Escape. Invest. Share. Your Vacation Home in Atenas.

A Story of Possibility

Dreaming of a place to escape, recharge, and create memories? Maybe your vision is waking up to mountain mist, sipping fresh coffee on a veranda, hearing birds in the morning. A vacation home in Atenas offers that. And more. But you don’t just want a retreat; you want it to pay for itself, at least in part, when you’re away.

We at REMAX Best Climate are your guide. We understand Atenas—its microclimates, neighborhoods, regulations, and who wants to vacation here. We’ll walk with you from that first spark of inspiration to owning, managing, and sometimes renting your property.

Here is your path:

1. Clarifying your vision

Before anything else, define your WHY.

• Is this your personal escape?

• A family gathering place?

• A partial income generator?

• A legacy property to pass along?

Your answers will steer your property criteria: size, location, accessibility, amenities, and flexibility for rental.

2. Choosing property types and features that support both living and renting

When buying in Atenas, you’ll see properties such as:

• Mountain homes with views & acreage

• Modern villas or homes in gated communities

• Lots / land poised for custom builds

• Guest houses / casitas / multi‑unit properties ideal for rental split options

To ensure your vacation home works well when rented, prioritize:

• Flexible layout (main house + guest casita)

• Strong internet / power stability

• Easy access roads (for guests)

• Parking & privacy

• Attractive landscaping and amenities (pool, outdoor living, views)

• Low maintenance finishes and systems

3. Navigating legal, tax and licensing for vacation rentals in Costa Rica

Because you plan to rent, you’ll need to check the legal side early. Here are key points:

• Any short-term rental property must register with Costa Rica’s Tourism Institute (ICT) under the non‑traditional lodging category.

• Short-term rentals (< 30 days) are subject to 13% IVA (value-added tax), while long-term rentals may be exempt.

• New 12.75 % tax on Airbnb/Booking‑type rental income is slated to take effect starting end of 2026.

• Municipal “Operation Permits” or business licenses may be required, especially where municipalities enforce regulation of commercial activity in residential zones.

• Non‑compliance can bring fines or forced closure.

We’ll help connect you with legal partners and local compliance so your rental is legitimate, protected, and profitable.

4. Marketing and advertising your vacation home

Once your property is ready, here’s how to make it shine in the competitive vacation rental market:

A. Leverage multiple booking channels

• List on platforms, such as Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and niche luxury or Costa Rica‑focused sites

• Maintain a direct booking website to reduce commissions and build guest relationships

• Use social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) to showcase property, lifestyle, local attractions

B. Showcase with storytelling & visuals

• Professional photography + drone/video tours

• Highlight unique features, amenities & local experiences

• Use SEO keywords like “Atenas vacation rental,” “mountain view Costa Rica” in your listing titles & descriptions

C. Promotions & dynamic pricing

• Use seasonal discounts, last-minute deals, early bird rates

• Adjust nightly rates depending on demand, holidays, local events

D. Guest experience & reviews

• Provide clear guest guides, check-in instructions, concierge services

• Encourage excellent reviews and prompt responses

• Keep your calendar updated, maintain high standards

E. Use a local property manager or co-host

• They manage cleaning, guest communication, check-in/out

• They ensure compliance with local rules

• They often handle marketing tasks and bookkeeping

5. Sustaining & growing your income

• Reinvest a portion of rental income into upgrades and amenities

• Track your performance: occupancy, average nightly rate, maintenance cost

• Expand your marketing reach (blog, local partnerships, newsletter)

• Use slower periods for personal stays or upgrades

If owning a vacation home in Atenas is part of your dream, let’s make it real. Reach out to REMAX Best Climate. We’ll help you:

• Identify the right property

• Navigate legal compliance

• Set up rental-ready infrastructure

You don’t have to figure it out alone. As your trusted local guide with global reach, we’ll help you live your dream and let your home work for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can foreigners own property in Atenas, Costa Rica?
Yes. Foreigners have the same property ownership rights as Costa Ricans. Always use a local attorney and escrow for safe transactions.

Q2: Do I need a license to rent my vacation home?
Yes. Short-term (non-traditional lodging) rentals must register with the ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Institute). Municipal business or operation permits may also be required.

Q3: What taxes apply on rental income?

• Short-term rentals (<30 days) are subject to 13% IVA.

• Income beyond the tax-exempt threshold (around 3.8 million colones) is taxed at rates between 10–25%. Air BnB and other booking platforms are subject to 12.75% tax beginning in 2026.

Q4: Are there zoning restrictions on short-term rentals?
Possibly. Some municipalities have rules about commercial activities in residential zones. Some laws now allow short-term lodging in residential zones under “non-traditional lodging.” Always check with the local municipality and HOA rules.

Q5: How should I market my vacation home for maximum occupancy?

• Use multiple platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, direct website)

• Invest in professional photos, video, storytelling

• Use social media, local referrals, email campaigns

• Maintain high standards, communication, and guest experience

Q6: Do I have to manage the rental myself?
No. You can hire a property manager or co-host to handle cleaning, guest communication, maintenance, marketing, and compliance. It costs, but often pays off in peace of mind and higher occupancy.