Guanacaste, Costa Rica pre-construction real estate in 2027 gives American and Canadian buyers a chance to lock in new-build villas, ocean-view condominiums and master-planned eco-residences before they are finished.
Most pre-construction deals ask for a 10% to 30% initial deposit held in escrow, then staged progress payments tied to SETENA environmental approvals and building milestones. Knowing who holds your money, and when it is released, matters more than the brochure. New to buying here? Start with our guide on how to buy property in Costa Rica as a foreigner.
Below are 23 verified developments from Peninsula Papagayo and Playas del Coco south through Las Catalinas, Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, Nosara and San Juanillo, plus inland Ciudad NYA near Liberia. Pre-sale prices run from about $180,000 for inland master-planned homes up to $16,000,000+ for branded oceanfront estates. For context on where prices are heading, see our Costa Rica real estate forecast.
Free 15-Minute Consultation
Share your budget, timeline and favourite beach. I will tell you which projects fit and what your deposit really protects.
Current Developments
Explore all 23 verified pre-construction, under-construction, and recently completed resale communities across Guanacaste. Click any pin to see a photo, key project details and pricing. Pins are approximate project locations.
Featured Developments: #1 to #3
#1 Na Umi Seaside Condominiums (Pacifico)
under construction
Photo: pacifico-costarica.com
📍 Location: Playas del Coco | 🏢 Type: condos | 🏠 Units: 5 buildings, 30 suites each
Price Range: From the mid $200,000s
The first and only ocean-view condominiums inside Pacifico’s 175-acre resort community: 1 and 2 bedroom plus flex suites (703 to 1,382 sq ft) across five 6-storey buildings, with two pools, poolside bar, fitness center and walking paths. Designed by Jean Andre Garnier. Developer financing available. Read our full Na Umi condos guide.
#2 Ciudad NYA
pre-construction
Photo: nya.cr
📍 Location: Liberia (Inland) | 🏢 Type: condos & townhomes | 🏠 Units: not disclosed
Price Range: price on request
Inland master-planned sustainable 15-minute city near Liberia Airport featuring Central America's first Crystal Lagoon.
#3 Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste
under construction
Photo: waldorfastoriaresidencesguanacaste.com
📍 Location: Punta Cacique | 🏢 Type: condos & estate homes | 🏠 Units: not disclosed
Price Range: From $7,500,000
Ultra-luxury oceanfront estate homes on Cacique Peninsula; early-release pricing from the mid-$7Ms.
2027 Guanacaste Pre-Construction Overview
- Top Coastal Zones: Papagayo Peninsula, Playas del Coco, Las Catalinas, Playa Flamingo, Tamarindo, Playa Avellanas, Nosara (Guiones & Pelada), San Juanillo, and inland Liberia (Ciudad NYA).
- Price Spectrum (USD): Entry-level inland smart cities from $180,000; coastal boutique condos from $259,900–$850,000; luxury branded beach villas from $1,295,000–$16,000,000+.
- Deposit & Payment Structure: 10%–20% reservation/contract deposit, 30%–50% during construction phases, and final balance due upon set delivery or title transfer.
- Foreign Ownership Rights: Foreigners enjoy full fee-simple property ownership rights (same as Costa Rican citizens) for titled properties outside restricted concession zones.
- Developer Due Diligence: Always confirm SETENA environmental permits, CFIA water/utility letters, municipal building permits, and escrow agreement protections before signing.
Before you wire a deposit
Is Your Deposit Really Protected?
An independent Costa Rica lawyer can confirm the escrow, permits and title before you send a dollar.
Protect Your Deposit →Get your developer contract and escrow reviewed.Get Inventory & Price Lists
Want unreleased units, floor plans or a site visit? Send me your wish list.
