How We Work

Transportation

Weather Forecast

All Inclusive

School Trips

Recipes

Node 1

Header

Custom Packages

Horizontal

Experiences

Get a Quote !

Cross Country & Airport Transfers

Fleet

List

Papagayo

Conchal

Tamarindo

Nosara

Samara

Santa Teresa

More Beaches in Pacific

The Pacific

Rincon de la Vieja

Monteverde

Arenal

More Mountains

Mountains

Puerto Viejo

Cahuita

Tortuguero

More Caribbean

The Caribbean

Travel Insights

Travel & Living Blog Posts

More

Grid

Travel Guides

Mega

Properties

Entry Requirements

Accommodations

Itineraries

Trip Ideas

Car Rentals

Before Your Trip

Vacation Packages

Charters

Create Your Trip

Plan Your Trip

Central Valley

North Pacific

Central Pacific

South Pacific

Caribbean

Northern Region

Regional Weather Summaries

Tides

Forecasts

Weather

Activities

Activities & Events

Surf Lessons

Spanish Lessons

Things to do

Things To Do

Attractions

Videos

Amazing Natural Wonders

Wildlife

Things to See

Food

Restaurant Guide

Restaurants

Food & Dining

Medical Services

Physicians

Doctors & Surgeons

Breast Augmentation

Facelift

Liposuction

Others

Complimentary Consultations

Health & Wellness

Relocation

Consulates & Embassies of Costa Rica

Real Estate

Stay & Move

Business

Culture

Events

Lifestyle

News

Selected News

Lifestyle & News

Columned

Plan & Learn

In Costa Rica, gated communities may be listed by their Spanish names – condo, condominio, or residencial – and also the English term, gated community. In contrast to condominiums back home, Costa Rican condos are often townhouse or single-family home communities.

tiled-roof.jpg

Home Maintenance

home-ownership-costs.jpg

Home Ownership Costs

Zuma

Luxury Home Tax

ftz-requirements.jpg

Before You Buy

HOA Pros & Cons

In Costa Rica, gated communities may be listed by their Spanish names – condo, condominio, or residencial – and also the English term, gated community. In contrast to condominiums back home, Costa Rican condos are often townhouse or single-family home communities. High-rise condominiums are growing more common in San Jose and some beach areas like Jaco and Tamarindo. All gated communities – single-family, townhouse or high-rise – have a homeowners' association (HOA).

True to their name, gated communities have a front gate and guardhouse, offering added security for residents. They also have shared amenities, which may include a pool, rancho, meeting room, playground, walking trails and more. The HOA also requires that all residents perform required upkeep, so your neighborhood is guaranteed to be clean and the homes well maintained.

When you purchase a home in a gated community, you are required to follow all HOA rules, including pet restrictions. The HOA may also order assessments, such as mandatory contributions to upgrade community amenities. You may join the HOA board in order to earn a vote regarding any changes or assessments. Monthly fees start around $50 and can exceed $700; these fees are subject to increase every few years, per the HOA agreement.

Be sure that your real estate lawyer does a thorough review of your homeowners' agreement. You must understand how monthly dues are assessed – per unit, per lot size, per number of bedrooms – and what they include. Determine your rights, such as whether you can hire independent contractors (painters, gardeners, etc.), or if you must work with community contractors.