I met with an American builder who has been working in our area of Costa Rica for a dozen years now and looked at several residential properties he has built.
He is quite skilled and seems to have very good work crews. He can build a very fancy home for around $125 per sq. ft., or a standard home for around $90 per sq. ft. Buildings here must conform to specific CA earthquake standards. Wise buyers have their homes constructed with concrete block, reinforced with steel re-bar intertwining thru and between the block. This type of home in Costa Rica will easily withstand a strong earthquake, is very secure, and is pretty fireproof, depending on the interior finish. Most people go with granite countertops, and hand build wooden cabinetry and trim. Tile flooring is standard, and some opt for hardwood flooring. At Colinas del Sol, Costa Rica a person could have a 1000 sq. ft. home fully finished including site preparation with large porch, as most people spend a lot of time outdoors here, for about $100,000. Add $35,000 for the lot, and $5,000 for attorney fee’s and permits, and can have a beautiful new home on 1 1/4 acre, or larger lot for around $140,000.
A very good price for a home in a tropical paradise, with the room to have a hobby farm and raise your own fruits and veggies, and ornamental plants, along with some chickens for food and eggs. Want a horse too, they are inexpensive here and you have plenty of country roads to ride along. Add solar power, and you have sustainable living as cheaply as possible. We will also have a large fishing pond stocked with tilapia and catfish. Come to Costa Rica and see what is possible…