I knew this in 2006 when I started my adventure to Panama and I was told by people familiar with Costa Rica and Nicaragua that Panama was the place to go and it would over take Costa Rica in the future.
Written by Jaime Lopez in the Costa Rica Star
As the cost of living in Costa Rica continues its steady and relentless climb, the real estate market is responding in sync. In 2012, the Inter-American Development Bank labeled San Jose as the city with the most expensive real estate in Latin America, and luxury housing construction in Guanacaste shows no signs of slowing down. As a result, Panama real estate is beginning to attract many North American and European expats who are being financially squeezed out in Costa Rica.
Since the early days of the 21st century, jaded and disillusioned expats have been looking for the seemingly elusive “next Costa Rica.” To this effect, Nicaragua is often mentioned as being an incredibly cheap alternative for those who don’t mind political instability and uncertainty when it comes to holding legal title to property. Over the last few years, Panama has solidly emerged as the clear contender for the “next Costa Rica” title, particularly with regard to real estate.
Panama has a long history of welcoming foreigners looking for an inexpensive and tranquil retirement. For citizens of Group One nations (mostly European and North American countries), getting a tourist or retiree visa in Panama is a cinch. Retirees also enjoy certain tax breaks on income, properties and vehicles. International Living, a respected magazine that reports on matters pertaining to retiring abroad, puts Panama at the top of their 2014 list of retirement destinations for the following reasons:
- Modern, well-kept infrastructure and impressive urban architecture.
- The U.S. dollar as the local currency.
- A sophisticated financial industry.
- Gorgeous islands, beaches, forests, and even a (small) mountainous region.
- Exciting Las Vegas-style casinos.
- Upscale shopping options.
- Warm, friendly people.
- Affordable health care options.
- A lot more.
When comparing the cost of living between Panama and Costa Rica, it can be safely said that virtually all consumer goods -including food – are less expensive in Panama. Taxation tends to be more gentle in Panama. The costs of utilities and private health care are similar, but entertainment options are definitely more affordable in Panama.
The housing markets of Costa Rica and Panama are somewhat similar in the sense that foreigners will certainly need a real estate professional to assist them. The market is a bit more organized in Panama, but it is still all over the place in terms of pricing. This, however, creates great buying opportunities.
Great Deals, But Not for Long
Great deals can still be found in Panama, however, prospective buyers should keep in mind that this is a market on the move that could catch up to Costa Rica in a couple of years. Let us show you how to maximize your dollar in Panama whether it be in the City, the Beaches or the Mountains here in Boquete.
I agree with the list of reasons to move here except the “well kept infrastructure” part. That is total BS in PC , maybe improving but still a long way to go.
Regarding security of title to property, Panama has long been thought to have some of the most stringent laws and protections in place. Yet there is currently a scandal in the environs of David, involving the stealing of titles through forged documents duly accepted by the Registro Publico. . How can forged documents be accepted in the Registro Publico? That is under investigation, but it seems likely that there is an accomplice in the Registro, one who helped a prominent David lawyer and others to falsify corporate documents changing title into their hands, and they then duped banks into lending money on those properties.
This scam has been reported in La Prensa, for those interested in the details.
The point is that the alleged safety of Panama’s property laws is an illusion.