🏗️ A low quote and a fast timeline can be tempting. But are they actually realistic? One of the biggest construction mistakes buyers make in Costa Rica is choosing a contractor based on promises rather than understanding what's truly achievable. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaRealEstate #CostaRicaConstruction #BuildingInCostaRica #RealEstateInvesting #ConstructionTips #PropertyDevelopment

We sit down with Daniel Calvosa, owner of CPS Construction, a high-end luxury construction company with projects across Costa Rica. With more than 17 years of experience building in the country, Daniel shares the insider knowledge you need to know before starting a construction project, from choosing the right builder and understanding fixed-price versus cost-plus contracts to avoiding hidden costs, managing projects remotely, and selecting materials that can withstand Costa Rica’s tropical climate. We also discuss how global economic uncertainty is affecting construction demand, how to keep costs under control without compromising on luxury, and some of the unexpected surprises that come with building in paradise. Plus, Daniel shares his favourite places in Costa Rica, his biggest lessons from living here, and where he’d invest $500,000 if he had to start all over again. If you’re thinking about building, renovating, or investing in property in Costa Rica, this is an episode packed with practical advice, real-world experience, and a few laughs along the way! Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult Contact us: info@investingcostarica.com Arenal Ridge: https://www.arenalridge.com/ Daniel Calvosa: dcalvosa@cps-cr.com ____________________________________________ Love this episode? Your reviews really help us a lot: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/costa-rica-investments-real-estate-relocation/id1552237433 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/281REgDsjFBkdOX1lJsfiX?si=590df52db13d488c ____________________________________________ ► If you want to learn how to start investing in Costa Rica, visit: https://www.investingcostarica.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=Costa+Rica%3A+How+to+Choose+the+Right+Builder+and+Avoid+Costly+Mistakes+Daniel+Calvosa ► LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/company/crinvestments ► Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/crinvest/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaricareit/ ► Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult ____________________________________________ Related Episodes You Might Like Real Estate Investment videos - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy1a0tsLF4Rxoj8u5Ov4XcOj79lae3-j9 ____________________________________________ Timestamp: 00:14 – The Hidden Costs of Building in Costa Rica 02:31 – Why Construction Costs Have Jumped 30% 05:49 – Not All Costa Rica Builders Are Created Equal 07:22 – Fixed Price vs. Cost Plus: Which Protects You? 10:46 – The Biggest Mistake When Building Remotely 15:09 – The Materials That Could Cost You Thousands 19:07 – How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Luxury

💡 His parents taught him one thing at age 10 that would shape his financial future decades later. Alex Albert reveals the early money lesson that became one of the best investments of his life — and it started long before real estate. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #RealEstateInvesting #CompoundInterest #FinancialEducation #WealthBuilding #InvestingTips

💸 What costs do investors underestimate when buying a vacation rental in Costa Rica? Alex Albert expected expenses to come with the property, but some operating costs turned out to be much bigger than anticipated. 🔧 His experience reveals what investors should think about before running a luxury rental. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #VacationRental #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyManagement #HaciendaPinilla

🏡 What makes a vacation rental unforgettable for families? At Villalegria, one feature has become a clear guest favorite — and it’s not what you might expect. It’s also teaching us something important about designing better vacation rentals. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #VacationRentals #FamilyTravel #LuxuryRentals #GuestExperience

