the world famous Lola’s restaurant

This enchanting Bali style inspired home provides a luxurious escape from the everyday This house is perfect for relaxing moments with family and friends, as a seasonal creek beside the property gives the home a gentle sound of nature The open floor plan features distinctive bamboo fixtures, with spacious living spaces perfect for hosting gatherings

1,048 m2 lot | 275 m2 living area | 4 beds | 3,5 baths | $980,000