Panama Real Estate Market Trends 2026: Where Prices Are Rising and Why

Overview of the Panama Real Estate Market

In Panama, the real estate market is significant because of its convenient costs and the permanent residency opportunities it opens. When it comes to the Panama real estate forecast, 2026 looks promising even in its first weeks. 

Let's analyze what projects are trendier right now and what investors can expect when choosing the country of the canal.

Key Trends for 2025

Innovation and Sustainability in Real Estate

While in the past the trend used to be focused on exuberant amenities and elite services, now a new type of awareness is rising. Interest is shifting towards functionality and cost effectiveness.

When a crisis strikes and when recession hits, having a gym, a swimming pool, and a playground for kids seems more useful than having a helipad, a private elevator, or a DNA-based pet waste system. 

Parallelly, people are increasingly understanding the importance of lowering carbon emissions and counteracting the effects of global warming. This gives place to innovative ideas in various areas, and shapes the demand in real estate.

Emerging Zones and Development Opportunities

One of the projects we offer makes us proud precisely for the above-mentioned reasons. Projects are focusing on sustainability, and some make this their essence. 

There is a building located in the historic neighborhood of the Panamanian capital, Casco Viejo. Nested between colonial, restored buildings and a charming atmosphere, the property stands out for its author design, its personality, and its energy efficiency, being certified by EDGE. 

Key Trends for 2026

Consolidation of Market Segments

A country with as many edges naturally has specific real estate niches. This is something that every investor should know, especially if their approach is through a residency visa and they don't know the country quite well yet.

Shifts in Property Preferences: Coastal, Mixed-Use, and Pre-Construction

Coastal property 

Panama is located in an isthmus, the narrowest point in the Americas, where the Atlantic and the Pacific are only one hour away from each other. The coastal offers are endless on both sides, near and far away from the capital. 

One of the most popular tourist locations is Bocas del Toro, an archipelago close to the border with Costa Rica.

Coastal property can be found in all the country from the capital City to Bocas del Toro, and in suburban areas like Playa Bonita or Coronado, as the city itself doesn't have access to the beach. 

This type of property works for any buyer, both residents and investors, as coastal environments are usually attractive to tourists and excellent lifestyle sites. 

Mixed-use property

Close proximity to the beach creates excellent recreational environments. One of the projects you can find with Mundo is right by the beach and still a 50-minute car ride from the city.

Its characteristics make it an ideal in-between point where you can live by the ocean, have the beach a few feet away from your apartment, and raise your kids in a quiet suburb. Still, during the weekends, you can make it to the cinema, to Multi Plaza for luxury shopping, and 5-star restaurants in Calle Uruguay.

Some of the characteristics of our coastal project:

• Location by the beach in Playa Gorgona
• 49 miles from the City
• One- and two-bedroom units
• Two towers (28 and 21 levels)
• 4 main elevators, 4 cargo elevators, 1 service elevator
• 24/7 security
• Two social areas 
• Ocan views
• 70-square-meter apartments
• (1 bedroom)
• 128-square-meter apartment (2 bedrooms)
• 132-square-metre apartments (2 bedrooms)
• Sun deck
• Restaurant
• Gym
• Sauna
• Playground
• Jacuzzi

Preconstruction apartment

Buying preconstruction units is ideal for investors because they enter at cheaper stages, and hence obtain higher returns in the long term. If you're not in a hurry, entering before the 1st brick is placed will get you not only lower prices but also more convenient payment plans.

More information about the projetcs

Market Insights and Price Trends

Average Housing Prices and Variations by Neighborhood

Mundo is very close to one of the most reputable and long-standing developers who, since 1978, have been bringing value to the city through several projects. They have developed over 160 complexes and more than 9 hotels, closely working with industry giants when it comes to construction, design, and glasswork. 

Comparison of New vs. Existing Properties

Impact of Renovation Costs and Additional Fees

The above-mentioned developments are delivered turnkey and fully furnished, hence the investor doesn't have to worry about renovation costs. A viable strategy could be to buy houses or apartments to renovate them, in which case renovation costs must be factored in. 

From Mundo’s perspective, such a strategy is convenient only if it is the base approach. Otherwise, the time spent and expenses can become overwhelming. 