Today, we're joined by Alex Albert of Albert Investments to talk about what investing in Costa Rica really looks like once the dust has settled and the bills start coming in! Three years on from his original investments in Hacienda Pinilla and Villa Allegria, we're looking back at what went well, what didn't quite go to plan, the surprises along the way, and what Alex would do differently if he were starting again today. We'll also discuss how global uncertainty is affecting the Costa Rican real estate market, what makes Hacienda Pinilla stand out, and where Alex sees the next big opportunities for investors. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to invest in property in Costa Rica, this episode is full of honest insights, lessons learned, and a few things you probably won't find on the internet! Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult Contact us: info@investingcostarica.com Arenal Ridge: https://www.arenalridge.com/ ____________________________________________ Love this episode? Your reviews really help us a lot: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/costa-rica-investments-real-estate-relocation/id1552237433 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/281REgDsjFBkdOX1lJsfiX?si=590df52db13d488c ____________________________________________ ► If you want to learn how to start investing in Costa Rica, visit: https://www.investingcostarica.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=+3+years+on%2C+what+Alex+Albert+learned+about+running+a+luxury+vacation+rental+in+Costa+Rica ► LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/company/crinvestments ► Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/crinvest/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaricareit/ ► Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult ____________________________________________ Related Episodes You Might Like Real Estate Investment videos - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy1a0tsLF4Rxoj8u5Ov4XcOj79lae3-j9 ____________________________________________ Timestamp: 00:14 – The Costa Rica Investment Reality Check\ 02:40 – Why Rental Income Is Less Predictable Now\ 05:05 – When Your Dream Home Becomes a Rental Business\ 07:11 – The Hot Water & Wi-Fi Mistakes Costing Owners\ 14:23 – The Design Choices That Hurt Rental Profits\ 16:59 – The Hidden Costs Eating Into Your Returns\ 26:44 – What Alex Would Do Differently With His Next Investment

Some of the early lessons from building communities in Latin America were far more unexpected than he ever imagined. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #RealEstateDevelopment #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #LatinAmerica #DevelopmentLessons

🏡 What if your community was designed around freedom, not just luxury? Veritas Villages is rethinking traditional residential developments with solar-powered homes, community-grown food, financial flexibility, and a focus on self-sufficiency. But what does that look like in practice? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #Atenas #SustainableDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #CommunityLiving #CostaRicaRealEstate

🌳 What happens when environmental regulations don’t match the reality on the ground? Even when developers design around existing roads and trees, navigating environmental approvals can still become an uphill battle. So what makes developing in Costa Rica different from other countries? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #PropertyDevelopment #SustainableDevelopment #RealEstateInvesting #CostaRicaBusiness

Today, we're joined by Patrick Hierbert from Autris and Veritas Villages, a collection of communities across Latin America built around sustainability, freedom of choice and bringing like-minded people together. Today, we're going to talk about what makes these communities different from a traditional residential development or resort, how the model works from an investment perspective, and why Patrick has chosen Atenas, Costa Rica as the location for his next development. We'll also get into the realities of developing across Latin America, what he's learned along the way, and perhaps a few mistakes that others can learn from. Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult Contact us: info@investingcostarica.com Arenal Ridge: https://www.arenalridge.com/ Veritas Village: https://www.veritasvillages.com/ ____________________________________________ Love this episode? Your reviews really help us a lot: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/costa-rica-investments-real-estate-relocation/id1552237433 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/281REgDsjFBkdOX1lJsfiX?si=590df52db13d488c ____________________________________________ ► If you want to learn how to start investing in Costa Rica, visit: https://www.investingcostarica.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=Sustainably+Developing+in+latin+America+and+now+Atenas+with+Veritas+Villages ► LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/company/crinvestments ► Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/crinvest/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaricareit/ ► Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult ____________________________________________ Related Episodes You Might Like Real Estate Investment videos - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy1a0tsLF4Rxoj8u5Ov4XcOj79lae3-j9 ____________________________________________ Timestamp: 00:14 – Why Investors Are Fleeing the West 02:53 – The Communities Selling Out Fast 05:43 – What Makes Veritas Village Different? 08:43 – Why These Communities Command a Premium 11:00 – Why He Chose Atenas, Costa Rica 14:09 – The Development Mistake That Cost Him 23:07 – Where Would Patrick Invest $500K?

