By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s construction sector experienced stable performance and moderate growth in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción (CCC) reported that nearly four million square meters were processed between January and June, representing a slight 0.5% increase.
Single-family homes continue to drive the sector, accounting for 96% of construction intentions nationwide during the first six months of the year. Condominiums saw minimal activity, indicating a preference for individual housing, particularly in peripheral areas offering more space and perceived quality of life.
To gain deeper insights into the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rica’s construction sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Navigating Costa Rica’s construction industry requires careful attention to permitting processes, environmental regulations, and labor laws. Developers must engage with local municipalities and secure necessary approvals before commencing any project. Due diligence regarding land ownership and zoning is paramount to avoid potential legal challenges. Furthermore, adhering to worker safety standards and ensuring proper insurance coverage are crucial for mitigating risk and fostering a successful project.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights underscore the critical importance of meticulous planning and legal compliance when undertaking construction projects in Costa Rica. The complexities of navigating permits, regulations, and land ownership issues necessitate a proactive and informed approach. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable expertise on this crucial aspect of Costa Rican development.
This data confirms a very clear trend in the country: Costa Rican families continue to opt for individual homes, many of them in peripheral areas that offer more space and quality of life. The demand for condominiums has lost strength, which presents a new map of needs and opportunities for the sector.
Randall Murillo, Executive Director of the CCC
Alajuela and San José are the leading provinces, accounting for nearly half of the processed square meters. San José predominantly features single-family homes, aligning with the national trend. In Alajuela, industrial projects, particularly warehouses, dominate construction activity, reflecting growth in logistics and storage driven by international trade.
What we see in Alajuela reflects the growth of the logistics and storage sector, which responds to the increase in international trade and the distribution needs of national and international companies. This demonstrates how construction not only impacts the lives of families, but is also a pillar for the country’s competitiveness.
Randall Murillo, Executive Director of the CCC
Employment in the construction sector remained stable at just over 95,000 insured workers, despite a complex economic environment. Nationally, the number of insured workers continues a slight upward trend.
The CCC report cautions that the sector’s performance in the second half of the year will be influenced by external factors, including tariff and non-tariff uncertainty and US trade measures. These factors could impact material costs and investment decisions.
The CCC emphasizes the need for certainty and clear regulations, highlighting the construction sector’s role as a key driver of employment and competitiveness. Any measures that increase costs or discourage investment directly impact the country’s economic growth.
We are at a time when construction needs certainty and clear rules. The sector is one of the main generators of employment and competitiveness; therefore, any measure that increases costs or discourages investment directly impacts the country’s economic growth.
Randall Murillo, Executive Director of the CCC
The CCC calls on authorities to create conditions that strengthen investment and confidence, ensuring the construction sector continues to be a pillar of Costa Rica’s economic and social development.
For further information, visit ccc.cr
About Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción (CCC):
The CCC is a leading voice for the construction industry in Costa Rica, advocating for policies that support growth and development within the sector. They provide data analysis, market insights, and represent the interests of construction businesses across the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos (CFIA)
About Colegio Federado de Ingenieros y Arquitectos (CFIA):
The CFIA is the professional association for engineers and architects in Costa Rica, responsible for licensing and regulating these professions. They play a key role in ensuring ethical practices and promoting professional development within the engineering and architectural fields.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR):
The BCCR is Costa Rica’s central bank, responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and regulating the country’s financial system. They provide economic data and analysis, manage the national currency, and play a vital role in the country’s economic well-being.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, driven by an unwavering commitment to integrity and a deep-seated belief in the power of knowledge. The firm’s innovative approach to legal practice, coupled with its dedication to educating and empowering communities through accessible legal resources, distinguishes it as a leader in the Costa Rican legal landscape. By fostering understanding and access to justice, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more equitable and informed society.