Guanacaste Pre-Construction Developments Comparison Table
| # | Development Name | Town / Zone | Property Type | Home Count | Price Range (USD) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Na Umi Seaside Condominiums (Pacifico) | Playas del Coco | condos | 5 buildings, 30 suites each | From the mid $200,000s | under construction |
| #2 | Ciudad NYA | Liberia (Inland) | condos & townhomes | not disclosed | price on request | pre-construction |
| #3 | Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste | Punta Cacique | condos & estate homes | not disclosed | From $7,500,000 | under construction |
| #4 | Mira Estate Homes (Pacifico) | Playas del Coco | estate lots & custom homes | 16 estate lots | Lots from the $400,000s | pre-construction |
| #5 | Bosque Tropic Village (Pacifico) | Playas del Coco | freestanding homes | 14 homes (phased) | From $195,000 (developer) | under construction |
| #6 | Pacifico Resort Community (resales) | Playas del Coco | condos, townhomes & homes | not disclosed | $280,000 – $1,200,000 | completed with resale |
| #7 | Azul Paraiso Vistas | Ocotal | condos | not disclosed | $299,000 – $655,000 | completed with resale |
| #8 | Marina Flamingo Residences | Playa Flamingo | condos | not disclosed | price on request | completed with resale |
| #9 | Las Catalinas (Lantana Residences) | Las Catalinas | condos & townhomes | not disclosed | price on request | under construction |
| #10 | Reserva Conchal (W Residences) | Playa Conchal | condos & villas | 14 | $2,200,000 – $5,450,000 | under construction |
| #11 | Nekajui, Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences | Peninsula Papagayo | villas & condos | 36 | price on request | completed with resale |
| #12 | El Mangroove Residences | Playa Panama | condos & villas | not disclosed | price on request | under construction |
| #13 | Hacienda Pinilla (Las Golondrinas) | Hacienda Pinilla | villas & lots | not disclosed | price on request | under construction |
| #14 | Senderos Tamarindo | Tamarindo | villas & lots | not disclosed | price on request | under construction |
| #15 | Tamarindo Park | Tamarindo | villas | not disclosed | $2,000,000 – $3,495,000 | under construction |
| #16 | Zapotal Golf & Beach Club | Punta Zapotal | villas & lots | not disclosed | price on request | pre-construction |
| #17 | Become Nosara | Nosara (Esperanza) | condos | not disclosed | $548,000 – $585,000 | under construction |
| #18 | Bellazo Community | Ostional / Nosara | villas & lots | not disclosed | price on request | under construction |
| #19 | Rancho Villa Real | Villareal / Tamarindo | villas & lots | not disclosed | $295,000 – $1,990,000 | under construction |
| #20 | The Point at Avellanas | Playa Avellanas | villas (condominium) | not disclosed | Resales from about $350,000 | completed with resale |
| #21 | San Juanillo Estates | San Juanillo | villas & lots | not disclosed | $99,000 – $490,000 | pre-construction |
| #22 | Valle Escondido Tamarindo | Tamarindo | residential lots | not disclosed | Lots from $49,000 – $135,000 | pre-construction |
| #23 | Avemoana Residential Gated Development | Playa Avellanas | villas & lots | not disclosed | $185,000 – $550,000 | pre-construction |
Lawyer on your side
Buying Real Estate? Protect Yourself.
The developer has lawyers. You should too: one who works only for you.
Find A Lawyer →English-speaking real estate lawyers in Costa Rica.Meet Joseph K., Broker
Joseph K., Broker brings over 21 years of active real estate experience (licensed since 2005) and hundreds of completed transactions across North America and Costa Rica. As principal broker of Nosara Realty Group, Joseph specializes in representing US and Canadian buyers navigating pre-construction acquisitions, developer contracts, and property investments along Guanacaste’s Gold Coast.
Why Buy Pre-Construction with Joseph K. of Nosara Realty Group
- Developer Due Diligence: Independent checks on developer track records, previous phase completion quality, financial backing, and site infrastructure.
- Deposit & Escrow Protection: Guidance on structuring purchase agreements with SUGEF-registered escrow accounts rather than direct developer wire releases whenever possible.
- Permit & Concession Verification: Confirming SETENA environmental clearances, municipal water letters (CFIA/AYA), and maritime concession validity before any non-refundable deposit.
