$0
Buyer commission. The seller pays our fee
1–1.5%
Typical attorney fee for buyers
2%
Transfer tax, customarily paid by the seller
EN · ES
Bilingual service in English and Spanish
Why Buyers Work With Us
In short: Buyers looking for property in Panama can work with a buyer’s agent offering bilingual service in English and Spanish, guidance on the purchase process and help choosing an area before a home. Buyer commission is $0 because the seller pays the agent; typical buyer attorney fees are 1–1.5%, while the 2% transfer tax is customarily paid by the seller.
Relocating to a new country is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. When it comes to moving to Panama, finding the right real estate agent can make the difference between a smooth transition and a frustrating experience. That’s why I approach my role as a Realtor with one guiding principle:
“I treat every client the way I wish I had been treated when I came to Panama.”
I often say, "I wish I had a Ken when I came to Panama."
The first question everyone asks is what it costs to buy real estate in Panama. You will find the answer further down this page.
My mission is simple: to be the knowledgeable, honest, and reliable guide I never had. Here's what sets me apart and why working with me is the right choice when moving to Panama:
01
Client-First Approach: I Listen, I Care, I Deliver
When I first arrived in Panama, I encountered agents who were more interested in selling me what they wanted, not what I needed. The moment I said I wasn’t interested in their offering, they switched off—even though I was a serious buyer with cash in hand.
That experience shaped how I treat my clients. I take the time to understand your goals, needs, and budget. Whether you're looking for an investment, a family home, or a retirement retreat, I focus on helping you find the right property—not just any property.
02
Education Comes First
Buying real estate in Panama involves different laws, processes, and risks than many people are used to. That’s why I prioritize education. I’ll walk you through the buying process step-by-step, explain market trends, outline local customs, and make sure you’re making informed decisions every step of the way. Visit our Panama info guide for many resources
03
Find the Right Area First—Then the Right Home
One of the biggest mistakes people make is falling in love with a property before understanding the community it's in. I believe it's more important to love where you live than just what you live in.
Panama has diverse regions with very different vibes—from beach towns to mountain retreats to vibrant cities. I help you explore and get a real feel for an area before committing to a purchase. I’d rather work with you longer to make sure you’re happy than sell you something you’ll regret. Check out our Panama area guide to start your search for the right place
04
Planning Your Exit Before You Enter
Emotions run high when buying a home abroad—but emotional decisions can lead to overpaying and poor resale potential. I talk to clients early about exit strategies. Whether you plan to stay for 3 years or 30, buying smart (at or below market value) gives you flexibility and peace of mind if your plans ever change.
05
Access to a Trusted Professional Network
I’ve built a strong, reliable network of professionals that I trust completely. This includes:
Real estate attorneys, Builders and architects, Pet relocation specialists, Inspectors and contractors, Movers and logistics professionals
I’ll connect you with the right experts to make your transition as seamless as possible and help you avoid common pitfalls.
06
Family-Centered Guidance
More families are moving to Panama, and each has unique needs—especially regarding schools, safety, and community. Whether you're bringing toddlers or teenagers, I’ll guide you toward the best areas for family life, considering education, healthcare, and support systems.
> Canadians moving to Panama
> Americans moving to Panama
> UK citizens moving to Panama
07
Visa & Residency Navigation
Panama offers many visa options—but navigating them can be confusing. I listen carefully to each client’s background and connect you with the right immigration lawyer to match your situation. From Pensionado Visas to Friendly Nations Visas, I’ll help you understand the pros, cons, and requirements before you begin. Visit our Panama visa guide for more info on this
08
Understanding Legal Structures to Protect Your Assets
Many buyers in Panama aren’t familiar with legal structures like foundations, trusts, or corporations—but these can be critical tools for protecting your property, minimizing taxes, and simplifying estate planning. I help my clients understand these options and connect them to reputable legal professionals for tailored guidance.
09
Planning for Life’s “What Ifs”
Nobody likes to think about death, especially when embarking on a new adventure. But estate planning is crucial—especially when owning property in a foreign country. I make sure we have open, honest conversations about how to structure your purchase and your estate in case something unexpected happens.
10
Local Product & Brand Guidance
From appliances to furniture, buying the right brands and finding the right stores in Panama can be a learning curve. I help my clients avoid costly trial-and-error by offering insights into reliable local and international brands, where to buy them, and what to expect in terms of quality and pricing.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Panama should be a thrilling, rewarding chapter in your life—not a stressful one. As your Realtor, I’m here to guide you with honesty, patience, and real experience. My goal is not just to help you buy a home—but to make sure you’re happy living in it.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Panama, let’s talk. I’ll help you make the transition with confidence, clarity, and the care you deserve.
What It Costs You to Work With Us
Nothing. In Panama, buyers do not pay a commission to their real estate agent. Our fee is paid by the seller from the sale, so our help finding, negotiating and closing on your property costs you nothing.
