A Quiet Market Shift Is Underway

Over the past several months, we’ve noticed something that doesn’t always show up in headlines right away—but is very clear on the ground. The Costa Ballena real estate market is moving again, and it’s doing so in a way that feels more balanced, more intentional, and in many cases, healthier than what we’ve seen over the last couple of years.

One of the most noticeable changes is time on market. Properties are spending far less time listed than they were recently, even in areas and price points that had previously felt stagnant. Homes in smaller, less central communities—places like Chontales—are finding buyers. So are properties that, not long ago, struggled simply because there was too much inventory to compete with.

What’s particularly interesting is where activity is happening. Lower-priced homes are selling. Extremely high-end homes are selling. And many properties in between are moving as well. This isn’t a narrow surge in one segment—it’s a broader re-engagement with the market.

One of the strongest signals we’ve seen? Hotels are selling again. For a long time, hotel sales slowed dramatically and became a clear indicator of market hesitation. Their return suggests renewed confidence—not just in tourism, but in long-term investment and in Costa Rica itself.

This shift is happening despite the reality that prices have risen. Costa Rica is no exception to global inflation, rising construction costs, and changing economic conditions. Like most places people want to live, its prices haven’t remained static. And yet, rather than stepping away, many buyers seem to be recalibrating their expectations.

There’s a growing understanding that waiting for prices to “go back” doesn’t always align with how the world works anymore. At the same time, there’s also recognition that Costa Rica’s long-standing commitments—to democracy, conservation, environmental protection, and social stability—are worth supporting. For many people, choosing Costa Rica isn’t just about value on paper. It’s about what their money supports.

After years of dense cities, constant noise, and nonstop pressure, there is something deeply grounding about places where nature is still close, communities are smaller, and daily life feels more human. Costa Rica continues to offer that—without many of the large-scale risks people worry about elsewhere, such as extreme weather volatility or high levels of violent crime.

None of this means the market is without challenges, or that buying or selling here is effortless. It simply means that interest has returned, decisions are being made thoughtfully, and momentum is building in a more sustainable way.

Our upcoming Market Report will break all of this down in detail—data on pricing, days on market, inventory levels, and where we’re seeing the strongest movement. For now, consider this a preview: the pause many people felt over the last year appears to be giving way to renewed confidence.

Not rushed. Not speculative. Just steady. And for those watching closely, it’s a meaningful shift.

Our full year-end market report will be released soon and will explore these trends in depth, with clear data and regional insights. If you’d like to receive it when it’s available, keep an eye on your inbox.