PANAMA REAL ESTATE 

The world is becoming increasingly aware of the business opportunities in Panama and investments are rising as the potential is appreciated. Panama has always stood apart from Central and South America, with its dollar based economy and stable political situation, sustained by its Canal, Free Trade Zone, and international banking. Many Fortune 500 companies are based here. Panama bucks the trend of the flat to negative GDP growth that its neighbors continue to battle. All these factors together with the initiative in the tourism sector are encouraging all types of investment in Panama.

In 2003 for the first time tourism topped the Canal and the Free Trade Zone as the country's top revenue earner; this year Panama anticipates its millionth tourist. The number of cruise ships is increasing. The growth in tourism leads to increasing investor interest in this sector and there are incredible opportunities for tourist related services and accommodations, encouraged by government incentives in a number of designated areas, called "Special Tourism Zones".

However, there are other factors that are stimulating real estate investment in Panama. During the past several years Panama has been consistently rated in the top ten for the best retirement locations worldwide. A welcoming community, safe environment, low crime statistics, excellent incentives for retirees, together with the natural beauty and ethnic diversity that is Panama, all appeal to the increasing number of baby boomers from North America and Europe who are looking for a different option for retirement. Many baby boomers are more traveled and less charmed with their lifestyle at home than earlier generations. Panama fits the requirements of many. Retirement in Panama is definitely fuelling increased interest in Panama Real Estate.

The dream of owning a second home, retiring, or making an investment in a tropical paradise can become a reality in Panama . Whatever your preference there is a something for everyone.

If you combine what we just said with the advantage that foreign source income is not taxable in Panama , many are concluding that Panama offers a terrific package.

Located on the Pacific Ocean but only an hour drive from the Caribbean coast, Panama City is a cosmopolitan modern metropolis; the skyline surprises with high rise buildings overlooking the Bay of Panama. A whole range of apartments and condominiums are available for purchase to suit all budgets, most with ocean views, that make excellent investments for rental or potential appreciation, particularly along the Avenida Balboa to Costa del Este, through Punta Paitilla, Punta Pacifica and Coco del Mar. US style shopping malls include 2 new malls featuring entertainment facilities, hotel and a convention center. Single family homes and condominiums are also available in attractive suburbs.

The Panamanian government incentives for the restoration of the historic Casco Viejo district encourage investment here. This area being reminiscent of New Orleans or SoHo years ago abounds with shells of graceful buildings that are crying out for renovation. Already restaurants, ateliers, and apartments are tucked into the graceful squares between the museums, National Theatre and the Presidential Palace: even the dungeons beside the “French” Plaza house a restaurant and jazz club. An investment here will enable you to live in history and the buildings can only appreciate in the years to come.

There are still opportunities to purchase large properties on the former US military bases, set among wide avenues, green lawns and coconut palms. Many have been converted into small hotels, apartments and palatial homes. The locations are a stone's throw from a rain forest but well-positioned close to the national airport and intercity bus terminal.

Suburban areas are increasing in popularity, particularly due to the new bridge over the Canal, Centennial Bridge (Puente Centenario), that opens up the areas of Arraijan, Chorrera and the shores of Lake Gatun for development.

Outside Panama City, excellent properties are available for developers and individuals alike. The more remote the location the more reasonable the cost but be aware that you may be far from utilities or roads.

An hour or so along the Interamerican Highway , there are Pacific beaches where small beach communities abound and above them higher mountain locations combine cooler temperatures with ocean views. Retreats in mountain sites like El Valle and Altos de Santa Maria are very popular with expatriates while the up-market resorts of Punta Barco, Vistamar, Buenaventura and Coronado with its elegant beach properties and golf course appeal both to expatriates and Panama City weekenders. Foreign investors are also buying properties and homes in other beach developments such as Gorgona, San Carlos, Corona, Santa Clara and San Jose. Be sure to see what is currently available in Coronado and other beach areas on our website, or contact our Panama office.

The real estate in Bocas del Toro offers beautiful Caribbean beach property. Here the islands are surrounded by palm-fringed golden sands and turquoise waters where the rain forest meets the ocean. Here families shop by boat, enjoy water sports, and the natural beauty of this wonderful location is still affordable. Whether you are looking for a small lot or a small hotel we can help you find it. Several planned residential resorts like Red Frog Beach Club are being developed. Most buyers are Americans, Canadians and Europeans. View our current listings of the real estate in Bocas del Toro, but keep in mind that we keep many unlisted properties, so it's always recommended to contact our office.

