More affordable housing options for expat retirees

With housing prices rising in Costa Rica more and more expats are seeking inexpensive options.

In my last article I wrote about small portable homes like those for sale in the United States. I mentioned that there is now a company in the city of Alajuela that will manufacture these homes to one’s specifications. So, all you need is a space on which to park your home and you are all set.

Another option are homes made out of shipping containers which are also more affordable than traditional houses. According to one expert, “Smaller, more basic container homes can range between $10,000 to $35,000. Large homes built with multiple shipping containers and amenities can range in price from $100,000 to $175,000. In fact, shipping container homes, in some cases, can cost half as much per square foot than traditional home.”

Many expats have already purchased converted cargo containers as an inexpensive housing option. One company located in the city of San Ramón has converted 175 containers into homes, restaurants and even hotels.

Basically, there are two size containers from which to choose; one is around 160 square feet in size while the larger one is 322 square feet. Containers may be joined or stacked to increase the size of the structure. Since some of these homes are not considered permanent structures, special permits that homes must have are not required.

There are two companies in Costa Rica which sell and refurbish containers:

Container Homes https://containerhomes.net/ and Tiny homes http://costaricatinyhomes.com/buyers-packet/