Costa Rica Real Estate Property Awards Infrastructure Contract

On Oct. 20th, Hacienda Matapalo, the most sought after gated community on Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast with more than $60 million in pre-construction sales, announced today they have awarded the contract for the infrastructure construction on their property.

"Today's announcement marks a significant milestone in our progress and moves us one step closer to fulfilling our vision of creating and delivering the absolute best residential community in Costa Rica," said Hacienda Matapalo Chief Executive Officer David Matluck.

The agreement – with one of Costa Rica’s largest and most respected builders – calls for the completion of Hacienda Matapalo’s grand entrance and the continuation of the infrastructure which connects the more than a square mile of forest, streams and mountains which are part of the 655 acre master planned, gated community.

Scheduled to recommence in November as the seasonal rains subside, the infrastructure construction phase will include: the entire water treatment facility, water delivery systems, electricity delivery systems, 11 kilometers of road and the lakes that add to the community’s beauty and serenity.

Once the roads and utilities are in place, owners will be able to take formal ownership of their home sites and begin building the home of their dreams.

"The pre-construction success we’ve experienced emphasizes people' desire to live and invest in a place of casual elegance surrounded by picturesque natural beauty," atluck explained. "Being able to offer ownership at pre-construction pricing has kept the project affordable and along with our location has made Hacienda Matapalo the most desired development in Costa Rica."

Hacienda Matapalo Executive Vice President Brian Albury, who has been at the forefront of the many architectural aspects of the project, said the breathtaking residential community boasts "an unrivaled collection of thoughtfully designed single-family homes and condominiums." The homes and condos are available with tropical / rainforest views, mountain views and "some of the most breathtaking ocean views in all of Costa Rica!"

"The comforting sounds of the breaking Pacific Ocean can be heard from even the first ridge of the property and all the way up and throughout the 665 acres," he said, trying to describe the experience. "The calls of exotic birds, decorated frogs and countless other incredible species that live in and around Hacienda Matapalo's 200-plus acres of private preserve and surrounding sanctuaries are also part of the intimate relationship with the natural environment."

Residents at Hacienda Matapalo will enjoy a resort-like lifestyle including a private beach club, equestrian center, community center and clubhouse featuring several winding and flowing infinity edge pools, tennis and basketball courts, multiple picnic and gathering areas and a fabulous playground. The natural wonders of Hacienda Matapalo include abundant waterfalls, bustling streams, lush forests, majestic mountains, tranquil lakes and access to 26 miles of virgin beach that was recently named the second-most eco-friendly beach in the world by CNN Travel and Mother Nature News.

In addition to the extraordinary lifestyle, residents will also benefit from many conveniences including gated security, rental and management services, concierge and maid services and a small retail center to support the community's grocery, restaurant, medical, and other basic necessities and conveniences.

The grand entrance is the doorway to Hacienda Matapalo and it's only fitting that it includes lush landscaping and water features that reflect the feel of the community and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

"Developing in a sustainable and 'Green' minded manner is and has been at the forefront in the design, engineering and planning of Hacienda Matapalo," said Albury. "Environmentally sensitive designs have been a consideration from the beginning and continue to improve as our team works closely with our architect, engineers and biologists."

Albury explained that the condos and homes have been designed to "blend with nature" and the use of native materials will "enhance the Hacienda Matapalo experience." The architecture is reflective of a Polynesian style and is designed by the renowned architect, Miguel Wong.

The community's close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica's prized sanctuaries, is just another reason why buyers have chosen Hacienda Matapalo. Owners will also enjoy some of the world's best fishing, surfing, diving and zip-lining. The recent completion of the new Pacific Coast Highway and the Autopistas del Sol Pacific Highway have made the drive from the International Airport in San Jose to Hacienda Matapalo a short and pleasant commute.

Additionally, the new full service Marina Pez Vela is now open and already home to an impressive fleet of vessels. And the new 80,000 square foot state-of-the-art Hospital de Osa is open, conveniently located just a short drive down the coast from Hacienda Matapalo.

With Hacienda Matapalo reaching its pre-construction sales goal in record time – which is quite a statement in today's real estate and finance environment – they will soon be releasing an updated pricing schedule that will coincide with the resumption of the infrastructure construction.

Pegasus Star Limitada, the Costa Rican developer with American partners, has systematically and strategically built a team of professionals from amongst the most elite the country has to offer. No doubt, Hacienda Matapalo will be a Costa Rican landmark known throughout the country and the world.

To learn more about Hacienda Matapalo, visit their Web site at http://www.haciendamatapalo.com.

Investment Confidence Sparks Renewed Interest in Costa Rica Property; Chinchilla interviewed by CNN

Following the recent announcements that indicated consumer confidence in Costa Rica as an investment option has strengthened, Hacienda Matapalo, the most sought after property on Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast, has seen a dramatic increase in inquiries.

Last month, when Moody’s Investors Service announced that Costa Rica’s credit rating had been upgraded from speculative to stable, Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla said the country would take advantage of the investment-grade credit rating to sell bonds, citing economic growth as companies make investments in the country.

However, Hacienda Matapalo Executive Vice President Brian Albury said that news of the upgrade has had a near immediate impact on Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast, as investors who had previously been skeptical about buying into the market are no longer hesitating to make the commitment.

“We’ve seen an unusual jump in the number of investment inquiries about our property,” said Albury. “And that has resulted in additional sales.” But the big surprise is, according to Albury, that in addition to the traditional inquiries about buying for the purpose of owning a primary home, secondary home, or home after retirement, a lot of people are asking about availabilities from an investment perspective.

“We’ve always had people wanting to invest,” he said, “but lately it seems that the vast majority of those interested in buying a home or a condo want to go the non-traditional route, meaning they want to purchase the property as an investment in their future.”

Hacienda Matapalo, which is still in its pre-construction phase, has surpassed more than $60 million in sales and had previously been selected by the popular Web site Top Ten Real Estate Deals as one of the best real estate deals on the market.

“While we’d like to take all the credit for this newfound excitement, we can’t,” said Albury. “But part of the allure to invest with us in addition to our property’s configuration and unique architectural designs and our amenities, is how Costa Rica compares to its neighbors.”

On Wednesday, October 13, Albury will present a no-holds-barred look at Costa Rica, comparing it to neighbors Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico and other locations in order to see if it is really the best place for purchasing and investing in real estate.

The Web-based seminar, which is free and open to the public, will examine various locations throughout Latin America on a variety of topics ranging from political and financial structures to the quality of life and the people who live there.

Albury said the goal of the eSeminar will be to correct the misconceptions about the region and to provide people with information on the various countries that is both accurate and unbiased. “People need the correct information so they can make intelligent decisions that are in their own best interests,” he explained.

The free eSeminar is scheduled for a 6 p.m. Eastern Time start and may be registered for here.

To learn more about Costa Rica and Hacienda Matapalo, visit haciendamatapalo.com

Meanwhile, Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla recently spoke with CNN's Rick Sanchez about the democratic and economic challenges facing her country. You can view the video here.