Country profile
If you want to better understand how to go about buying a property in the country of your choice, take a look at our country profiles. We have summarised the process for you and identified the latest hotspots for overseas investment
| Brazil | Bulgaria |
| Cyprus | France |
| Greece | Italy |
| Panama | South Africa |
| Spain |
Hotspots
Panama City has been nicknamed "Miami of the South" due to its palm lined avenues, multicultural cuisine, waterside skyscrapers, and pulsating nightlife.For golfers there are 5 golf courses in or near the city and beach areas. The most up and coming neighbourhood is Casco Viejo, where the derelict colonial buildings are slowly being renovated.
The City of David is currently experiencing a property boom, as are the areas around Casco Viejo and Balboa.
The archipelago of Bocas del Toro and the highland town of Boquete are also worth keeping an eye on.
[Image: Bocas Del Toro - Courtesy Panama Tourist Board]
Panama lies at the crossroads of the northern and southern American continents and is most famous for the Panama Canal which is often seen as a bridge between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Panama has one of the fastest rising economies in Central America and has long been a popular destination for US tourists, fuelled by the natural attractions of pristine forests and coastlines and a lively modern capital.
Indiginous features include the incredible weather, white beaches, rivers, lakes, mountains, jungle, rain forests. Panama boasts 930 bird species, 1500 islands, 480 rivers, and 40 conservation area all of which makes it a great draw for naturalists.
Panama is the financial hub of Latin America and much of its affluence is to be seen in the capital, Panama City, with its Miami-esque skyline and high rise buildings that tower above Porsche showrooms, diamond stores and swish marinas full of $1m yachts. The government is stable, supported by the US and there is a low crime rate, clean air and an impressive array of architecture.
There are strong levels of foreign demand for property, encouraged by tax incentives and rising tourism. A popular destination for foreign retirees,in part due to the low cost of living, Panama is seen as a lifestyle destination as much as an investment one and an increasing number of resort-based developments and swish waterfront apartment complexes are coming on to the market spreading outward from Panama City. There is a good healthcare system which compares favourably with the most advanced countries in the world and private healthcare is reasonably priced.
The combination of new foreign direct investment in the country, the dollarised economy and tax incentives for investors mean that there are plenty of opportunities to make money.
