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Hey there future homeowner!
If you’ve been following along for a while, you’ve probably realized this isn’t just about buying property, it’s about redesigning how you live. Picture your mornings starting with the sound of surf from a penthouse in Blue Venao, coffee in hand as the bay wakes up below and your rental calendar fills on its own. Or imagine life in San Juan del Sur, where a hidden garden retreat lets you start the day with hummingbirds and end it with a glass of wine by the pool, knowing your investment is working even when you’re not. Maybe you’re more of the jungle-and-sea type in which case a hillside hideaway in Playa Hermosa gives you breezes, wildlife and fiber-optic internet so you can work remotely without giving up the view.
Across Central America, what used to be a daydream has become a movement; people trading stress for sunsets, city noise for birdsong and mortgages for manageable costs in places where the returns make sense. Between healthy property appreciation, strong rental performance and communities built on connection, both the math and the lifestyle add up.
Each week I highlight homes that capture that sweet spot: properties that aren’t just sound investments, but also meaningful lifestyle upgrades. Because the goal isn’t just to buy differently… it’s to live better.
Let’s jump into this week’s gems…
🇨🇷 Sunset Hideaway Overlooking Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
Price: $419,000
1,100 sq ft of living space on a 1/3 acre lot
2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom / A/C
Escape-proof fencing for pets
Renovated in 2019 / Includes fiber-optic internet
Between the Lines: Perched above the beach and surrounded by fruit trees, flowering bushes and the sounds of the jungle. Morning breezes from the sea change to mountain breezes later in the day. The spacious terrace delivers sweeping views of the Pacific, Osa Peninsula, and Caño Island. Best of all, you’re minutes from Uvita’s services and Dominical’s surf, within a community known for its welcoming mix of Ticos and expats living the pura vida.
🇵🇦 Overwater serenity meets easy access in Bocas, Panama
Price: $599,000
3 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms
Off grid (solar panels and generator)
West facing
Calm Caribbean waters
Between the Lines: Nestled between Dolphin Bay and Tierra Oscura, this home offers the kind of peace most people only find on vacation. Surrounded by mangroves, coral reefs and lush rainforest alive with toucans and howler monkeys. Kayak or snorkel straight from your private dock or take in the sunset from the wraparound deck as dolphins pass by. A newly paved road connects you to the amenities of Bocas Town and Almirante in under 30 minutes. Perfect for buyers seeking an eco-luxury lifestyle, a boutique retreat, or a high-demand rental in one of Panama’s most biodiverse regions.
🇨🇷 Unique Villa near Playa Conchal, Costa Rica
Price: $369,990
2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms
1668 sq ft of living space on a 5,382 sq ft lot
Successful rental property
Secluded yet close to beaches and shops
Between the Lines: Playa Real sits in Guanacaste’s rising coastal corridor, just minutes from surf and tourist hubs like Playa Conchal and Tamarindo. With limited beachfront supply due to Costa Rica’s maritime zone restrictions, parcels only a few hundred meters from sand enjoy steady appreciation. For international buyers, Costa Rica offers full property rights, relatively low taxes, and stable governance, making Playa Real an attractive entry point into one of Central America’s strongest real estate markets.
🇳🇮 Casa Soma in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
Price: $549,000
5 bed / 5 bath in 5,888 sq ft of living space for 16 guests
2 Guest houses around a private lagoon shaped pool
Turnkey (custom furniture made from native wood)
Established high-earning AirBnB
Between the Lines: Nicaragua boasts one of the lowest costs of living in Latin America with relatively favorable tax treatment for property owners and there is still upside to the ongoing recovery from the slump a few years back. Perched above SJDS the panoramic views will make it hard to leave, but within a few minute’s walk are the restaurants, beaches and nightlife of this lively town.
🇵🇦 Oceanview Home in Pedasi, Panama
Price: $439,000
3,842 sq ft (850m2 ) on 9,149 sq ft (850m2 ) lot
3 bed / 3 bath with upper terrace
24/7 security / direct beach access
Rear terrace includes BBQ area and private pool
Between the Lines: Once a sleepy fishing village, Pedasí has doubled in population over the last decade and now offers cafés, restaurants, banks, and all the essentials within a 2 minute drive. Within 30 minutes you’ll find Playa Venao’s surf scene, Isla Iguana’s snorkelling / whale watching and a coastline where new luxury residential projects are already reshaping demand.
🇨🇷 Sunset Home in Nosara, Costa Rica
Price: $450,000
3 bedrooms each with bathroom and balcony
2,368 sq ft (120m2 ) on a 6,479 sq ft (602m2 ) lot
A/C in every room / Pool with BBQ area
Ocean and Mountain views in gated community
Between the Lines: Nosara is famous for its Blue Zone longevity lifestyle with wellness, yoga and community woven into daily life. Strict conservation along the beaches keeps the coastline pristine and development limited, a key reason property values here have averaged 8–10% annual appreciation. Investors also benefit from strong rental demand in this part of Costa Rica.
🇵🇦 Penthouse Oasis in Blue Venao, Panama
Price: $600,000
2,098 sq ft (195 m2 )
3 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
Gated community with Landscaped gardens
Shared pool / direct beach access
Between the Lines: Since hosting the Pan American Surf Games in 2022, Venao has drawn international attention for its world-class surfing conditions as well as wellness/yoga retreats, electronic music, eco-tourism, sport fishing and an overall chilled vibe. STR data indicates a penthouse like this could fetch $350+ a night with up to 50% occupancy, meaning $60k/yr in revenue and lots of time left over to enjoy it yourself.
Investor Alert!
🇨🇷 Boutique Hotel in Esterillos, Costa Rica
Price: $450,000
1,991 sq ft (185m2 ) on ½ acre lot
4 villas (2 bed/1 bath each) and pool
1.5 hours from San Jose International Airport
Wildlife includes Monkeys, toucans and scarlet macaws
Between the Lines: Minutes from Jaco’s booming rental market, this jungle retreat delivers lifestyle and income in one. Four villas, jungle views and resort-style amenities make it ideal as a boutique hotel, retreat centre, or private compound. Just 5 minutes from Playa Esterillos it’s a turnkey opportunity with flexible management and the option to include the property next door in one of Costa Rica’s hottest coastal markets.
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Every property in this week’s selection highlights a different way to live lighter and invest smarter. If one of them sparks your interest, I can share numbers or connect you with trusted local partners. Until next time, here’s to building a life that feels like an escape, without waiting for “someday.”
Ed & the TropiCasas Team
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🌺 TropiCasas Fine Print (The Fun Kind)
We love tropical living, but we’re not licensed real estate agents. Our job is to uncover great properties found on various websites across Central America but we don’t sell them directly. Photos and details belong to the listing agents
This newsletter is here to inspire your property journey but it is important to do your own due diligence before investing.
By reading, you agree that TropiCasas may spark daydreams, flight searches, or even a sudden urge to swap snow boots for flip-flops but the ultimate decision is all yours!
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