Nicholas Cavalluzzi
Lead agent, local market expert, and investment advisor for Costa Rica's Southern Zone — Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, Platanillo, and Costa Ballena.
Who Nicholas Is
Nicholas Cavalluzzi is a full-time resident of Costa Rica's Southern Zone and the lead real estate agent at Cavu Costa Rica Real Estate. Born and raised in Florida, Nicholas moved to Costa Rica and now raises his own family on the Pacific coast. He works on the ground every day across Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, Platanillo, Hatillo, and the surrounding Costa Ballena corridor — advising US and Canadian buyers on homes, land, and investment property.
His approach is specific: show buyers the actual condition of properties, the real paths to permitting and title, and the honest tradeoffs between locations. Nicholas has walked most of the coastline from Playa Hermosa to Punta Mala and most of the ridges above, and that direct familiarity is what makes his buyer representation sharp. He regularly writes the market analysis on this site — the deep guides on the Maritime Zone, the INVU alineamiento fluvial process, and the Quepos airport upgrade all come from his desk.
He is bilingual in English and Spanish, works alongside a deep local network of attorneys, surveyors, SETENA consultants, and builders, and treats the buyer-advisor role the way it should be treated — representing the buyer's interests, not the seller's.
What Nicholas Works On
From turnkey villas on Escaleras and the Uvita ridgelines to walk-to-beach properties in Dominical and Playa Hermosa.
Buildable lots, larger parcels, water-concession diligence, and feasibility screening for buyers planning to build or subdivide.
Rental-performance underwriting for vacation homes and small boutique assets, plus honest take on what will and will not perform.
Navigating titled property vs. Maritime Zone concessions, INVU setbacks, SETENA permits, and plan regulador designations.
Grounded, no-hype advice on daily life in the Southern Zone — schools, healthcare, internet, residency, and community fit.
Small hotels, cabinas, restaurants, and mixed-use properties across Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal, and Costa Ballena.
Areas Nicholas Serves
Primary coverage spans the full Southern Zone corridor plus adjacent inland markets:
Credentials & Local Standing
- Full-time resident, Costa Rica
- Licensed real estate advisor, Cavu Costa Rica Real Estate
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) client service
- Deep local network across attorneys, surveyors, SETENA consultants, and construction professionals
- Published market analysis covering the Maritime Zone (ZMT), INVU setbacks, Southern Zone pricing, and Quepos airport infrastructure
What Buyers Say
“Working with Nicholas was nothing short of exceptional. As first-time buyers in Costa Rica, we were apprehensive about navigating the complexities of the local market from abroad. From our very first call, Nicholas put us at ease with his extensive knowledge of the Dominical area and his warm, professional demeanor. He took the time to truly understand our needs and went above and beyond to show us options that checked every box.”
“They were knowledgeable, professional, and truly understood the local market. The process was smooth from start to finish, and Nicholas helped me find exactly what I had in mind — dream come true.”
“I have always dreamed of moving from the USA to Costa Rica. After traveling throughout the country, I found Dominical. Nicholas and the Cavu team showed me options in Dominical, Uvita, and Platanillo and found me the perfect home — they made the relocation process seamless.”
Ready to Talk?
Whether you are in the research phase, planning a property tour, or ready to write an offer, Nicholas will give you the straight read on any Southern Zone property — what it actually is, what it will take to own well, and whether it fits your goals.