Why Investors Are Looking Toward Playas del Coco and the Papagayo Region
July 2025
If you're starting to explore property in Costa Rica, it's completely normal to have questions. Whether you're curious about rental income, thinking about a long-term move, or just getting a feel for the market, the North Pacific Coast, especially around Playas del Coco and the Papagayo Peninsula, is a great place to begin. At Palm Real Estate, we’ve been helping clients since 2009. We live and work in this area, and we’re here to share what we know, walk you through the process, and connect you with the right people as things take shape.Let us show you what’s happening here and how we can help.
📍 A Location with Global Attention
Playas del Coco is a vibrant beach town on Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast, just 30 minutes from Liberia International Airport (LIR). The airport offers direct flights from major cities in the United States and Canada, along with seasonal service from Europe, including Switzerland. This easy access supports both short-term rentals and long-term investment strategies.
Just north of Coco lies the Papagayo Peninsula, home to some of the most exclusive hospitality brands in the region:
- Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique (opened 2025)
- Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
- Four Seasons Costa Rica (established in 2006)
- St. Regis (in planning stages)
- El Mangroove, part of the Autograph Collection
- RIU Guanacaste and RIU Palace, large-scale all-inclusive resorts
These resorts attract global attention and create strong demand for second homes, vacation rentals, and development projects in nearby towns like Coco, where buyers find a more relaxed pace and connected community.
✈️ International Access That Supports Investment
Liberia International Airport is just a short drive from Coco and serves as the main gateway to Costa Rica’s northwestern coast. Regular flights arrive from cities across the US and Canada, and seasonal routes from Europe help draw a growing number of international visitors.
This access makes owning and renting property here easier, and it enhances the appeal for guests who want to avoid extra transfers through San José. For investors, proximity to the airport simplifies visits, management, and future resale.
💡 Why Investors Are Paying Attention
Whether you’re thinking of purchasing a rental property, a second home, or land for a new project, this area offers the right combination of livability, stability, and return potential. Key drivers include:
- Strong vacation rental demand, especially during high season from December to April
- Steady population growth, with retirees, remote workers, and hospitality staff moving in full-time
- Low annual property taxes (0.25 percent)
- Equal ownership rights for foreigners, with the option to purchase in your name or through a Costa Rican corporation
- Bank financing now available to non-residents, with typical interest rates between 8 and 9 percent
- Commercial expansion near the airport, including Solarium Business Park
- Access to schools, medical services, banks, supermarkets, and high-speed internet
Coco has grown over the years, but it still offers the charm of a beach town. The community includes both locals and expats, creating a welcoming environment and long-term value.
🏠 What Kind of Investments Are People Making?
We work with a wide range of investors, from individuals looking for a vacation condo to developers planning larger projects. Opportunities in and around Coco include:
- Condos and townhomes in gated communities like Pacifico and Coco Bay Estates
- Single-family homes for full-time living or long-term rental income
- Land for boutique hotels, housing projects, or mixed-use development
- Branded residences with resort-style rental programs
- Raw land for custom or eco-focused builds
- Residential and commercial projects, including rental compounds, office space, or retail serving the growing population
Note: Rental income can vary depending on how a property is staged, managed, and marketed. We work closely with local property managers who can provide accurate projections based on actual market performance.
If you are considering a residential or commercial project, we can help assess feasibility, introduce the right contacts, and provide area insights to support early planning.
⚖️ Legal Due Diligence Is Essential
In any property purchase, legal representation plays an important role. For land, new construction, or development projects, due diligence is especially key to confirming what’s possible and protecting your investment.
We’re happy to help you understand the basics of a property, such as permitted use, general zoning, or water access based on available documents, but your attorney will handle the formal verification.
During the due diligence period, your attorney can confirm:
- Clear title and property boundaries
- Zoning and permitted land use
- Water availability through AyA, ASADA, or private well
- Soil stability and environmental reports
- Any restrictions, liens, or unresolved legal issues
If something is still in process or needs additional review, due diligence is when that feasibility is fully confirmed.
We can recommend trusted attorneys familiar with the region who will take the time to explain each step and ensure everything is properly reviewed before closing.
🤝 How Palm Real Estate Can Help
We’re a local agency based in Playas del Coco, and we work with all kinds of clients, some just starting to explore, others ready to buy or build. Every situation is different, and we do our best to be helpful and point you in the right direction.
Depending on your goals, this is how we can support you:
- Sharing property options, including listings from other agencies
- Providing general rental insights based on what similar properties are doing
- Introducing you to local attorneys, architects, inspectors, and property managers
- Offering guidance on zoning basics, timelines, and what to expect if you’re building
- Keeping communication straightforward and focused on your goals
We’re here to help however we can, whether that’s answering questions, connecting you with someone, or just walking through the process together.
🌅 The Bottom Line
This region continues to grow, driven by strong tourism, international interest, and stable infrastructure. At the same time, it remains a peaceful place to live, visit, or invest.
Whether you are:
- Looking for a vacation rental
- Planning a long-term relocation
- Exploring a development opportunity
- Or just starting to learn more about Costa Rica
We’d be happy to support you on the journey.
info@palmrealestatecr.com
+506 8352-9923
www.palmrealestatecr.com/about
