2025 Costa Rica Luxury Home Sales Outlook: The Top 10 “Must-Haves” For Luxury Home Buyers

If you were to ask any number of people on the street to describe a luxury home, most likely you would hear them elaborate about an over the top mansion, much like the ones that grace the covers of Architectural Digest magazine or that are featured in the Instagram feeds of their favorite influencers. However, for discerning luxury home buyers in 2025, the descriptions of the everyday “person on the streets” are no longer indicative of what these luxury buyers seek. Today, luxury real estate isn’t being defined solely by enormous price tags, over the top glamor, or huge square footage numbers. In fact, there are a number of unique determining factors that are enticing many luxury home buyers and, ultimately, bringing them to the closing table. From our seasoned view as insiders here at PLD Atenas Realty, the latest high-end real estate trends are very clear to us, particularly with regard to the Costa Rican luxury real estate market. In order to get a clearer picture of the latest and hottest trends we are witnessing, let’s take a look at Costa Rica’s top 10 “must-haves” in the luxury home market for 2025.

Contemporary, move-in ready homes.

Topping our list of the top 10, we see that luxury home buyers are looking for newer homes with clean, contemporary lines. Although open concept floor plans are still somewhat popular, we are seeing the growing trend where discerning buyers are looking for well defined, highly functional private spaces. Furthermore, suffice it to say that newer luxury class homes must be in move-in ready condition in order to meet most discerning buyers’ expectations. These well-heeled buyers want to turn the key, drop off their bags, leave their cares behind, and jump right in to their new life here. Their goal is to enjoy all that Costa Rica has to offer from day one.

Upwards of eighty percent of our clients in Atenas are in the 55 plus age demographic. The vast majority of our clientele have owned big, traditional homes in the past, and many have had first hand experience of numerous home projects and renovations over the years. Now, they’re ready to kick back and enjoy a more leisurely, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle in paradise!

Sustainable homes.

The desire for sustainability and environmental concerns are topics that are foremost in our clients’ minds. In fact, solar energy systems, the use of sustainable materials, and other eco-conscious features such as xeriscaping top the list of what luxury home buyers are looking for in their next luxury property purchase. Environmentally friendly products such as solar panels and reclaimed wood are on trend and essential in creating a more eco-friendly home. Also, plantings of native and drought-tolerant vegetation add to the desire for a more cohesive and natural looking landscape, one that is harmonious with the natural beauty of our tropical environs.

As part of its overall national philosophy, Costa Rica has long embraced an eco-friendly approach to life and her people have been climate conscious for many years. While the country has not yet achieved one hundred percent of its ecological goals, products such as solar energy systems and sustainable building materials have become commonplace throughout the nation, and are readily available in our area of the Central Valley.

More bang for the buck.

Savvy luxury home buyers often have money for a reason…they see to it that their hard-earned money gets them more bang for the buck. To help maintain a high standard of living without breaking the bank, luxury home buyers are looking toward destinations that provide an overall lower cost of living, including lower housing prices and lower taxes. This approach helps add to their financial bottom line, all while offering an enticing way of life.

Over the years, our clients from the coastal United States, Canada, and Europe often report that housing prices, the cost of living, and property taxes are significantly lower in Atenas than what they’re used to paying back in their native countries. Often, they save 20%-30% of their annual expenditures by living in our little slice of paradise.

Smart home technology.

Voice-activated virtual assistants, smart appliances, automated technology, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems make for a luxurious, integrated living experience. All of these amenities create a sense of ease and effortlessness in day-to-day living, leaving more time to enjoy the things in life that really matter.

Since 2020, Atenas has seen an uptick in the construction of custom-built homes. Such properties are making smart home technology systems like Control4 a standard amenity, and are expected to be offered by savvy luxury buyers who are aware of the latest advancements in technology.

Blurred lines between indoor and outdoor living.

Luxury home buyers want to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Walls of sliding glass doors that provide a seamless transition between indoor living spaces and outdoor patios are definitely in fashion. Alfresco entertaining is key with outdoor kitchens and dining areas, and lap pools with beautiful vistas appearing in the most sought after real estate properties.

