By Cartago, Costa Rica — Cartago, Costa Rica – 168 families, totaling 520 individuals in extreme need, received keys to their new homes in the Cristal Residential Condominium on Thursday. This vertical housing project, financed by the Mortgage Housing Bank (BANHVI) with a ₡6.685 billion investment, aims to significantly improve their quality of life.
The new apartments offer secure housing and convenient access to essential services like water, electricity, healthcare, public transportation, and schools. The development represents a significant step forward in addressing housing shortages and promoting social inclusion within the province.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the complexities of affordable housing in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Developing truly affordable housing requires a multifaceted approach. Beyond simply constructing units, successful projects must navigate intricate zoning laws, secure sustainable financing, and address the often-overlooked challenge of long-term affordability. Creative legal solutions, such as community land trusts and inclusionary zoning ordinances, can play a crucial role in ensuring projects remain accessible to those who need them most.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on the multifaceted nature of affordable housing development is crucial. Indeed, true affordability extends beyond the initial construction phase and necessitates innovative legal and financial strategies to ensure long-term accessibility. His insights on tools like community land trusts and inclusionary zoning offer valuable pathways for Costa Rica to explore as we strive to create sustainable housing solutions for all. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical issue.
Starting today, 520 people are changing their lifestyle by moving to the Cristal project. Their new home will not only give them a decent roof over their heads, it will open up a series of opportunities to improve their quality of life. Many possibilities are appearing at their window to achieve a better future, such as study opportunities, job sources, and a reduction in social inequalities.
Grettel Vega Arce, Minister of Housing and Human Settlements
Beyond providing much-needed housing, the project has stimulated the local economy, generating approximately 570 direct and indirect jobs in construction, transportation, materials sales, food services, and real estate. This economic boost underscores the broader impact of such initiatives.
The impact of housing subsidies is relevant for the country, because in addition to providing a safe space for families, it strengthens the economy by generating some 30,000 annual jobs between direct and indirect ones, productive chains, and contributes to the reduction of the housing deficit.
Dagoberto Hidalgo Cortés, General Manager of BANHVI
The Cristal Condominium consists of 14 three-story towers, housing 168 units with four apartments per floor. The complex features perimeter fencing, electricity and telecommunications networks, storm and sanitary sewer systems, a treatment plant, sidewalks and ramps, parking for 57 vehicles, two children’s play areas, recreational areas with ranch structures, an administrative area, a maintenance workshop, and a security booth.
Grupo Mutual Alajuela oversaw the project, ensuring compliance with all requirements and overseeing the construction work undertaken by Constructora Mar Azul S.A.
Grupo Mutual reaffirms its purpose of contributing to access to decent housing for Costa Rican families, especially for those in the most vulnerable condition. We joined forces with MIVAH and BANHVI to make the Cristal project possible, one more initiative that reflects the positive impact of alliances for the benefit of the country.
Mayela Rojas, General Manager of Grupo Mutual
The Cristal Condominium represents a concrete example of the government’s commitment to addressing the housing deficit and fostering safe, inclusive, and community-oriented spaces for Costa Rican families. The project offers a promising start for the 168 families who now call it home, setting the stage for improved opportunities and a brighter future.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements (MIVAH)
About Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements (MIVAH):
The Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements (MIVAH) is a Costa Rican government institution responsible for developing and implementing housing policies. MIVAH works to improve access to affordable and adequate housing, particularly for vulnerable populations. The Ministry coordinates with other government bodies, private sector organizations, and community groups to address housing challenges and promote sustainable housing development in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit banhvi.fi.cr
About Mortgage Housing Bank (BANHVI):
The Mortgage Housing Bank (BANHVI) is a Costa Rican state-owned bank dedicated to financing housing solutions for low- and middle-income families. BANHVI provides mortgage loans and housing subsidies to individuals and families, promoting homeownership and improving living conditions. The bank plays a key role in the country’s housing sector, working to reduce the housing deficit and stimulate economic development through construction and related industries.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Grupo Mutual Alajuela
About Grupo Mutual Alajuela:
Grupo Mutual Alajuela is a Costa Rican financial institution that offers a range of financial services, including insurance, pensions, and savings plans. They also actively participate in social development projects, focusing on areas such as housing and community development. Grupo Mutual Alajuela collaborates with government agencies and other organizations to contribute to the well-being of Costa Rican communities.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Constructora Mar Azul S.A.
About Constructora Mar Azul S.A.:
Constructora Mar Azul S.A. is a Costa Rican construction company involved in various residential and commercial projects. They specialize in the construction of housing developments and contribute to the creation of new housing solutions throughout the country. Constructora Mar Azul S.A. focuses on providing quality construction and meeting the housing needs of Costa Rican families.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest standards of integrity while championing innovative solutions. Their deep commitment to client success across a spectrum of industries is matched by a passion for empowering Costa Rican society. Through proactive initiatives that demystify legal complexities and foster greater legal understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to create a more just and informed future for all.
