Costa Rican Condos – Many Ticos refuse to live in apartment buildings

Only 28% of houses built since 2005 are vertical constructions. The remaining 72% are horizontal constructions, according to data given by the Costa Rican Chamber of Construction (Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción).

A study made by FUPROVI (Fundación Promotora de Vivienda) found that there are several causes to the fear of living in an apartment building.

Among them were the fear of not getting along with neighbours, the lack of green areas and gardens, the elevated cost of the apartment, and the overall sensation of not owning a property.

Whereas those who live in apartment buildings assured that they are safer and have a great view. Other benefits to apartment buildings that were pointed out where that terrain is substantially saved, natural resources needed are less, and one can live closer to work, according to engineers and developers.

The Program of Urban Reorder of the Great Metropolitan Area (PRUGRAM in Spanish) stated that in 22 years we will need between 400.000 to 600.00 new houses. This is an estimate for only the 31 central cantons, from San Ramón to Paraíso.

If those new houses are to be built in the present tendency to horizontal construction, 4.500 hectares will be used. But if they are built as apartment buildings, only 2.150 hectares will be used, and more green areas will be saved.

“If developers begin to build more apartment buildings, little by little people will begin to buy”, indicated Randall Murillo, Executive Director of the Costa Rican Chamber of Construction.

Our thanks to Jairo Villegas S. and our friends at La Nación – Costa Rica’s largest Spanish circulation newspaper for their permission use this article.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.