By Barry Strudwich

You’ve heard the buzz about Costa Rica at cocktail parties or on the golf course. Who hasn’t had a friend rave recently about the friendly people and incredible natural beauty of the “Switzerland of Central America”? When you combine this much positive enthusiasm with the cresting wave of retiring baby boomers, the classic signs of a great investment opportunity are right before us. Remember Florida in the 50’s and 60’s ? It’s like Costa Rica today and it’s not too late !

There’s absolutely no question Costa Rica is red hot …right now . But the little known secret is actual investing is lagging behind the popularity of tourism. Why? Because few people understand how easy it is to invest in international real estate venture. Even fewer realize its possible to do this inside your IRA account !

Forget about the bullwhip, you don’t have to be Indiana Jones anymore to participate in the coming the Costa Rican land boom! Investing can be almost as easy as purchasing a mutual fund or a stock. Here’s why: When you purchase a condo or even a beach front lot, the title for the real estate is usually registered in the name of a private company which actually owns the real estate. By purchasing 100% of the private company shares, you acquire the real estate while avoiding paying real estate transfer taxes twice.

But where can you find the cash ? You might not have to look any further than your IRA account ! When real estate sales are structured as stock transactions, a second very interesting opportunity emerges….. You can purchase the shares inside your IRA account with pre-tax dollars ! This also means, when the time comes to cash out at a profit, you can sell tax free as well !

Even better, several of the higher quality developments have taken the initiative to get “pre-approved” by specialty IRA custodians. Among these is the 350 acre Del Pacifico project on Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific Coast.

Current IRA approved investment opportunities include 24 new ocean view condominiums units at “pre-construction” prices as well as some spectacular “ocean view” single family lots. The condos will be 2,300 square feet with dual master suites and a third bedroom and are priced at $350,000. William Ramirez of Del Pacifico sees strong rental income potential as well as long term appreciation. Currently comparable condos at the nearby Marriott Los Suenos resort command rental rates of $350 daily, not to mention a resale price of over $650,000. Do the math!

If you want to mix business with pleasure (with a low initial investment as well ), a second alternative is “fractional ownership” of a luxury ocean view condo. The best way to do this is to invest in the “preferred stock” of a company which owns and operates several condos units with your stock dividend paid out as either cash or converted into 2 weeks of fun in the sun ! Preferred stock shares in the Villas Del Pacifico luxury condos are currently $25,000 and it’s your choice each year to generate income or enjoy the sun and surf! (Costa Rica Real Estate)

If you simply want to invest in the Costa Rican land boom without the hassles of home or condo ownership , an innovative concept you might want to explore is a “land banking” partnership to acquire beachfront acreage and large farms in the path of current development. Designed as an “entry investment” with a low initial participation of $25,000, Costa Rican land banking partnership will invest approximately 70% in Costa Rica and will also have positions in the emerging markets of Nicaragua, Panama and Belize. (Del Pacifico)

It’s not too late ! The Costa Rican real estate boom is just starting. Depending on your preference, you can choose between owning “bricks and mortar” in a top quality real estate projects such as Del Pacifico or simply owning an interest in a Costa Rican land banking partnership. Even better, you might also be able to put your pre-tax IRA dollars to work riding this mounting wave. The combination of the mounting buzz about Costa Rica, and the ease and flexibility of investing makes for a very compelling investment, especially when your alternative is just another mutual fund being flogged by a stock broker.

Intrigued? And want to find out more? As a special offer to readers of this article. Mention you saw it in “The New Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica” and you can receive a free copy of our latest report on Central American investing “The Costa Rica Report” by sending an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Barry Strudwick is an investment advisor and real estate developer serving an international client base from his offices in Maryland and Costa Rica. For more information contact him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (410) 727-6444.