The Agency Red Paper

Every year, The Agency’s Red Paper synthesizes the forces shaping global luxury real estate into a single authoritative read. This year’s edition arrives at a particularly interesting moment for Costa Rica — one where the global themes it identifies don’t just apply here, they play out in sharper relief.

Wellness and intentionality are not trends here. They are the baseline.

The 2026 Red Paper identifies the rise of wellness focused homes and intentional living as defining forces at the highest end of the market. For buyers already looking at Costa Rica, this is not a revelation, it’s the premise. The properties that generate the most serious inquiry in markets like Santa Teresa, Nosara, and the Dominical corridor are precisely those that deliver on it structurally: rainforest views you wake up to, ocean views, open air architecture designed around natural light and airflow, proximity to surf, reserve, and silence. Wellness here is not a feature list. It is the built environment.

The currency dynamic is working in buyers’ favor — and they know it.

The Red Paper examines the impact of a fluctuating U.S. dollar on luxury purchasing decisions. For dollar denominated buyers, Costa Rica remains a market where purchasing power stretches in ways that comparable lifestyle destinations — Tuscany, the Algarve, parts of the Caribbean — no longer permit. A world class ocean view estate here represents a fraction of what an equivalent property commands in established Mediterranean markets. That arithmetic is not lost on the buyers we speak with. It is frequently the closing argument.

Younger wealth is arriving with different expectations.

The report highlights how younger generations are reshaping luxury with an emphasis on authenticity, personalization, and social impact. We see this directly. The buyer profile has shifted. It is increasingly entrepreneurial, frequently remote, and often under 45. They are not buying a retirement property. They are buying a primary or secondary base that reflects how they have chosen to work and live — and Costa Rica’s combination of infrastructure, natural environment, political stability, and residency pathways makes it a credible answer to that question.

Sustainability is now an investment criterion, not a marketing note.

The Red Paper positions sustainability as a cornerstone of long term investment at the luxury tier. Costa Rica has held that position for decades — over 98% renewable electricity, an existing network of private reserves, and a national identity built around environmental stewardship. For buyers who view their real estate decisions through a long term lens, that is a structural advantage that does not depreciate.

Strategic optionality is the new wealth preservation.

As noted in the Red Paper, geopolitical uncertainty is driving buyers toward markets that offer stability and a reliable second residence. Costa Rica’s recently adjusted residency investment framework, now accessible at a $150,000 threshold, has expanded the buyer funnel. This forward thinking policy not only attracts investors earlier but strengthens the higher end of the market, particularly in resort areas like Guanacaste. Buyers are no longer just optimizing investments; they are securing a foothold in a stable jurisdiction.

Climate predictability is extending the season.

The Red Paper highlights a shift from seasonal escapes to long term relocation driven by climate and political fatigue. Costa Rica’s predictable weather and stable governance make it an increasingly attractive option for those looking to escape extreme weather and polarization in their home countries. We are seeing clients extend their stays, turning what used to be vacation homes into primary or co primary residences, prioritizing year round livability and community.

The Red Paper maps where global wealth is going. Our role at The Agency Costa Rica is to translate that map into specific ground — the right markets, the right assets, and the right moment to act. The global appetite it describes is real. So is the opportunity here.

Every year, The Agency’s Red Paper synthesizes the forces shaping global luxury real estate into a single authoritative read. This year’s edition arrives at a particularly interesting moment for Costa Rica — one where the global themes it identifies don’t just apply here, they play out in sharper relief.

Wellness and intentionality are not trends here. They are the baseline.

The 2026 Red Paper identifies the rise of wellness focused homes and intentional living as defining forces at the highest end of the market. For buyers already looking at Costa Rica, this is not a revelation, it’s the premise. The properties that generate the most serious inquiry in markets like Santa Teresa, Nosara, and the Dominical corridor are precisely those that deliver on it structurally: rainforest views you wake up to, ocean views, open air architecture designed around natural light and airflow, proximity to surf, reserve, and silence. Wellness here is not a feature list. It is the built environment.

The currency dynamic is working in buyers’ favor — and they know it.

The Red Paper examines the impact of a fluctuating U.S. dollar on luxury purchasing decisions. For dollar denominated buyers, Costa Rica remains a market where purchasing power stretches in ways that comparable lifestyle destinations — Tuscany, the Algarve, parts of the Caribbean — no longer permit. A world class ocean view estate here represents a fraction of what an equivalent property commands in established Mediterranean markets. That arithmetic is not lost on the buyers we speak with. It is frequently the closing argument.

Younger wealth is arriving with different expectations.

The report highlights how younger generations are reshaping luxury with an emphasis on authenticity, personalization, and social impact. We see this directly. The buyer profile has shifted. It is increasingly entrepreneurial, frequently remote, and often under 45. They are not buying a retirement property. They are buying a primary or secondary base that reflects how they have chosen to work and live — and Costa Rica’s combination of infrastructure, natural environment, political stability, and residency pathways makes it a credible answer to that question.

Sustainability is now an investment criterion, not a marketing note.

The Red Paper positions sustainability as a cornerstone of long term investment at the luxury tier. Costa Rica has held that position for decades — over 98% renewable electricity, an existing network of private reserves, and a national identity built around environmental stewardship. For buyers who view their real estate decisions through a long term lens, that is a structural advantage that does not depreciate.

The Red Paper maps where global wealth is going. Our role at The Agency Costa Rica is to translate that map into specific ground — the right markets, the right assets, and the right moment to act. The global appetite it describes is real. So is the opportunity here.