The Southern Zone has quickly developed into one of the most sought-after regions in Costa Rica for both domestic and international real estate buyers. This area boasts lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and developing infrastructure, making for great opportunities in long-term growth, rental income, and lifestyle-driven ownership.
While Costa Rica is a country filled with hotspots, investors seeking stability, scenic surroundings, and strong appreciation should focus their efforts on Uvita, Dominical, Ojochal, Hatillo, Platanillo, and Tinamastes. These locations combine natural beauty with expanding demand, making them some of the most strategic areas for real estate investment today.
Each of these destinations represents something special in the Costa Rican real estate market, as we explain below.
In a very short time, Uvita has become one of the most sought-after real estate markets in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone. With its famous Whale Tail beach formation, world-class marine life, and one of the fastest-growing expat populations in the country, Uvita offers a great mix of natural beauty and modern convenience.
Uvita is attractive to investors because:
It boasts a well-developed tourism sector with whale watching, surfing, and national parks.
There is high demand for vacation rentals and long-term residences.
Infrastructure is still growing, such as restaurants, clinics, and international schools.
Offerings range from ocean-view villas to jungle homes in areas that carry strong rental potentials, and appreciation opportunities abound.
Just north of Uvita, Dominical is one of Costa Rica’s most well-known surf towns. Dominical retains a laid-back, artistic vibe, but in recent years has seen high-end development and luxury homebuyers seeking dramatic ocean views.
Dominical is ideal for investors because:
It’s a year-round tourism destination that boasts consistent rental demand.
Many hillside properties have panoramic views of the Pacific.
The area is frequented by long-term expats, digital nomads, and retirees.
It therefore offers a rare investment combination: a laid-back surf culture with upscale real estate potential. This combination places Dominical in a very enviable long-term investment position.
Over the years, Ojochal has come to be considered one of the most elegant and charming communities within the Southern Zone. With its international cuisine, quiet neighborhoods, and sophisticated ambiance, Ojochal attracts investors seeking stability and lifestyle-oriented living.
What makes Ojochal special:
A solid, well-established community of expats
Excellent restaurants and boutique businesses
Beautiful mountain and ocean-view properties
Due to its reputation for tranquility and quality of life, Ojochal always has a stable demand from retirees and families, making it a safe and worthwhile real estate market for buyers.
Hatillo is a quiet, nature-rich community located just minutes from Dominical. While smaller and more tranquil compared to its neighbors, Hatillo is a hotbed of investment potential due to its proximity to so many international beaches and attractions.
Investors like Hatillo for:
Its authentic local charm and privacy
Large estates in midst of tropical jungle
Lower entry prices when compared to surrounding coastal towns
As demand progresses south along the coast, Hatillo has become an excellent early investment market that holds high appreciation potential.
Platanillo offers a different Costa Rican lifestyle: cooler mountain temperatures while still maintaining proximity to the coast. Located on the scenic road between Dominical and San Isidro, Platanillo offers investors looking for land and space amidst natural beauty.
Key reasons Platanillo is gaining favor:
Great value for larger properties and acreage
Pleasantry elevation with cooler weather
Easy access to beaches, shops, and services
Many buyers seeking homesteads, eco-living spaces, and mountain retreats choose Platanillo because it offers an ideal balance of affordability and convenience.
Tinamastes has become synonymous with organic farming, wellness communities, and eco-conscious buyers. The area of Tinamastes which is inland from Dominical, offers an alternative lifestyle full of nature, waterfalls, and agricultural land.
Investors prefer Tinamastes because of the following:
It appeals to wellness retreats and eco-tourism ventures.
The area has rich soil, fresh mountain air, and abundant water sources.
Real estate prices are still reasonable and have strong future potential.
There are several purchasers looking for either sustainable development or a quieter, nature-focused lifestyle that makes Tinamastes a rising star in the investment map of the Southern Zone.
So, which are the major towns for real estate investment in Costa Rica? From a market point of view today, the following towns stand out: Uvita, Dominical, Ojochal, Hatillo, Platanillo, and Tinamastes. If you’re considering opportunities in luxury rentals, coastal homes, private retreats, or mountain escapes, these Southern Zone towns have some of the most promising opportunities in the country.