In the cool Chiriqui highlands, the jewel in the crown is Boquete , voted one of the top four retirement destinations in the Western Hemisphere by well known international magazines. Due partly to its beauty and temperate climate, buying real estate in Boquete is the choice for many foreign retirees and there is a growing community of expatriates. However, at the same time, it remains a special local community of some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. The cost of living is very reasonable here as there is no need for heating or air conditioning and the local vegetables and fruit not only taste great but are incredibly cheap. Your choice can be a lot in a modern development or a more remote “finca” or coffee farm. Imagine sitting beside a crystal clear stream, enjoying glorious views toward the green hillsides and cloud forests dominated by the extinct volcano, Volcan Baru, and drinking one of the best cups of coffee you have ever tasted. That is the taste of Boquete! An investment here has tangible residual benefits!

The Pacific Coast of Chiriqui offers secluded beaches of black or white sand including island property. Developments are beginning at Barqueta, Boca Chica and Puerto Armuelles.

During the last 2 years, many 2nd home investors and retirees have purchased in the beautiful beaches of the provinces of Chiriqui, Veraguas and Los Santos. The best known areas are Boca Chica, Lajas and Barqueta in Chiriqui; Torio, Cebaco Island, Bahia Honda and Santa Catalina in Veraguas; and Pedasi and Cambutal in Los Santos. Most properties that we have in these areas are unlisted properties, so it's always recommended to contact our Panama City office.

Last, but not least, are the islands – the Pearl Islands – now famous because of the Survivor reality show, the Veraguas Islands including the paradisiacal Coiba Island, which has been declared a National Marine Park, and the Parida Islands, off the Pacific coast of Chiriqui they all offer incredible opportunities for purchasing land to develop hotel & residential resorts, marinas & golf clubs in island dream locations, and now available for purchase by foreign investors under the new Law 2 of 2006 (Look for Summary in this Website). We repeat that most properties that we have in these areas are unlisted properties, so it's always recommended to contact our Panama City office.

With all these dreams just ready to turn into reality, we would be remiss if we did not include a few words of caution to help you hold on to your dream. The acquisition of real estate abroad requires careful and professional advice. Panama does not have a multiple listing service for realtors and in many areas unlicensed and unqualified individuals will approach you to try and sell you property at a location, or they possibly thru the internet. If you use a licensed realtor you have some protection if your purchase is found to be untitled or in contentious ownership. For example, some family owned properties cannot be sold unless all parties agree. A reputable, licensed realtor like Inter Panama Real Estate Agency researches the property before it is offered for sale. It is always wise to ask to see a copy of the real estate license. The realtor must be able to give you the “finca” number of the property (every property has one regardless of type or size).

"Inter Panama" lawyers will protect your interests and carry out due diligence on the property and review your contract of purchase. It is important to ensure the property is titled with a registered plan. Your lawyers can confirm that your survey matches the registered boundaries even within a development. When purchasing in a development, you should check that the master plan has been approved and utilities and roads are guaranteed. Be aware that there is land offered for sale in Panama that is held by right of possession only! We strongly recommend reading our article about legal aspects of purchasing property in Panama.

When purchasing an existing building (or having a home built) your lawyer should check that the building and occupancy permits have been granted. Without title to your land, plus all permits, and the appropriate registration of construction, you will be unable to obtain approval for a 20 year tax exemption on your property.

The Public Registry in Panama is an institution that offers security for the investor and guarantees transparency in the transfer of “real property”. Any liens, mortgages, attachments, etc., are recorded against a property. A certificate can be obtained by your lawyer from the Registry to show the status of the property. Needless to say, all properties should be verified in the Public Registry and your purchase and change of ownership must also be registered. In the Republic of Panama, foreigners have the same rights as Panamanians when purchasing and holding property.

Title insurance is available in Panama only through CONASE, a prestigious local insurance company, fully supported and reinsured by "Land America Lawyers Title Insurance" (LTIC). The aforementioned is a US fortune 500 company, that has a 125-year history of insuring the validity and authenticity of land titles in the United States. For more information about title insurance, please contact info@interpanama.com

At Inter Panama Real Estate Agency, we have licensed real estate agents, lawyers insurance experts, and other professionals to assist you with all your real estate needs.

We can help you with:

• Locating properties in  Panama City , Beaches, Islands, or Mountains
• Forming a company to own your property
• Legal services to purchase the property
• Applying for your residence program
• Title insurance
• Home owners insurance
• Bank mortgage financing
• Other

If you are a developer or promoter, the "Inter Panama" team of agents, lawyers, and experts, will provide you with a variety of services from the pre-purchase of the property to all phases of development including structuring, subdivision, financing, contractual, design, environmental, construction, permitting, pre-sale and sale. We will be glad to provide you access to our “List of Recommended Professionals” containing first class architects, environmental consultants, builders and others.

We will be delighted to assist you, represent you, or advise you. As Panama is the bridge of the Americas, let Inter Panama Real Estate Agency be the bridge between you and Panama's rich potential. We are here to help you find a beautiful home or successfully launch your project here in Panama.