New Construction Surge in Jaco Beach
What’s Fueling the Real Estate Boom in Jaco Beach?
Walk through Jaco Beach today and you’ll see construction crews at work, and billboards offering everything from homes in gated communities to luxury new construction condos. Since the boom in 2008 new developments have been transforming this once-sleepy surf town into a booming real estate hub.
Three key trends are driving the construction wave in Jaco:
- High Demand: Increased interest from Canadian and European buyers have made Costa Rica more accessible than ever. And on top of the foreign interest we are seeing a rise in Costa Rican buyers investing in the Central Pacific.
- Climate Migration: More buyers are looking to escape extreme weather in the north and relocate to sustainable, tropical destinations.
- Post-Pandemic Remote Work Culture: With the rise of location-independent living, beachfront areas with fast internet and vibrant expat communities are in high demand.
What to Look for in a Wise Buy
But here’s the question savvy buyers are asking: Is Jaco’s new construction surge a smart investment?
The Smart Investment Case
- Turnkey Units: Many developments offer fully equipped, luxury units perfect for vacation rentals or long-term use.
- Modern Infrastructure: New builds come with up-to-code electrical, plumbing, and fiber internet—ideal for investors or remote workers.
- Rental Yield Potential: High-season rentals can potentially yield strong returns, especially with professional property management.
What Garabito’s Local Government Is Doing
Rapid growth can outpace infrastructure or saturate the market temporarily, especially with short-term rentals. In many coastal towns across Costa Rica—like Jacó in the Garabito canton—the explosion of short‑term vacation rentals has brought undeniable economic vitality but also serious strains on infrastructure and local communities.
A national snapshot reveals the scale of the shift: the vacation rental industry in Costa Rica is estimated at around $800 million per year, with 35,950 listings across the country by August 2024. Jacó alone averages 2,900 listings monthly—an increase of 13% over the previous year.
While challenges persist, the Municipalidad de Garabito has several initiatives underway to keep pace with growth and support the quality of life for residents and visitors alike:
- Infrastructure Projects: The municipality is actively expanding public works. At one point, six different infrastructure fronts were in progress simultaneously, signaling a hands-on response to growing demands.
- Strategic Planning: In its 2021 Informe de Labores, Garabito reinforced key strategic pillars—including public infrastructure, economic development, environmental management, local governance technology, and security—as core priorities to guide sustainable development.
- Transparent Governance: The 2024–2028 municipal government plan (by Partido Pueblo Garabito) emphasizes transparency, participatory governance, and transforming municipal services through inclusive infrastructure and planning improvements.
Looking to Invest in New Construction in Costa Rica?
Jaco’s construction boom isn’t just hype—it reflects real demand and long-term growth potential. But smart investing means asking the right questions, working with a trusted local team, and focusing on value, not just aesthetics. If you’re considering a new construction investment in Jaco Beach, prioritize:
- Location Proximity: Walkability to beach, shops, and amenities = higher rental potential.
- Developer Reputation: Ask for delivery timelines, prior projects, and escrow protections.
- HOA Fees & Rules: Understand what’s included and allowed (rental policy, maintenance, etc.).
REMAX Jaco Beach offers experience and insight for international buyers. We’ll help you evaluate projects, negotiate wisely, and invest with confidence. For more questions or to get started, contact one of our REMAX agents and learn more about your future real estate investment opportunity.
