Since 1848
Capital of Herrera Province
~100,000
People in the wider Chitré area
From ~$75K
Older three-bedroom family homes
$0
Agent commission paid by buyers
Living in Chitré
The working heart of the Azuero Peninsula
Chitré is the capital of Herrera Province and the largest city on the Azuero Peninsula, with around 61,000 people in the city and about 100,000 in the wider area. It is the region’s centre for shopping, banking, healthcare and universities, so daily life here is practical and affordable.
The historic centre around the cathedral has old houses, plazas and parks, and the city is famous for its festivals, from Carnival to Corpus Christi and the feast of its patron saint, San Juan Bautista. The beaches of the Azuero coast, Las Tablas and Pedasí are all within driving distance.
Chitré Listings
These are our current listings in and around Chitré. If you don’t see the right one, tell us what you are looking for and we’ll search the area for you, including homes and land not yet advertised. Start the Buying Process →
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Why Buyers Choose Chitré
What sets Chitré apart from the beach and mountain towns.
Value
Affordable Homes
Family houses cost a fraction of Panama City prices, with lower everyday costs too.
Services
Everything in Town
Hospitals, banks, shops and building suppliers are close, which matters if you are building or renovating.
Culture
Authentic Panama
Folk traditions, festivals and local life are part of everyday living here, not a show for tourists.
Location
A Base for Azuero
Las Tablas, the Pacific beaches and Pedasí are all within driving distance for weekends and day trips.
Climate
Dry and Sunny
The Azuero Peninsula is one of the drier parts of Panama, with plenty of sunshine in the dry season.
Around Chitré
Chitré is a real working city, with the services the rest of the peninsula relies on.
HERITAGE
The Historic Centre
Old houses, churches, plazas and parks around the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista.
CULTURE
Festivals
Carnival, Corpus Christi and the feast of San Juan Bautista fill the streets with music and tradition.
NATURE
Playa El Agallito
Tidal flats just outside the city where crabs appear at low tide and large numbers of birds gather.
EVERYDAY LIFE
Shopping and Services
Supermarkets, banks, clinics and hardware stores serve the whole peninsula.
EDUCATION
Universities
The University of Panama and private universities have campuses in Chitré.
GETTING AROUND
Domestic Airport
The small Alonso Valderrama Airport serves domestic flights, alongside regular bus services to Panama City.
What Property Costs in Chitré
Based on a sample of advertised asking prices in October 2026, not closed sales. Chitré is one of the more affordable places in Panama to buy a family home.
Older family houses
Three-bedroom homes in established neighbourhoods
About $75,000–$105,000
Varies with condition
Larger modern homes
Three bedrooms of about 290 m² in Monagrillo
About $199,000
About $690 per m²
Coastal lots nearby
A corner lot with water and power near Playa Los Guayaberos
About $85,000
Varies with size and location
What Drives the Price
Neighbourhood. Newer gated developments and central streets cost more than older outlying areas.
Condition. Many older homes need updating, which is reflected in the price.
Land. Larger lots and corner lots add value, especially for parking and future expansion.
Buying Tips for Chitré
What we check with buyers here before they make an offer.
Inspect Older Homes
Check the roof, plumbing, wiring and any additions, and get an independent inspection.
Check the Title
Confirm the property is titled and that any extensions are registered and permitted.
Know the Neighbourhood
Visit at different times of day, including festival weekends, which can be loud.
Plan for the Heat
Ask about air conditioning, insulation and shade. Summers are hot and dry.
Look at Flood Risk
Ask how the street handles heavy rain in the wet season.
Use an Independent Attorney
Your attorney should verify the title, liens and permits before you sign.
Is Chitré Right for You?
Who tends to love it, and who might be happier elsewhere.
A Great Fit For
Buyers on a modest budget
Retirees who want services nearby
Buyers who want authentic local culture
Anyone building or renovating in Azuero
Families who want schools and universities
Think Twice If
You want to live on the beach
You need English spoken everywhere
You want a gated resort community
You dislike heat
You want a quiet town all year round
Renting It Out
Rental demand comes from local professionals, students and families, so most leases are long-term and rents are modest. Homes near the centre, universities and hospitals rent most easily. Festival weekends bring short-term demand.
Costs to Budget For
Plan for these on top of the purchase price.
HOA Fees
Monthly, and they vary widely with the building and its amenities. Ask for the current fee and the reserve fund balance.
Legal Fees
About 1% to 1.5% of the price for your independent attorney, plus small notary and Public Registry fees.
Property Tax
Annual, based on the registered value, with an exemption for a registered primary residence up to a set value.
Transfer Tax
Panama’s 2% transfer tax is customarily paid by the seller. Buyers pay no agent commission.
Chitré Real Estate FAQ
Where is Chitré?
In the northeast of the Azuero Peninsula. It is the capital of Herrera Province and the largest city on the peninsula.
How much does a house cost in Chitré?
Based on a sample of asking prices in October 2026, older three-bedroom homes ask about $75,000 to $105,000, and larger modern homes about $199,000.
How do I get to Chitré from Panama City?
By road on the Pan-American Highway and the Azuero road, or by bus. The small Alonso Valderrama Airport also serves domestic flights.
What is Chitré known for?
Its festivals, including Carnival and Corpus Christi, its historic centre and its role as the commercial and services hub of the Azuero Peninsula.
Are there beaches near Chitré?
Playa El Agallito is just outside the city and is known for birdwatching. The Pacific beaches of the Azuero coast are within driving distance.
Can foreigners buy property in Chitré?
Yes. Foreigners have the same property rights as Panamanians and can own titled property in their own name or through a Panamanian corporation or foundation.
What are the closing costs?
Buyers pay no agent commission. Plan for legal fees of about 1% to 1.5% plus small notary and Public Registry fees. The 2% transfer tax is customarily paid by the seller.
Can buying here help me get residency?
It can. As of September 2026, the Friendly Nations visa accepts titled property from $200,000. Confirm the rules with an immigration attorney.
Is there capital gains tax when I sell?
Yes. Panama withholds 3% of the sale price or the registered value, whichever is higher, which most sellers accept as the final tax. You can instead file on the actual profit, with the 3% credited.
About This Guide
Written by Ken Norton, founder of Panama Properties, a licensed buyer’s brokerage based on the Azuero Peninsula. We help buyers find homes and land across the region, working alongside independent attorneys, inspectors and surveyors. Prices are based on advertised asking prices reviewed in October 2026. Hero photo: Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, Chitré, by Randy Navs, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Looking for a Home in Chitré?
Tell us your budget, the kind of home you want and how close to the centre you want to be. We will search the area, arrange viewings in person or by video and help you check the property and title before you make an offer.
Message us on WhatsApp at +507 6169-2453. Buyers pay no agent commission.
Panama Properties
Unit 1 Plaza Pedasí (Super Pedasí Plaza)
Pedasí, Los Santos 7401, Panama
WhatsApp: +507 6169-2453
Email: ken@panama-properties.com