Why you should consider an HOA in Costa Rica

After observing  construction projects with less-than-ideal planning over the course of many years in neighboring towns, we initiated a project to address tropical building challenges here at Guanavista. Our motivation stems from the rich environment—animals, landscapes, climate, sunsets, culture, and the ocean—that brought us here, often forgotten during construction. Instead of blaming, we advocate leading by example and educating on sustainable building. Guanavista is a utopia for like-minded individuals, sharing insights with delight. 

Genuine Commitment to Sustainability

The term “Eco,” “Sustainable,” or “Green ” is usually just a marketing tactic which stops at making buyers feel consciously good about their investment. At Guanavista, the journey began with questions about how to avoid issues seen in neighboring towns, such as septic, loss of animal canopy, and infrastructure problems causing ocean pollution, flooding and harm to wildlife. .

Surprisingly, an effective solution was establishing a genuine Homeowners Association (HOA), not an agriculture subdivision, but a condo-permitted community, which by law is the only way to enforce it here in Costa Rica. It has nothing to do with building a specific condominium; it’s simply a type of permit required to enforce the same rules and regulations that exist inside one. An HOA ensures mindful building, preventing a “Wild West” scenario where every inch of soil is built upon.

The Essential Role of an HOA in Protecting Natural Habitats

The homeowners’ association is dedicated to doing things correctly inside of the project. One of the ways this is implemented is via a construction committee. This dedicated team rigorously reviews and approves every project within the community, ensuring the seamless integration of proper materials, procedures, and aesthetics into each home. Upholding the highest standards for things like:  gray water, septic systems, and landscaping. The committee acknowledges the potential impact on the natural biodiversity of the land as well as everyone living within the community. Our approach is not about control, it’s about fostering an environment where every element thrives.

HOA enhances investment value by strategically:

  • Positioning building plots to prevent interference
  • Overseeing home aesthetics
  • Implementing pet laws
  • Enforcing lighting and noise regulations
  • Compliance with National Park Laws that protect Sea Turtles
  • Shared community amenities, such as:
    • 4 kilometers of nature trails
    • Clubhouse
    • Restaurants
    • Co-workspaces
    • Retail village

All these elements contribute to an enriched and harmonious living experience here at Guanavista.

Upholding Standards for a Sustainable Future

Among our other HOA bylaws are clauses that emphasize the creation of natural buffers. We thoughtfully design these buffers to provide privacy for each home while also granting animals the freedom to move to and from the beach without disturbance high up in the treetops.

Our concept is simple: let’s coexist with the nature that surrounds us. We work side by side with biologists; helping to ensure we can make this a reality. In upcoming blogs, we will go into detail about our extensive reforestation strategy; the concept behind it, as well as the landscape design, which can also be done sustainably better. 

An HOA is important for many reasons and even more important in these parts of Northern Guanacaste. . While it may not be for everyone, we are certain that it’s the right call for Guanavista. Let’s  continue enjoying the very things that have brought us to the area for many years to come. We cannot avoid growth in the area, but with proper planning, we can ensure it is done correctly.

Contact us to learn more about the specifics of our HOA and its bylaws.

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