Costa Rica HOA Pros and Cons

To live with a HOA, or not to live with a HOA, that is the question… The truth is, living with a Home Owners Association in Costa Rica is all about personal preference. Below are some pros and cons of HOAs to help you make a decision when purchasing property in Costa Rica.

Hillside condo community in Costa Rica

HOA Pros

Landscape Maintenance

If you hate maintaining a yard or garden, you will definitely need to purchase a condo. The HOA will make sure the lawn is mown, flowers are planted, pests are controlled, and the trash is picked up. As well as any other landscaping duties. If you end up purchasing a property and are not planning on staying in Costa Rica full time, it is convenient to have your landscape taken care of. This way, you do not come home to an overgrown jungle!

Exterior Home Maintenance

Particularly in a condo complex, the HOA will repair the roof, the exterior walls, replace external lights and take care of the exterior paint on the building. This is a major weight off the homeowners shoulders. The only maintenance the owner has to worry about is the interior of their home.

Amenities

Many HOA developments here in Costa Rica include swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, playgrounds, beach clubs, and gyms in their communities. The best part is that you won’t have to maintain any of it! Paying HOA fees covers the costs of all these amenities. This is perfect for those looking to have recreation and social options right within their community.

community road in Costa Rica maintained by the HOA

Conflict Resolution

Do you dread conflict and confrontation? Then a HOA is perfect for you! If you have an issue with a neighbor, you simply let your HOA know and they will mitigate and handle the situation. There is no need for you to directly contact your neighbor about any unsavory topics.

Security

Most gated and guarded communities in Costa Rica have a HOA. This adds a lot of security and value to your property. The HOA is in charge of the security service, the fencing around the community, and maintenance of the entrance.

HOA Cons

Fees

Nothing is for free…oftentimes the HOA fees are not cheap! The more amenities and perks that are offered, the steeper the price you end up paying. HOA fees in the Playa Hermosa and Playa del Coco area range from $100 to $1400 A MONTH! These fees can be a large part of the monthly cost of owning a condo in Costa Rica.  Be sure to find out what the fees cover before making any decisions.

Exterior Regulations

Say goodbye to your dreams of a pink home… HOA’s often have very meticulous guidelines in regards to homes’ exteriors. Some HOA’s even have regulations on what style of roof tiles you can use or what building methods you employ. When choosing to build a home in a community with a HOA you must be very mindful of the regulations they have in place.

Rules

Not only are there regulations for the exterior of your home but also plenty of other various rules and restrictions. Such as the number of pets allowed, what can be placed on the balcony, or where you can hang your laundry. You also may not be allowed to wash your car in the driveway or have too many guests over. If you don’t like to abide by rules a HOA may not be for you…

Hi rise condos in Costa Rica covered by HOA fees

Cookie Cutter

Since there are many rules and regulations about the exterior of your property, a HOA can cause a development to look monotonous or “cookie cutter”. The buildings will all have a uniform look and style. There is not much room for uniqueness and individuality. This usually the case for a condominium project.

Management

Who’s in charge? A HOA can be efficient and professional or a disorganized disaster. If the HOA is mismanaging money or the community, many problems can arise. It is important to stay on top of your HOA or become an active member to make sure it is being governed properly.

 

All in all, depending on your needs an HOA can be good or bad. Weighing all your options and deciding what route will work best for you is the key to a happy purchase. If you have any questions or need any assistance please reach out and I will be happy to help!

More helpful resources:

Adventurous Day Trips

Costa Rica is the land of beautiful beaches… but it has so much more to offer! Why sit at the beach all day when you can go on an adventurous day trip? These magical spots are only an hour or two away from Playa del Coco!

Day Trip to Cortez Waterfall

Just 1 hour away from Playa del Coco is the Llanos de Cortez waterfall. This truly magnificent waterfall is located in Bagaces. Affordable and very wellLannos de Cortez Waterfall in Costa Rica maintained, this is an ideal spot to bring the family. There are restrooms and showers. The walk down to the falls is manageable for most visitors in decent physical shape. When you arrive at the base of the falls, you will be enchanted. A sunny sandy beach hugs the shore of the falls where you can take a refreshing swim. You can even swim beneath the waterfall! Interested in other waterfalls? Check out my previous blog about Costa Rica waterfalls.

Day trip to the Mud Baths

Do you love being slathered in mud? Well I have some great news about another day trip! Both the Rincon de la Vieja and Miravalles volcanoes are surrounded by bubbling mud pits. These hot bubbling mud pits are rich in minerals and have plenty of therapeutic as well as rejuvenating properties. There are numerous locations, all within a two hour or less drive from Coco, that offer this muddy spa experience. A few great options are Hacienda Guachipelin,  Borinquen Mountain Resort, or Las Hornillas.

Las Hornillas mud baths in Costa Rica

Day Trip to Rincón De La Vieja

After being coated with mud and feeling 20 years younger, you can go for a hike at Rincón de la Vieja. Rincón de la Vieja is a national park located only an hour Rincon de la Vieja Waterfall in Costa Ricaand 20 minutes away from Playa del Coco. This national park is over 31,000 acres and has a plethora of incredible walking trails. Within this park are also many beautiful waterfalls. You will come across endless wildlife and breathtaking landscapes as you hike throughout the park. Rincón de la Vieja is a must see destination and is great for all ages. For more information, check out my previous blog about Rincon de la Vieja.

Day Trip to Palo Verde Boat Tour

Crocs, monkeys, birds, oh my! A Palo Verde Boat day tour will captivate you for hours. Palo Verde National Park surrounds the Tempisque Conservation area. This conservation area is especially important because it is one of the most endangered ecosystems in all of Central America. This boat tour will teach you about all the migratory birds that depend on this area for mating and raising their young. You will see 6ft long crocodiles and playful capuchin monkeys as you gently cruise down the river. A great experience for birders or families!

Crocodile seen on the Palo Verde Boat Tour

Whitewater Rafting Day Trip

Lastly, this one is for the real thrill seekers! An hour away, just outside of Canas, you will find RCR Rafting. This whitewater rafting tour company will take you down the Tenorio River toWhitewater Rafting day trip experience Class III-IV rapids! Whitewater rafting is perfect for those looking for a wild adrenaline rush while still taking in the beauty of Costa Rica! An experienced guide takes you through the rapids and teaches you a few things along the way. For those who are a little less adventurous… RCR also offers a slow moving tour of the Corobici River.

No matter what Costa Rica day trip adventure you choose, it is bound to be a great experience. Costa Rica is definitely so much more than just a beautiful rich coast!

More helpful resources: