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The market has never looked better for international real estate investment. The Americas Real Estate Expo, the first of its kind held in Central America, is the perfect venue for potential real estate investors and retirees in seach of the perfect host country.

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Investing In Panama

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. It is estimated that there will be almost 200 cruises with more than 280,000 tourists in the season of 2007-2008. 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 by with their lifestyle at home than earlier generations. Panama fits the requirements of many. Retirement in Panama is definitely fuelling increased interest in real estate in Panama.

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 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 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.

Regarding investment in this area, the Office of the Casco Antiguo presents the following dispositions:

Type of buildings to conserve and restore those:

1. Of great value, because they are less than 1850.
2. That has grand expressions of the architecture of the time.
3. That conserves the important architectural elements.
4. That have little architectural value, but that are of great value, because they reflect the characteristics of the site (environment)
5. After 1940, that have little architectural value or of the site and may be rehabilitated and have rights to the tax incentives.

Preferential mortgage loans for the restoration, destined to:

A.1.Purchase of a building
A.2 to the financing of the total or partial rehabilitation/restoration of a building, or
A.3 the construction of a building, on a barren land.
A.4 the mortgage loans of the current lesees to finance the purchase of the buildings it occupies (article 9).

Real Estate Promoters / Investors

It is deductible of income tax, the expenses for the construction/rehabilitation/conservation/illumination of parks, green areas, churches and public spaces.

Exonerations up to 2007, of payment of income tax, of the utilities arising from: lease/sale/transfer of ownership, commercial and professionals.

Exoneration of property tax, during 30 years, of buildings built, rehabilitated or restored.
Exoneration of importation tax on equipment and materials used in the restoration.
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 in to 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. Check our properties currently available in Panama City or please click here to contact us.

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. 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; 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 appeals both to expatriates and Panama city weekenders. Foreign investors also are buying properties and homes in other beach developments in San Carlos, Corona, Santa Clara and San Jose. Check our properties currently available in the Coronado & the Beaches or please click here to contact us

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 – better yet it 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. Check out our current listings in Bocas real estate here, but keep in mind that we keep many unlisted properties, so it's always recommended to contact our Bocas office .

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.

In the cool Chiriqui highlands, the jewel in the crown is Boquete , voted one of the top four best 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!

Other nearby areas like Volcan, Potrerillos and Caldera are attracting major investor interest. We will be pleased to show you our Volcan, Boquete and Chiriqui real estate properties and others nearby in this beautiful region, including the Chiriqui beaches, but keep in mind that we keep many unlisted properties, so it's always recommended to contact our Chiriqui office.

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 us.

Last, but not least, are the islands – the Pearl Islands – now famous because of the Survivor reality show, the Veraguas Islands including the Coiba paradise, declared National Marine Park, and the Parida Islands, off the Pacific coast of Chiriqui; all offer incredible opportunities for purchasing land to develop hotel & residential resorts, marinas & golf clubs in island dream locations, 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 us.

With all these dreams 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 sell you property, or they may sell 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 BusinessPanama Real Estate 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).

BusinessPanama lawyers will protect your interests and carry out due diligence on the property and check 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 permits and occupancy permits have been granted. Without title to your land, plus all permits, and registration of the mejoras (construction) on improved land, you will be unable to obtain approval for the 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 a prestigious US company part of a Fortune 500 group with a 125-year history of insuring the validity and authenticity of land titles in the United States.

Forbes | RETIREMENT REALTY FIESTA
by Hugh Bromma, The Entrust Group 07.24.07, 4:45 PM ET

We recently found that 30% of our roughly 30,000 clients who invest in real estate through self-directed IRAs were interested in investing in offshore real estate. While that might seem like a surprisingly high percentage, longtime real estate investors have been seeing the proverbial writing on the wall for some time.

Interest in offshore real estate has been slowly growing over the last few years, and real property investment opportunities for the small investor outside of the U.S. have multiplied. Add in a softening domestic real estate market, and you have the necessary ingredients for a nascent boom in real estate south of the border.

