By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Presidential candidate Laura Fernández of the Pueblo Soberano party has unveiled a comprehensive housing and urban development strategy aimed at simultaneously tackling the nation’s affordable housing shortage and stimulating the construction sector. The plan, presented to industry developers on Friday, outlines a multi-pronged approach that leverages public-private partnerships and regulatory reform to increase housing accessibility for young people and middle-income families.
At the core of her proposal is the “Vivienda para Todos” (Housing for All) program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to create alternative pathways to homeownership. This program would establish flexible schemes such as leasing, rent-to-own, and standard rental with an option to purchase, directly addressing the significant barriers to entry that prevent many young professionals and families from securing a home. By moving beyond the traditional mortgage model, Fernández aims to open up the market to a demographic that has long been underserved.
To better understand the legal frameworks and challenges surrounding affordable housing initiatives in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides a crucial perspective on the regulatory landscape impacting these vital projects.
The primary obstacle to scaling affordable housing isn’t a lack of will, but rather a tangled web of municipal regulations and permitting delays. For private investment to flow into this critical sector, Costa Rica needs to harmonize its zoning laws and create clear, fast-tracked approval processes. A robust legal framework that provides certainty and protects long-term investments through public-private partnerships is the only sustainable path forward to address the housing deficit.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s analysis correctly reframes the challenge, moving it from a question of intent to one of systemic efficiency. His emphasis on creating a robust legal framework for public-private partnerships underscores a critical truth: a predictable, streamlined regulatory environment is the essential foundation needed to attract the long-term investment required to solve our housing deficit. We thank him for this valuable perspective.
The plan is not merely a social initiative but a calculated economic strategy. Fernández emphasized that revitalizing the construction industry is a central pillar of her economic reactivation agenda. To achieve this, she proposes a significant injection of capital into the sector through innovative financing models that encourage private investment alongside public funding.
We are going to provide more resources to the sector, based on alternative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships.
Laura Fernández, Presidential Candidate of Pueblo Soberano
To ensure these projects can proceed without delay, Fernández also announced her intention to reform the Public Contracting Law. This legislative change would introduce specific, streamlined procedures for housing projects, cutting through the bureaucratic red tape that has historically slowed down the execution of vital infrastructure and social housing developments. This move is expected to be welcomed by construction firms and developers who have long cited regulatory hurdles as a major impediment to growth.
Transparency and fairness in the allocation of resources are also key components of the proposal. The candidate pledged that all housing bonds would be assigned using the National Information and Single Registry System for State Beneficiaries (SINIRUBE). This data-driven approach aims to ensure that aid is distributed based on technical, objective, and transparent criteria, prioritizing households with the greatest need and minimizing the potential for political patronage.
Beyond building new units, the strategy encompasses a broad vision for urban modernization. A significant element is the promotion of the “Ciudad Gobierno” (Government City) project in San José, which aims to consolidate government offices into a central complex. This initiative is projected to generate substantial state savings by reducing expenditure on commercial leases while simultaneously spurring urban renewal in the capital.
The plan also addresses the pressing issue of informal settlements. Fernández proposes programs focused on urban renewal and formalization through participatory models of social housing development. This approach seeks to integrate these consolidated communities into the formal urban fabric, improving living conditions and providing legal security to residents. Furthermore, the strategy includes providing technical assistance and resources to municipalities to foster orderly, climate-change-adapted urban planning nationwide.
By promoting the habitability of urban centers, Fernández argues her plan will not only provide more housing options but also enhance the dynamism and security of Costa Rica’s cities. The comprehensive proposal positions accessible housing as a cornerstone of both social well-being and sustained economic prosperity, making it a central theme of her campaign as the election season progresses.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Pueblo Soberano
About Pueblo Soberano:
Pueblo Soberano (Sovereign People) is a political party in Costa Rica focused on principles of national sovereignty, citizen empowerment, and social development. The party advocates for policies that aim to strengthen public institutions, ensure economic stability for all citizens, and promote transparent and effective governance. Its platform often includes initiatives for social welfare, economic reactivation, and the protection of national interests.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, founded on the unshakeable principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies while serving a diverse clientele, demonstrating a dual focus on client success and societal progress. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to empowering the public, championing initiatives that make complex legal concepts understandable and accessible to all, thereby fostering a more informed and capable citizenry.