These features aren’t new to our local market, as they are ideal elements for living in the verdant green hills of Atenas, Costa Rica and have been long sought after by buyers. With average daytime temperatures in the mid 80s and nighttime lows in the lower 60s, Atenas offers an optimum climate for an indoor/outdoor lifestyle combination.

Wellness features.

In addition to relaxing and enjoying the good things in life, luxury home buyers are prioritizing their health and well-being. Features like home gyms, yoga studios, meditation rooms, and luxurious spa-like bathrooms are all the rage in 2025. Biophilic design, with its emphasis on elements such as natural lighting, interior gardens, and water features, is a key buying point. In addition, natural materials like wood, bamboo, and stone all work together in harmony, creating an environment which helps to promote a sense of peace and calm.

These elements blend flawlessly with living in the Costa Rican countryside. Warm days, cool nights, fresh, healthy food, and the abundance of natural beauty that surrounds Atenas all create a sense of peace and serenity, leading to unimaginable mental and physical health benefits for its residents.

Emphasis on quality of life.

Access to green zones, nature, abundant natural lighting, fresh air, and community features are all hot luxury real estate trends this year. Atenas boasts a wellspring of natural beauty, making it easy to become “one with nature”. In addition, there is a wide array of recreational activities to choose from such as golf, pickle ball, tennis, and surfing, not to mention fine dining and luxurious spa treatments that are all within, or in close proximity to, our city.

Quality over quantity.

Luxury home buyers are shying away from large, mega mansions and are opting instead for unique, high-quality, mid-sized homes ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 square feet. The use of high-end materials and quality craftsmanship are key elements that attract the discerning luxury home buyer. Atenas offers a wide array of top quality luxury homes for sale, built with locally sourced materials and unrivaled local craftsmanship.

Marble, quartz, exotic woods, unique designs, and customized personal spaces are what motivate today’s buyer, rather than owning huge spaces just for the sake of size. As many luxury real estate buyers have found, when it comes to the ideal home, bigger isn’t always better.

Privacy and security.

Privacy and security are key synergistic elements and are very important to top notch buyers. In fact, the lack of these two features can break a deal in this selective segment of the real estate market. Privacy and security go beyond high walls and AI-driven security systems. Of course, those elements are important, but the desire to surround yourself with like-minded neighbors that share similar values is a key contributing factor when making a luxury home purchase.

Due to its rural setting, Atenas boasts some small boutique communities that are very unique. For example, Pica Flora, a Balinese design-inspired gated community, is one such example of a community that has created a sense of continuity among its like-minded residents. This, coupled with a diverse, international community, and you’re guaranteed to find the “vibe of your tribe” in one of the beautiful homes of Atenas.

Views and location.

Last, but certainly not least, in a country like Costa Rica where natural beauty abounds, great views are typically an essential requirement for the luxury home buyer. From mountain vistas to sweeping ocean coastlines, jungle canopies to gently flowing mountain streams, a view and setting that creates a sense of peace and tranquility instantly soothes their soul and transports the buyer to another world. Location is a top priority for this select set of clientele. Being close enough to important amenities and services, but not elbow-to-elbow with your neighbors, or stuck fighting traffic makes for a carefree, luxurious lifestyle.

As we’ve shared here, Atenas offers all of this, and so much more. Ideally located a short 30 minute drive from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, 45 minutes from the capital of San José, and 45 minutes from the Pacific coast, it’s no wonder that Atenas is a growing hot spot for luxury home buyers from around the globe.

Are you ready to find your luxury home in Atenas today?

Since 2007, Gerardo and I have selectively curated only the BEST properties that Atenas has to offer. That’s our job. Your job is to sit back, relax and start living the “pura vida” in Atenas, Costa Rica!

Explore more about residency and life in Costa Rica

Ready to take the next step?

Explore our luxury property listings to find your dream home in the world’s best climate and start living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.