Is a Lake Arenal Condo the BEST OPTION for your Vacation Home in Costa Rica? SAVE hundreds of DOLLARS per month.
If you are considering a property in Costa Rica, the best option will be a condominium. Most of those who purchase in Costa Rica spend only a part of the year here.
Most condo developments provide security, amenities, and services that are essential for absentee owners. Condos are ideal vacation rentals for most owners not living in Costa Rica full time. The condo administrator can help the rental process. Condo HOA fees are lower than an equivalent acreage house (see chart below).
| Home Owner Monthly Costs | ||
| Acreage | Condo | |
| Electrical | $50 | $50 |
| Water | $30 | $0 |
| Sewage | $40 | $0 |
| HS Internet | $75 | $0 |
| Satellite TV | $25 | $0 |
| On-Site Guard | *$?* | $0 |
| Ball Court | *$?* | $0 |
| Gym | *$?* | $0 |
| Pool Care | $75 | $0 |
| Hot Tub | *$?* | $0 |
| Gated Property | *$?* | $0 |
| Yard Lightening | $20 | $0 |
| Insect Control | $20 | $0 |
| Weed Control | $20 | $0 |
| Algae Control | $10 | $0 |
| Tree Maintenance | $10 | $0 |
| Security Cameras | $20 | $0 |
| Office Service | *$?* | $0 |
| House Sitting | $20 | $0 |
| Ext. Bldg. Care | $30 | $0 |
| Taxes | $50 | $40 |
| Pet Care | *$?* | $0 |
| Security | $50 | $0 |
| Insurance Building | $40 | $0 |
| HOA Fee 1413 Sq. | $0 | $170 |
| Total: | $585 | $260 |
Note: Acreage costs in the tropics are more complex than Canada or USA.
*$?* are amenities helping to live a better quality of life. These are free at Lake Arenal Condos.
A Condo is more sought out as a vacation rental compared to a house with acreage as most vacationers seek security, resort amenities and many conveniences of a condo.
Condo operating costs in Costa Rica are less than that of an equivalent acreage house, but probably more important is the peace of mind knowing that your condo has the infrastructure and peace of mind.