The Costs You Do Pay as a Buyer
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Your attorney's fees, typically about 1% to 1.5% of the purchase price, for due diligence, contracts and closing.
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Small notary fees for signing the deed.
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Public Registry fees to register the property in your name.
The 2% transfer tax is customarily paid by the seller. We'll give you an estimate of your closing costs before you make an offer, so there are no surprises. Read our step-by-step guide to buying in Panama for the full process.
Where We Work
Our team covers Panama's most popular areas for international buyers. Explore each area's listings and guide:
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Pedasí and Playa Venao on the Azuero Peninsula
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Boquete in the Chiriquí highlands, where our agents live and work
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Coronado, San Carlos and Chame on the Pacific coast
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Panamá Pacífico, just outside the capital
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Panama City and historic Casco Viejo
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Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean
We work in English and Spanish. Meet our team.
Your Panama adventure starts here
Finding your dream property in Panama starts here
At Panama Properties, we tailor every real estate experience to meet your unique goals.
Our team takes the time to understand exactly what you’re looking for — your preferred location, lifestyle, and budget — so we can find the property that’s right for you.
To get started, we just need a few details from you. Let’s begin your property journey in Panama together.
Next Steps - The Home Buying Process
Buying a home in Panama can be a complex process, but our team of experienced professionals is here to guide, support, and advise you at every step. Below is a concise overview of the home-buying process in Panama to help you understand what to expect.
Fall in love with an area 1st
1. Find the right area - then find the right home
One of the biggest mistakes new buyers make is falling in love with a property before understanding the community and climate.
Panama offers everything from tropical beaches to cool mountain retreats, and each region has its own rhythm, weather, and culture.
Ask yourself:
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Do you prefer the ocean breeze or the mountain mist?
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Is year-round heat comfortable for you?
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Are you close enough to schools, hospitals, and grocery stores
If you have figured out where you want to be in Panama then we step in and help you find the ideal home or land
Most of the properties in Panama are purchased with Cash
2. Research and Plan Your Budget
Most property purchases in Panama are completed with readily available funds, so understanding your budget and available resources is an essential first step.
For international buyers who want extra support, we can connect you with trusted local specialists to help make the process clear, smooth, and reassuring — with guidance that feels familiar from home.
The more we know the more we can help
3. Fill out our client question form
Please complete our client questionnaire with as much detail as possible. This information allows us to identify properties that best match your needs, budget, and other preferences. By understanding your goals, we can work together as a team to develop a personalized plan and guide you toward the ideal property in Panama.
Check out our quality listings in the most popular expat areas of Panama
4. Start searching to find your dream property
Explore our diverse property listings, featuring everything from affordable homes and luxury beachfront estates to building lots and farms, all located in Panama’s most popular expat destinations. By letting us know the types of properties that interest you, we can narrow the search to match your preferences. And if we don’t currently have what you’re looking for, don’t worry — our extensive network of partner agents across Panama can help us find exactly the property you want.
Reviews From Our Clients
Walter Nussle
Ken found us our land and a builder to make our dream come true! He was a big help in the beginning sending us pictures every day of all the construction activities. We are happy with our new home!
Janet Doré
Ken of Panama Properties has both integrity and knowledge. Having lived here for nearly three years now, I can tell you that you absolutely DO need a professional to help you weed through the inventory and ensure that you do not become a victim of the shady people that are looking for the expats who don't know the story behind the pretty scenes. Ken will support you every step of the way!
Kerry Scully
Ken is very knowledgeable about the area and is a great resource for information when making a move to Panama. Always quickly responsive to messages or calls.
Greg Thaggard
Ken is very helpful, honest and has a good understanding of the local market and additional considerations.
Ben Holst
Ken was a huge help with purchasing my property in Pedasi, he was straight forward with the details and always available if I had any questions. It made the process of buying a property in Panama simple and stress free
Mike Robbins
Ken was extremely helpful with our move to Panama. He was professional and courteous during the entire process. What really stood out was his willingness to help with things outside of real estate. From helping get our dog here from the US, which can be a big challenge, to buying a vehicle.
Jonathan O'Brien
If you’re interested in purchasing a home in Panama, Ken is the right choice, his knowledge and experience in the Pedasi, Azuero peninsula is unmatched, I highly recommend working with him!
Virginie L.
From the very beginning, he impressed me with his attentiveness and ability to truly understand what I was looking for. He wasn't just pushing listings, he was taking the time to listen to my needs and preferences.
What truly set him apart was his openness and willingness to share his personal knowledge of the area. He went beyond the basic facts and gave me valuable insights into different neighborhoods. This insider perspective was invaluable.
Overall, working with Ken was a great experience. He's a genuine person who puts his clients' needs first. If you're looking for someone who will listen, understand, and guide you through the home buying or selling process, look no further than Ken!