Panama Real Estate FAQ

Yes, on the same terms as Panamanian citizens for titled property. There is no permit requirement and no restriction on repatriating a sale. The exception is land within 10 km of a national border. Note that not all Panamanian land is titled — some is held under rights of possession, which is weaker; every listing here states its ownership type.

Budget 2–5% in closing costs covering legal fees, escrow, registry and notary. Panama levies 2% transfer tax plus 3% advance capital gains, normally seller-side but negotiable. Most new construction carries a property-tax exoneration on the improvements; the land portion stays taxable.

Cash purchases typically close in 30–45 days from a signed promesa de compraventa. With financing, allow 60–90 days — bank approval is usually the long pole.

Both are common. A Panamanian corporation can simplify succession and resale, and adds annual maintenance cost. Which is better depends on your tax residence rather than on Panama, so take advice where you file.

One month, occasionally two for a furnished apartment, plus the first month on signature. Residential deposits are lodged with MITRADEL, which is the tenant's protection.

Electricity almost always, and it is the big one — air conditioning dominates the bill. Internet is usually the tenant's account. Water is often covered by the HOA, which is normally the owner's cost; confirm that in writing.

Panama regulates stays under 45 days in Panama City, and most buildings additionally set a minimum term in their reglamento — six months is common. We check both before recommending a building for short-term letting.

Listings for sale on Casanova Realty with a rent estimate show a median gross yield of 6.6% (114 listings), on a median asking price of $2,331 per m². Gross is before HOA, tax, insurance, management and vacancy; net typically lands 1.5 to 2 points lower.

Moderately. Prime waterfront in established buildings moves fastest; large penthouses and anything unusual take considerably longer. Ask us for how long comparable units in a building have taken to sell.

Qualifying real-estate investment can support a residency application, but the thresholds and the visa categories themselves change. Confirm the current rules with an immigration lawyer at the point of purchase — not from an article.

Buyers pay us nothing — commission is seller-paid, as is standard in Panama. Sellers and landlords are quoted a rate before anything is signed. Consultations, market reports and viewings are free.

No. We shortlist against the whole directory — currently 274 buildings — and will send you to another agency's listing if it is the right property. That is the point of a building-first platform.

Yes. Video viewings, remote negotiation and, with a power of attorney, closing without you present. Most of our clients are outside Panama for at least part of the process.

Yes — letting, tenant vetting, rent collection, maintenance coordination and reporting.