Contact our experts

Investment Opportunities in Panama

Strategic Neighborhoods for Investment

City center: Calle Uruguay

In the heart of the Central American capital lies Calle Uruguay. It is close to everything: Via España (a key thoroughfare), Cinta Costera (the coastal walk by the Bay), Via Veneto (an iconic casino street), and Calle 50 (the banking district).

Besides, it is an epicenter for trendy restaurants and pubs and boasts an active nightlife. 

Beach: Playa Bonita

Those who haven’t visited the country of the canal yet should know that there aren’t beaches in the city: you will find them only one hour away, and then all along the coast till Costa Rica. Playa Bonita is one of those places where you can have the beach by your side and maintain activities in the city (work, meetings, entertainment, etc.).

Costa del Este: neighborhood

Costa del Este is a residential neighborhood. While not in the city center, it has everything a family needs for daily life: schools, parks, cinemas, malls, stores, and offices. 

You will be far from iconic places like Casco Viejo, Cinta Costera, Albrook, Amador Causeway, and Multiplaza. Nevertheless, it is connected by a fast thoroughfare (Corredor Sur) that takes you by beautiful coastal and urban sights to downtown Panama in 10 minutes. 

An interesting fact is that it's also close to the Tocumen International airport (also through Corredor Sur, but in the opposite direction). 

Next, there is a graphic showing a comparison of the pros and cons between Costa del Este and the city center. 

Punta Pacifica

Punta Pacifica is regarded as one of the top living areas in Panama City. This is mainly a residential zone with state-of-the-art buildings, coastal views, a marina, and some of the most advanced clinics. 

Although there isn’t much commercial activity, Punta Pacifica is close to Multiplaza, and a little further, you will find Multicentro. 

Amador

Amador is one of the most unique living places. There aren’t large stores, advanced parks, large supermarkets, or a beach. What you will find here is the entrance to the Canal, thus, one of the most iconic vistas in the world. 

The project we offer here is scheduled to start construction soon (at the time of writing) and will provide vistas to the vessels waiting to enter the canal or starting their journey to the other ocean. Besides, it’s close to the pier where ferries to Contadora and Taboga depart. 

Understanding ROI and Cap Rate Possibilities 

We are not an investment firm, so we don’t provide advice on ROI or rate. This is to be studied by the investor together with an expert, and it should be clear that every investment poses a risk. 

With that said, we can mention a way in which these apartments can bring you returns: rental activity. 

Currently, the trend is obtaining a short-term rental license since the inception of the development, which assures the investor that the unit can be used for such a purpose 100% legally. 

Most developers are partnered with rental management firms, so the owner doesn't have to worry about booking, handling keys, maintenance, and housekeeping of the property.

Economic and Political Factors Influencing the Market

Economic Growth and Stability

Experts are saying that Panama is starting a new stage in its real estate market sector, and that this stage will be as strong as the previous one. The country is allocating approximately 30 billion dollars in infrastructure projects, which points to an important growth curve in the mid and long terms. 

Infrastructure Developments and Tourism Growth

We have read in reliable sources that the isthmus welcomed 2.78 million people in 2024, surpassing the previous year by 10%, and last year the trend was stable. Interestingly, tourism is not the country’s strongest industry. Even though it receives millions of tourists each year, it is more consolidated as a financial hub and as a business and trading center thanks to the Canal.

Disclaimer: The information written in this article is for general purposes and may be inaccurate or outdated at the time of reading. This article doesn’t constitute financial or investment advice. Before making any type of investment, consult with certified professionals. 

Real Estate for the foreign Buyer: Panama residency 

Finally, it is worth mentioning one of the main perks: immediate residency. Some of the visa permits are either based on property purchase or add it as one of the requirements. Please refer to the graphic below to know the programs that offer real estate as an eligibility pathway. 

Conclusion: Navigating the Panama Real Estate Landscape

Schedule Your Appointment

We are connected to the most reliable developers and can offer you the property that suits you best. Whether you need it ready to rent, in construction, or in pre-construction, Panama has something for you. 

Mundo specializes in real estate, financial services, and investment migration across different jurisdictions, especially the country of the canal. Many of our team members are based here, so they know the essence of the country, the legislation, the conditions, and the experts who can help you achieve your goals. 

Contact the Mundo team