Foreign buyers closed about $712 million in Panama property purchases in the first half of 2026, up 17.7% from the same period a year earlier. The figure comes from data presented by the consulting firm Indesa at a forum organized by ACOBIR, Panama's real estate brokers and developers association, and reported by TVN-2, La Estrella de Panamá, and Infobae in late October.
What Happened
The same dataset showed a contrasting domestic picture. Total residential sales fell about 13% to roughly $695 million in the first half of 2026, while commercial sales dropped about 26.6% to $50.5 million. Colombia and the United States were the top countries of origin for foreign buyers, with growing interest from Chinese buyers.
Why It Matters for Property
These are two different stories running at once. A softer domestic picture reflects affordability pressure in Panama's social-housing and middle-market segments, while rising foreign purchases point to sustained international demand, particularly at the price points international buyers typically target. For sellers and developers, it signals that lifestyle-driven product keeps finding buyers even in a slower overall market.
What It Could Mean
The split is a reminder that the market is not one market. Foreign-buyer activity in Panama City, the Pacific beach corridor, and the highlands can move differently from domestic sales, so prices are best assessed property by property, not by national averages. It also explains why guidance from someone who works with international buyers, from currency transfer to title and closing, carries more weight as foreign demand takes a larger share of the market.
For more context, see how foreigners can buy property in Panama, our guide on whether Panama real estate is a good investment, the market report, the investment page, and the buying guide. Want to talk through what the data means for your situation? Contact Chad. No pressure, just good information.
Sources
- TVN-2: Mercado inmobiliario en Panamá: ventas residenciales caen 13% en el primer semestre de 2026
- Infobae: Panamá busca consolidar su atractivo inmobiliario en América Latina pese a la caída de las ventas
- La Estrella de Panamá: Venta de viviendas de interés social y clase media cae 28.3% a junio de 2026