📊 Asking prices are rising in Costa Rica—but are properties actually selling for those prices? Sales volume has been declining, and that shift could create opportunities for buyers willing to negotiate. The key is knowing the difference between what sellers ask for and what buyers actually pay. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #GuanacasteRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #CostaRica

🌎 Sometimes, what seems obvious to you is completely unfamiliar to someone else. One simple conversation about cleaning windows became a powerful lesson in empathy, perspective, and understanding another person’s reality. A reminder that could change how you see people. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaLife #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #CostaRicaInvestment #Leadership #Mindset

📉 Sales are down 50%—but property prices keep rising. What’s happening in Costa Rica’s coastal markets? After analyzing nearly 5,000 transactions across nine coastal markets, Aurel Robert shares what the data reveals about the post-COVID market—and what investors should pay attention to. 📊 Are you making investment decisions based on the headlines or the numbers? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #RealEstateData #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateInvesting #CostaRica

Today, we're joined by Aurel Robert, a Swiss entrepreneur who has been living in Costa Rica since 2021 and is the founder of Realiti, a real estate technology platform focused on bringing greater price transparency and better data to the Costa Rican property market. Today, we're going to talk about what the data is actually telling us about the Costa Rican real estate market, how Realiti works, what Aurel has discovered from analyzing the market, and what he thinks investors and buyers should be paying attention to right now. Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult Contact us: info@investingcostarica.com Arenal Ridge: https://www.arenalridge.com/ Realiti Costa Rica: https://www.realiti.cr/ ____________________________________________ Love this episode? Your reviews really help us a lot: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/costa-rica-investments-real-estate-relocation/id1552237433 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/281REgDsjFBkdOX1lJsfiX?si=590df52db13d488c ____________________________________________ ► If you want to learn how to start investing in Costa Rica, visit: https://www.investingcostarica.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=AI+and+Data+Application+in+the+costa+Rica+Real+Estate+Market+with+Realiti ► LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/company/crinvestments ► Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/crinvest/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaricareit/ ► Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult ____________________________________________ Related Episodes You Might Like Real Estate Investment videos - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy1a0tsLF4Rxoj8u5Ov4XcOj79lae3-j9 ____________________________________________ Timestamp: 00:14 – Costa Rica Real Estate Gets a Data Revolution 02:16 – The Numbers Behind Costa Rica’s Real Estate Slowdown 04:05 – The Data Costa Rica Real Estate Never Had 06:06 – How Accurate Are Costa Rica’s Property Prices? 08:58 – Why Costa Rica Real Estate Is So Messy 12:12 – The Data Says It’s a Buyer’s Market 16:43 – Where Would Aurel Invest $500K?

From apostilled documents to insurance, getting the right paperwork ready beforehand can save you a major headache later. What should you actually bring? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaResidency #MoveToCostaRica #CostaRicaInvestment #ExpatLife #CostaRicaLiving #CostaRicaLaw

Cristina has an idea: create a new residency pathway for vacation-rental owners in exchange for properly registering their properties, getting the required permits, and paying taxes. Could an idea like this actually work? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaResidency #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #VacationRental #AirbnbCostaRica #CostaRicaLaw

Costa Rica says it wants to make investing easier for foreigners… so why is it getting more complicated? New corporate requirements, changing residency rules, and uncertainty around investor thresholds are creating a very different landscape in 2026. What do foreign investors actually need to know? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #CostaRicaResidency #ForeignInvestors #RealEstateInvesting #CostaRicaBusiness

