Pros

You pick the design: Unlike buying or renting an existing home, building your own allows you to truly live in the home of your dreams, since you’re the one who designs it.

Save money: Building a home is generally cheaper than buying an existing one because the cost doesn’t include a cut for the developer. This makes building your home a better investment.

Location, location, location: By building your own home, you can live in beautiful places where turn-key houses and rental properties aren’t available.

Cons

Risk: You run the risk that materials costs will increase while you’re building, as well as the typical investment risk attendant to buying real estate in a developing country.

Time: Building takes time, and the process is unpredictable. If you’re in a hurry to get settled, turn-key properties and rentals may be a better bet.

The “headache factor”: Building anywhere in the world can be a pain in the neck. Costa Rica is no different, plus it adds a language barrier for many people.