4 rentals
Property in Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas
Manuel Antonio takes its name from the national park next door, one of Costa Rica's smallest protected areas by size but among its most visited, known for sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys living right up against the beach. The property market here is smaller and pricier than most: 96 live listings for sale with a median asking price of $450,000 ($2,451 per square meter).
The area sits on a stretch of hillside and coastline near the town of Quepos in Puntarenas province, where rainforest runs down to several small beaches. Limited buildable land next to the park has kept the market boutique rather than high-volume, with hillside homes prized for ocean views over the canopy.
Houses are the largest single category (35 listings), followed by land (21), a mix that still leans toward buyers building custom homes rather than buying into large developments. Condos and apartments (16) and commercial space (5) are a smaller share. There is no significant long-term rental market here; most stays in Manuel Antonio are short-term, tied to the area's tourism economy.
Buying property in Manuel Antonio: common questions
For international buyers
Can foreigners buy property in Manuel Antonio?
Yes. In Manuel Antonio, foreign buyers have the same ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens over titled (fee-simple) property — you can own it outright in your own name, with no residency requirement. The one exception is beachfront inside the Maritime Zone.
How much does it cost to rent in Manuel Antonio?
The median monthly asking rent in Manuel Antonio is $2,696. There are 4 rentals available right now.
Is beachfront property in Manuel Antonio titled or concession?
It depends how close to the water it sits. The first 50 metres from the high-tide line is public zone and can never be owned. From 50 to 200 metres is concession land, leased from the municipality for a 5-to-20-year term (renewable). The law restricts these concessions heavily for foreigners: a foreigner with under five years' residency cannot be granted a concession, and neither can a company that is more than 50% foreign-owned. Property outside the Maritime Zone in Manuel Antonio can be fee-simple (titled) and owned outright — but confirm the title and any encumbrances for each parcel in the Registro Nacional.
Do I need residency to buy in Manuel Antonio?
No. You can buy titled property without any residency or citizenship. An investment of $150,000 or more in property (a threshold temporarily reduced from $200,000) can, in fact, qualify you to apply for temporary residency as an investor.
What taxes will I pay owning property in Manuel Antonio?
A one-time 1.5% transfer tax at purchase, charged on the higher of the sale price and the registered fiscal value; then an annual property tax of 0.25% of registered value. Homes whose construction value exceeds the yearly luxury-home threshold (₡143 million for 2026, about $270,000) also pay the annual Solidarity — "luxury home" — tax on a sliding scale.
Should I hold title personally or through a company?
Both are common. Many buyers hold property in a Costa Rican corporation (S.A. or S.R.L.) for estate-planning and liability reasons; others hold it personally. A local attorney can advise which fits your situation.
What does the buying process look like in Manuel Antonio?
A licensed notary (who in Costa Rica must be an attorney) handles the transfer and registers it with the Registro Nacional. Budget roughly 3.5–4% of the price for closing costs (transfer tax, legal fees and stamps). Buyers commonly use an escrow service — verify its SUGEF registration, which is anti-money-laundering oversight, not a guarantee of the funds.
What kinds of property are for rent in Manuel Antonio?
Right now, Manuel Antonio listings for rent are mostly houses (4). Use the type filter to see only houses, apartments, lots or commercial units.
General information, not legal advice. Costa Rican property law and tax thresholds change — confirm specifics with a licensed Costa Rican attorney before buying.