Today, we're joined by Cristina Guerrini, owner of BlueZone Legal, to talk about some of the biggest issues affecting foreigners, investors and business owners in Costa Rica right now. We’ll get into the latest changes around immigration and residency, what’s really happening with vacation-rental regulations, and how the current global economic environment is impacting Costa Rica. We’ll also cut through some of the confusion and social-media noise to get Cristina’s take on what people actually need to know if they’re looking to live, invest or do business here. Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult Contact us: info@investingcostarica.com Arenal Ridge: https://www.arenalridge.com/ Bluezone Legal: https://bluezonelegal.com/ ____________________________________________ Love this episode? Your reviews really help us a lot: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/costa-rica-investments-real-estate-relocation/id1552237433 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/281REgDsjFBkdOX1lJsfiX?si=590df52db13d488c ____________________________________________ ► If you want to learn how to start investing in Costa Rica, visit: https://www.investingcostarica.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=Residency%2C+Legal+and+Vacation+Rental+Law+updates+with+Bluezone+Legal ► LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/company/crinvestments ► Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/crinvest/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaricareit/ ► Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult ____________________________________________ Related Episodes You Might Like Real Estate Investment videos - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy1a0tsLF4Rxoj8u5Ov4XcOj79lae3-j9 ____________________________________________ Timestamp: 00:14 – Costa Rica’s Residency Rules Are Changing 02:21 – The Currency Problem Foreigners Can’t Ignore 03:28 – Why Costa Rica Real Estate Got Quiet 05:31 – The Residency Threshold Nobody Can Confirm 08:34 – The Residency Appointment Nightmare 12:20 – Airbnb Owners Could Be Shut Down 13:33 – What Every Vacation Rental Must Have 18:00 – Where Would Christina Invest $500K?

Google Maps, drones, and better enforcement tools are changing how municipalities identify properties that haven’t been properly declared. And it could affect your next real estate transaction. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaRealEstate #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaProperty #RealEstateInvesting #CostaRicaLaw #PropertyInvestment

From security and tax enforcement to import taxes, these policy shifts could have real implications for investors and businesses. If you’re investing in Costa Rica, understanding what’s changing matters. 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaEconomy #GovernmentPolicy #CostaRicaRealEstate #TaxReform #GlobalBusiness

Despite the headlines, what’s happening on the ground may be a very different story. Is Costa Rica weathering the global volatility better than expected? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaEconomy #CostaRicaRealEstate #CostaRicaBusiness #RealEstateInvesting #InvestInCostaRica

Today we’re joined by Paola Retana, lawyer and partner at Legal She. With 2026 bringing plenty of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension and changing regulations, we’re digging into what’s actually happening on the ground and, more importantly, what property owners, investors, businesses and expats need to know. We’ll cover everything from real estate, zoning, construction and permitting to vacation rentals, foreign investment and proposed changes that could have a real impact on Costa Rica’s property and tourism sectors. Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult Contact us: info@investingcostarica.com Arenal Ridge: https://www.arenalridge.com/ LegalShe: https://www.legalshe.com/ ____________________________________________ Love this episode? Your reviews really help us a lot: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/costa-rica-investments-real-estate-relocation/id1552237433 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/281REgDsjFBkdOX1lJsfiX?si=590df52db13d488c ____________________________________________ ► If you want to learn how to start investing in Costa Rica, visit: https://www.investingcostarica.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=Costa+Rica+Legal+and+Regulatory+Updates+in+2026+with+Lawyer+Paola+Retana ► LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/company/crinvestments ► Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/crinvest/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaricareit/ ► Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult ____________________________________________ Related Episodes You Might Like Real Estate Investment videos - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy1a0tsLF4Rxoj8u5Ov4XcOj79lae3-j9 ____________________________________________ Timestamp: 00:14 – Costa Rica’s Next Tax Shake-Up 02:15 – The Currency Problem Investors Can’t Ignore 04:34 – Why Buyers Have More Power Now 06:50 – The Tax Reform That Could Change Everything 15:44 – Municipalities Are Watching Properties Closely 21:36 – The Risk Buyers Can’t Afford to Ignore 28:17 – Where Would Paola Invest $500K?