Interest in real estate in Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and other central and South American countries has risen over the last several years. The popularity of Central America appears to be related to its proximity to the U.S., a widely held perception that these locations offer good value for the money, and the notion that offshore property can be used for investment purposes or perhaps second homes or vacation homes. Panama, for example, ties its currency to the U.S. dollar, and the dollar is the medium of exchange. Costa Rica is sometimes called "the Switzerland of the Americas." Mexico is closest geographically and is seeing strong economic growth and investment opportunity.

Just as Spain became an ideal location for Germans to have a second home that could be used for retirement, some believe that Mexico and Central and South America present a similar opportunity for Americans.

But turning these aspirations into reality is definitely more complex than simply purchasing a nice property in a warm climate like Florida or California. The U.S. investor must be clear about his or her objective. You can become enamored on a vacation trip and talk yourself into a purported investment property. But vacation is often an escape from reality, and a true investment must include proper due diligence and an analysis that the investment can meet the necessary financial objectives.

In each venue, whether Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, Belize or Ecuador, for example, the language is Spanish. Therefore, even if the local seller is an Anglophone, the language of law is Spanish. Competence in the language of law and expertise in local law is essential. If the prospective investor doesn't have this type of expertise, he should make certain that he is in very close contact with people who do.

Mexico and every other country in Central and South America have different laws regarding real estate and taxes. The vesting of property varies from one country to the next, and so does the method of title transfer.

For example, recently there was a real estate developer in Panama who had begun to grade roads, subdivide property and take deposits of $6,000 per parcel, to be sold for $80,000, for single-family homes. The investors were told that development would start soon after local officials consented, which was thought to be a given.

In Panama, the legal ownership must be registered properly with a central authority. The builder had "purchased" the property from local inhabitants who farmed the land. But the title to the land had never been established by the local inhabitant who had right of possession. When the builder bought the land, he failed to follow the proper procedure of securing title. His time line for completing the process of building and selling suddenly became much longer.

The farmer continued to farm the land, and the developer continued to work with local lawyers. The builder also had to deal with cultural issues. The inhabitants are San Blas Indians, who have a culture of their own, just like many peoples in other countries.

The mayor of the village, who had veto power over most everything, was not in the right frame of mind to go along with some of the revisions to the building plan. The builder's "hill to climb" became even steeper, and the investors had all their deposits returned, without loss, thanks to the deposits remaining un-cashed, with the attorney handling the purchase.

Planning and fully understanding financial objectives, along with language, cultural and legal issues, are among the first set of issues that must be addressed by would-be investors. Then there is the question of how to insure that one's financial objectives are reasonable and sensible.

We've found that the demand for properties in some Mexican and Central American countries has driven property prices to the point where net operating income targets could not be met. In other cases, there are many properties that not only generate cash flow but also appreciate, in popular locations in every country. It is essential that the numbers support your objectives. Beach properties in Costa Rica and mountain properties in the Panamanian highlands are still available as vacation homes, second homes or income-producing properties. But investors need to do their homework and check it twice.

One of the most overlooked issues that may affect the popularity of buying investment property is taxes. Tax issues are not just local; for the U.S. taxpayer, there is the requirement to report and pay tax on worldwide income. In our experience, many investors overlook the reporting requirements to the IRS, and the ordeal of expatriating, if one wants to do that. The matter of designating beneficiaries varies from country to country. It is essential to pay attention to these details with local counsel, along with your U.S. legal counsel.

The number of real estate investors in Mexico and Central America has been increasing, and, not surprisingly, prices for the most desirable properties and locations are rising as well. Beachfront property, in particular, is very much in demand, so cash-on-cash returns should begin to moderate. The more due diligence and planning that is performed, the better. As everywhere, caveat emptor is the rule.

Hubert Bromma is CEO of the Entrust Group (www.theentrustgroup.com) and author of How to Invest in Real Estate and Pay Little or No Taxes . His new book, How to Invest in Real Estate with Your IRA & 401(k) and Pay Little or No Taxes , is published by McGraw-Hill.

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