If you’ve ever wanted to live a life of luxury, let’s be real — it’s probably been a matter of time. Living a high life is rarely affordable; even with your best credit scores and lowest interest rates, it’s still going to cost you. But, if you have the right connections and are willing to shell out some cash for a luxurious home, there’s no better place than a villa in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has a thriving community of private villas—many residents enjoy the luxury life year-round. These hidden retreats are scattered throughout the country and vary from small guest houses to massive private residences with swimming pools, security cameras, and remote access gates. Houses in Costa Rica can be as simple or extravagant as you want them to be. Here are 5 things you should know before moving into a villa in Costa Rica:
Planning A Move? Here’s What You Should Know
- Villa owners don’t mind having visitors, as long as you respect their privacy. Keep conversations to a minimum so as not to disturb the “peace” of the property. When you arrive, ask to see the owner’s instructions for visiting the house and paying the rent. In some cases, you may want to confirm with the owner if you are renting only part of the house.
- Villa owners usually prefer when you commit to staying for at least one month. If you just want to drop by for a few days, that’s fine, too. But if you’re just looking for a temporary place to stay, you might want to look into cheaper accommodations. You’re not going to save money renting a single room at a hotel.
- You’ll need to factor in the cost of moving. Depending on the size of your household, you’ll need to take in cars, furniture, and other personal belongings.
- Depending on the size of the home, you may need a permit from the government. In some cases, you’ll need to pay a fee.
- You’ll need to factor in the cost of a security system. Villa owners usually have a recommendation on what kind and how much to pay.
You Need To Be Financially Stable
Living on a private Costa Rican island or sprawling amongst the trees of the Central Valley is a beautiful goal, but you’re going to have to be able to afford it. Unfortunately, your dream home won’t fall out of the sky and into your pockets. You’ll need to have a solid financial plan before making a move to Costa Rica.
Private villas in Costa Rica are expensive. Expensive, especially compared to the cost of living in the United States. You can expect to spend around $1,500 to $2,000 a month for just basic living expenses.
A New Home Will Need Construction Work
First, let’s clear up some of the confusion surrounding private villas and construction work. Most villas in Costa Rica aren’t new construction. They’re typically remodelling renovations or re-skins of existing houses. There are some, though, that are new builds. These are a bit rare and cost a bit more money.
You shouldn’t expect to complete construction work on your new home without a permit. In many cases, you’ll need a general contractor, a building permit, and a contractor’s license. Most of these permits are free or require a nominal fee.
Know What You’re Looking For
Private villas in Costa Rica are the epitome of “what you see is what you get.” That being said, don’t expect to walk through your new home and be blown away by the size or architecture.
The most important thing you need to know before moving into a villa is what you want. Is it a place with privacy? An amazing view? A swimming pool?
There are many ways to meet these goals. If you want a private place where you can host large gatherings, check out the villas at a resort. On the other hand, if you want to be surrounded by nature, look for a home on an island.
All-Inclusive Living Isn’t For Everyone
Although you can find all-inclusive living options in some private villas, they’re rare. This is because you’re essentially renting the entire property, not just a room within it. And while that may sound great to some people, there are downsides.
You’ll usually be on a strict monthly budget. This means no splurging on vacations, dinners out, or even basic things like laundry detergent, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies.
Luxury Doesn’t Have To Be Exorbitant
Before you buy into the stereotype that private luxury villas in Costa Rica are for millionaires, remember that many of them were purchased by regular people who were looking for a way to enjoy the luxury lifestyle.
Many people will try to sell you on the idea that private luxury comes at a price tag of tens of thousands of dollars a month. Be careful with these people. Most of the time they’ve been in Costa Rica for a long time and have purchased multiple homes. They’re not trying to make money off of you; they just want to sell you the idea that private luxury is expensive.
Bottom line
Costa Rica has long been a popular retirement destination. The country also offers a variety of private villas that offer a luxurious lifestyle. If you’re considering a move to a private villa in Costa Rica, be sure that you can afford it. You also need to be financially stable and have a realistic understanding of what moving to a private villa will entail.