If you’re not keeping up with electronic invoicing and the tax regime you’re registered under, a simple oversight can turn into a much bigger headache later. The question is: are you actually set up correctly? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaTaxes #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #CostaRicaBusiness #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyInvestment

🏗️ You built or renovated a property in Costa Rica to rent it out… But can you actually deduct those construction costs from your rental income? There’s a catch—and the answer depends on how your rental activity is taxed. 🎥 Find out what Gustavo has to say in the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaTaxes #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #RentalProperty #RealEstateInvesting #CostaRicaBusiness

🚨 You rented out your Costa Rica property… but the money goes to your U.S. bank account. So do you still owe taxes in Costa Rica? The answer might surprise you. 🇨🇷💰 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaTaxes #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaRealEstate #RentalProperty #RealEstateInvesting #CostaRicaBusiness

🚨 Think your Costa Rica Airbnb is “just a rental”? There’s a lot more behind the scenes—and Airbnb reporting can put your property on Hacienda’s radar. So where are owners getting themselves into trouble? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #CostaRicaTaxes #CostaRicaRealEstate #AirbnbCostaRica #RealEstateInvesting #CostaRicaBusiness

Today we’re sitting down with Gustavo Morales, Co-Owner of Accounting Services Costa Rica, to talk about the side of Costa Rican real estate and investing that doesn’t always make it onto Google—or gets explained correctly over a sunset cocktail. Gustavo and his team work with businesses, investors and foreigners navigating the Costa Rican tax, accounting, HR and legal landscape, with experience across Costa Rica, the U.S. and Canada. We’re going to cut through some of the confusion around taxes, corporations, Airbnb income, IVA, deductions and the differences between investing in Costa Rica versus North America. Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult Contact us: info@investingcostarica.com Arenal Ridge: https://www.arenalridge.com/ Accounting Services CR: https://www.accountingscr.com/ ____________________________________________ Love this episode? Your reviews really help us a lot: Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/costa-rica-investments-real-estate-relocation/id1552237433 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/281REgDsjFBkdOX1lJsfiX?si=590df52db13d488c ____________________________________________ ► If you want to learn how to start investing in Costa Rica, visit: https://www.investingcostarica.com/?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=What+nobody+tells+you+about+Costa+Rica+Taxes+%26+Legal+Structures+with+Gustavo+Morales ► LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/company/crinvestments ► Facebook Group: https://facebook.com/groups/crinvest/ ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costaricareit/ ► Free 15 min consultation: https://meetings.hubspot.com/jake806/crconsult ____________________________________________ Related Episodes You Might Like Real Estate Investment videos - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy1a0tsLF4Rxoj8u5Ov4XcOj79lae3-j9 ____________________________________________ Timestamp: 00:14 – The Costa Rica Investment Trap 02:59 – Why Smart Investors Are Getting Cautious 06:18 – Your Airbnb Income Isn’t Hidden 09:16 – Hacienda Can Track Your Money 13:52 – Personal Name vs Corporation: The Truth 19:23 – Airbnb Owners Could Be in Trouble 22:40 – Where Would Gustavo Invest $500K?

Many investors worry about overdevelopment in Costa Rica, but the reality of the construction process tells a very different story. The permitting and planning phase is notoriously slow, often stretching projects out over several years before ground is even broken. Understanding this timeline is crucial for anyone looking at real estate or business opportunities in the region. Catch the full discussion on the nuances of property development and market growth in the complete podcast episode. #CostaRicaRealEstate #Tamarindo #RealEstateInvesting #InternationalInvesting #BusinessGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #CostaRicaLiving

Downtown is already highly developed, but Tamarindo continues to expand—and Lauren points to Los Jobos as an area with an interesting future. 📍 So what’s happening in that direction? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #Tamarindo #CostaRicaRealEstate #GuanacasteRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyInvestment

More inventory, normalized prices, and sellers willing to negotiate—Lauren says buyers may have more leverage than they’ve had in years. So… is now the time to buy in Tamarindo? 🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube. #CostaRicaInvestment #Tamarindo #CostaRicaRealEstate #GuanacasteRealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyInvestment