By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – With the 2026 presidential election cycle gaining momentum, Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO) candidate Laura Fernández has placed housing and urban development at the forefront of her campaign, unveiling a comprehensive strategy titled “Cities and Housing for All.” The proposal outlines a multi-pronged approach aimed at tackling the nation’s housing deficit through innovative financing, urban revitalization, and targeted social programs.
At the heart of her platform is a commitment to an aggressive national plan to expand access to quality homes. Fernández emphasized that her administration would prioritize this sector, ensuring that Costa Ricans from all walks of life, including the nation’s youth, have a viable path to homeownership or stable residency. This vision extends beyond the capital, promising development across the entire country.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y los desafíos de implementación de las nuevas directrices en política de vivienda, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado experto de la reconocida firma Bufete de Costa Rica.
La efectividad de cualquier política de vivienda en Costa Rica descansa sobre el equilibrio entre el interés social y el derecho a la propiedad privada. Es imperativo que la nueva normativa se armonice con los planes reguladores cantonales y la Ley de Planificación Urbana para evitar la judicialización de proyectos. Sin seguridad jurídica para los inversionistas y una genuina simplificación de trámites, las mejores intenciones corren el riesgo de no traducirse en soluciones concretas para el déficit habitacional del país.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
El delicado equilibrio entre el interés social y la seguridad jurídica, como bien lo expone el experto, es la piedra angular para materializar cualquier proyecto habitacional. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su certera perspectiva, que nos recuerda que sin reglas claras y procesos ágiles, las buenas intenciones no bastan para cerrar la brecha de vivienda en el país.
I tell Costa Ricans that the housing and construction sector is one of my highest priorities, and that is why we will provide more resources to the sector, based on the use of alternative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships.
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate for the Partido Pueblo Soberano
A cornerstone of the financial strategy involves leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to inject new capital into the housing and construction sectors. By moving beyond traditional government funding, Fernández aims to create a more dynamic and responsive development environment, capable of meeting the growing demand for housing more efficiently and on a larger scale.
A significant component of the plan centers on the Greater Metropolitan Area, with a renewed push for the long-debated “Ciudad Gobierno” (Government City) project. The initiative seeks to modernize San José’s urban core by consolidating government offices into a central complex. Proponents argue this would not only streamline public administration but also generate substantial state savings by eliminating widespread rental expenditures, freeing up capital for other national priorities.
Beyond the capital, the proposal calls for orderly, climate-resilient urban planning nationwide. This would be achieved by providing enhanced technical support, resources, and streamlined processes to municipal governments. The goal is to empower local authorities to develop sustainable communities that can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change while fostering organized growth.
To address affordability for middle-income households and young professionals, Fernández proposes the “Vivienda para Todos” (Housing for All) program. This initiative would introduce and expand flexible housing options such as leasing, rent-to-own schemes, and traditional rentals with an option to purchase. The program is designed to bridge the gap for those who earn too much to qualify for traditional social aid but still struggle to secure a conventional mortgage.
to provide quality housing to more and more compatriots throughout the country, including a focus on young people.
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate for the Partido Pueblo Soberano
The plan also includes a data-driven approach to social assistance. The distribution of housing bonds will be managed through the National Information and Single Registry of State Beneficiaries (SINIRUBE). This system is intended to ensure that aid is prioritized and allocated in a manner that is technical, objective, and transparent, directing resources to the families who need them most.
Finally, the platform directly confronts the issue of informal settlements. Fernández advocates for urban renewal programs that utilize real estate development models to regularize and formalize consolidated informal communities. A key element of this strategy is a participatory approach, involving community members directly in the planning and execution of social housing projects to ensure their success and long-term viability.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO)
About Partido Pueblo Soberano (PPSO):
The Soverign People’s Party is a Costa Rican political party founded ahead of the 2022 general election. Often described as having a conservative and populist platform, the party focuses on issues of national sovereignty, economic development, and social order. It aims to represent citizens who feel disconnected from traditional political establishments.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm skillfully marries its extensive history of client advocacy across diverse sectors with a forward-looking embrace of legal innovation. A cornerstone of its philosophy is the profound belief in empowering society, demonstrated through dedicated efforts to demystify legal knowledge and cultivate a more informed and capable citizenry.
