Costa Rica isn’t called the gem of Central America for no reason – the country is home to some of the most astonishing areas of natural beauty in the world, and with more than a quarter of the country listed as protected land it’s sure to keep its looks. Potential off plan investors looking at Central American countries should certainly stop off in Costa Rica – the potential for bargains is not as high as that in neighbouring countries, but the neighbours can’t offer a history of stability, economic strength and people as authentically friendly as Costa Rica can. The extra is worth paying, for those that can afford it.

San Jose is a booming metropolitan city, with a property market to match. Prices vary hugely, and moderately sized condos can be picked up for around the £45,000 ($90,000) mark, whereas larger luxury abodes can climb into the millions of pounds and dollars. Other popular regions in the country are both of the coasts – the Caribbean and the Pacific. Again, prices range from the affordable-if-unspectacular all the way up to the quite-a-lot-of-money-but-stunning beachfront properties. Wherever a property or plot of land is purchased in the country though, it’s certain to be surrounded by beauty.

With a stable, growing economy and a government putting the impetus on foreign investment, there haven’t been many better times to get into the property market in Costa Rica. Aside from the natural beauty and friendly people, the relaxed way of life and the high standard of living, there are serious financial reasons to get a foot in the door – property prices are on the rise, and with increased tourism to the region there is a growing buy-to-let market, meaning any property acquired in the region could be very profitable indeed. And did we mention it’s beautiful?