How to buy property in Panama, step by step

Buying property in Panama is an orderly process: search, offer, legal review, promise of sale, public deed and registration at the Public Registry. This is the general route we follow with our clients.

By Kabasso Pieck Real Estate Group · Joseph Pieck and David Kabasso, partners with more than 10 years of real estate experience

1. Decide what you are looking for and how you will pay

Choose the area, the type of property and your budget. If you will buy with a mortgage, talk to the bank first to find out how much it can lend you; that way you search with real numbers.

You can run a first estimate of the payment in our mortgage calculator (it is an estimate; the bank gives you the final payment).

2. Search and visit

Browse the catalog and the neighborhood guide. At every visit, ask about the maintenance fee, the parking spaces and the building rules.

Joseph or David go with you in person and tell you what they see, including what is not worth it.

3. Make an offer and negotiate

The offer is made in writing: price, payment method, deadlines and what the property includes. Once the seller accepts it, you move on to the documents.

4. Legal review with your lawyer

Your lawyer checks the Public Registry to confirm who the owner is and whether the property has mortgages, liens or other restrictions. They also confirm the property is up to date (certificates of good standing, known as paz y salvos) and, if it is in a building, current on the maintenance fee.

5. Sign the promise of sale (promesa de compraventa)

This is the contract in which buyer and seller commit to signing the sale later on. It sets out in writing the price, the deposit, the deadlines, the conditions (for example, that the bank approves the loan) and what happens if either party does not comply.

If you buy with a mortgage, the bank usually issues a letter of commitment to pay (carta promesa de pago) in favor of the seller.

6. Sign the public deed

The lawyer prepares the deed of sale, which is signed before a notary. If there is a mortgage, the bank also takes part in this step.

7. Registration at the Public Registry

The deed is filed with the Public Registry. Once it is registered, the property is in your name before everyone.

8. Handover and after

You receive the keys, transfer the utilities to your name and register with the building management. We are still here after closing.

Are you a foreign buyer?

We cover it in the frequently asked questions. Your lawyer confirms each case.

General information, updated October 29, 2026. This is an estimate and not legal advice: confirm your case with your lawyer. Every purchase has its own details: the exact deadlines and documents depend on the property, the bank and your lawyer.