- Resale vs. New-Build Analysis: Objective evaluation comparing turnkey resale homes with pre-construction pricing to determine true capital appreciation and rental yield potential.
- Rental Yield & HOA Projections: Reviewing realistic HOA maintenance fees, property management split costs, and historical occupancy rates for coastal vacation rentals.
- Unbiased Buyer Representation: Representing YOUR interests exclusively as a buyer’s agent, ensuring full market transparency across competing developments.
Explore More of Costa Rica
Planning your move or investment in Costa Rica? Access our related buyer guides and directory resources:
- Relocation Guide: How to Relocate to Costa Rica (2026/2027 Pillar Guide)
- Market Trends: Costa Rica Real Estate Forecast (2025–2028)
- Na Umi Condos at Pacifico (#1): Na Umi Condos Pacifico Buyer Overview
- Costa Rica Navigator: Discover local Guanacaste business listings and relocation insights at Costa Rica Navigator.
- Costa Rica Expat Map: Interactive neighborhood maps for expat communities at Costa Rica Expat Map.
Frequently Asked Questions: Guanacaste Pre-Construction
Can foreigners legally buy pre-construction property in Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreign citizens enjoy the same constitutional property rights as Costa Rican nationals for fee-simple titled land. You can purchase titled pre-construction condos or villas in your personal name or via a Costa Rican corporation (S.A. or S.R.L.). See can Americans buy a villa in Costa Rica and rent it out and our foreign buyer’s legal and property guide.
How are pre-construction deposit payments handled in Guanacaste?
Standard pre-construction purchases require a 10% to 20% deposit upon contract signing. Remaining installments are tied to construction milestones (e.g., foundation, framing, roofing) with final balance due upon delivery and title transfer. Reputable developments utilize SUGEF-regulated escrow accounts. Not sure yours is protected? Get a free Costa Rica legal check.
What permits must a developer have before selling pre-construction?
Developers should hold SETENA (Secretaría Técnica Nacional Ambiental) environmental approval, municipal building permits from the local canton (e.g., Santa Cruz, Carrillo, Liberia), and certified water availability letters from AyA or the local ASADA. Buying a lot instead? See how much land costs in Costa Rica in 2027.
What is the difference between pre-construction and resale property in Guanacaste?
Pre-construction allows buyers to secure locked introductory pricing and select custom finishes, with built-in equity potential upon completion. Resale homes provide immediate rental income and immediate occupancy without construction timeline delays. Still choosing a town? Compare Playa Lagarto vs Tamarindo, read the best places to live in Costa Rica, or see Nosara new builds like Nosara Hill Villas and Nanku Village.
What expected rental returns do Guanacaste coastal developments achieve?
Prime coastal vacation rental properties in Tamarindo, Las Catalinas, Nosara, and Playas del Coco typically generate net annual rental yields of 5% to 9%, depending on professional property management fees, HOA dues, and personal owner usage. See our guides to renting out a Costa Rica villa and property taxes and HOA fees.
Are prices listed in US Dollars (USD)?
Yes. Nearly all international real estate transactions in Guanacaste are priced, contracted, and closed in US Dollars (USD).
Free, takes minutes
Costa Rica Rules Are Different. Know Yours.
Titles, concessions and corporations work differently here than in the US or Canada.
Costa Rica Legal Check (Free) →See what your purchase needs, in minutes.Disclaimer: Development pricing, available inventory, home counts, specifications, and estimated completion dates are based on official developer disclosures, master plans, and public listing sources as of October 2026 and are subject to change without notice. Information provided is for educational and marketing purposes and does not constitute formal financial, legal, or tax advice. Buyers are strongly advised to retain qualified legal counsel in Costa Rica to verify all property titles, permits, and contract terms prior to executing purchase agreements.
Schedule a Pre-Construction Consultation with Joseph K.
Ready to discuss Guanacaste pre-construction opportunities, escrow security, or upcoming master-planned launches? Submit your inquiry below to connect directly with Joseph K.
