Even though demand for property in the Caribbean area isn’t as strong as in other coastal parts of Costa Rica, sufficient demand has kept prices rising steadily: About 10% or 20% annually, depending on the location. The long drive and the distance from the nearest domestic airport will always be a factor deterring some of the less adventurous (or time-strapped) vacationers.

The kind of real estate offered in the Caribbean is different than in other parts of the country as well. To date, gated communities have been neither successful nor necessary. Caribbean coast expatriates prefer to live in single-family homes, and the one gated community that has been built proved unpopular as of the time of research. At least one resort is planned in the Caribbean, near Limón. The resort – known as Isla Moín – is designed to be a yachting community, and if it goes through, it could change the face of the Caribbean market, making it appear more accessible to buyers who may otherwise prefer the Pacific. Any corresponding increase in demand will also impact prices.

The South Caribbean is somewhat limited as far as land availability. The Puerto Viejo area down to Manzanillo is up against the Panamanian border, which runs along the river Sixaola. A wildlife refuge in the area further restricts things. Space around Cahuita has been almost completely bought up, but there is plenty of untouched coastline running from Cahuita almost all the way to Limón. Some of the coastline isn’t yet accessible for building, but over time the area should continue to develop.