Since 1995
Master-planned district on Panama Bay
~310 ha
Planned land area of the district
~12 km
From Tocumen International Airport
$0
Agent commission paid by buyers
Living in Costa del Este
Panama City’s planned district on the bay
In short: Costa del Este is a master-planned Panama City district with modern apartment towers, gated family homes and a nearly 4 km waterfront promenade. Built on about 310 hectares and around 12 km from Tocumen International Airport, it has listings such as two-bedroom apartments from $485,600 and a three-bedroom apartment for $725,000.
Costa del Este is a master-planned community in the Juan Díaz area of Panama City, first presented to the public in 1995 and built on about 310 hectares along Panama Bay. Wide avenues, modern residential towers, gated streets of family homes and a waterfront promenade of nearly 4 km give it an orderly, suburban feel inside the city.
The Corredor Sur runs through the district, linking it to downtown in one direction and to Tocumen International Airport, about 12 km away, in the other. Shopping malls, a business park with corporate head offices, churches and parks are all close to home. Many of our buyers here are families relocating for work, and some use their purchase toward residency by investment.
Real Estate Listings in Costa Del Este, Panama
Explore Costa del Este Panama real estate for sale
Costa del Este stands as one of Panama City’s most elite residential and financial districts, and Panama Properties brings you direct access to its most desirable real estate opportunities. Our portfolio of Costa del Este properties for sale includes upscale condominiums, luxury waterfront apartments, family-friendly residences, and prime investment real estate within this meticulously planned urban enclave. Designed for those who value convenience, security, and refined city living, Costa del Este real estate continues to attract both local and international buyers drawn by its strong rental performance, modern infrastructure, and close proximity to Panama City’s business core.
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Why Buyers Choose Costa del Este
What sets it apart from the older neighbourhoods of Panama City.
Planning
An Ordered District
Wide avenues, landscaped streets and zoning give it a calmer, more organised feel than older areas.
Families
Schools Nearby
International schools are close by, which is why many relocating families start their search here.
Airport
Easy Travel
Tocumen International Airport is about 12 km away along the Corredor Sur.
Security
Gated Living
Many towers and housing communities have controlled access and 24-hour security.
Choice
Towers and Houses
Buyers can choose between bay-view apartments, penthouses, townhouses and single-family homes.
Around Costa del Este
A planned district where shopping, offices, parks and the highway are all a short drive away.
OUTDOORS
Waterfront Promenade
A walkway of nearly 4 km along Panama Bay, used daily for walking, running and cycling.
PARKS
Felipe E. Motta Park
A green park inside the district, one of several parks and recreation areas residents use every day.
SHOPPING
Atrio Mall
Shopping, restaurants and services within the district, with other malls a short drive away.
WORK
Business Park
Costa del Este Business Park houses corporate offices, including the head office of Copa Airlines.
GETTING AROUND
Avenida Centenario
The district’s main avenue, with quick access to the Corredor Sur toward downtown and the airport.
COMMUNITY
Places of Worship
The Catholic parish of San Lucas Evangelista and the Kol Shearith Israel synagogue are both here.
What Property Costs in Costa del Este
Based on a sample of advertised asking prices in October 2026, not closed sales. Smaller, new and furnished units cost noticeably more per m² than large family apartments.
Large family apartments
Four bedrooms and three bathrooms, 272 m²
About $683,000
About $2,500 per m²
New one-bedroom apartments
A new luxury one-bedroom unit of 76 m²
About $330,600
About $4,350 per m²
Furnished one-bedroom units
Furnished apartments of 53 to 65 m² next to a major hospital
About $264,000–$320,000
About $4,900–$5,000 per m²
What Drives the Price
Size and newness. Compact new and furnished units ask far more per m² than larger, established apartments.
Views and floor. Bay views and higher floors add to the price within the same building.
Building and amenities. Pools, gyms and security raise both the price and the monthly HOA fee.
Buying Tips for Costa del Este
What we check with buyers here before they make an offer.
Compare HOA Fees
Towers with pools, cinemas and co-working spaces charge more each month. Ask for the fee and the reserve fund balance.
Read the Rules
Gated communities and towers have rules on renovations, pets and rentals. Read them before you offer.
Check Rental Policy
If you plan to rent, confirm whether the building allows furnished or short-term rentals.
Vet Pre-Construction
Review the developer’s finished projects, payment schedule, permits and what happens if delivery is late.
Ask About Tax Exemptions
Confirm whether a new-build property tax exemption applies, how long it lasts and whether it transfers to you.
Test the Commute
Drive to work and school at rush hour before you commit, as traffic on the main routes varies a lot.
Is Costa del Este Right for You?
Who tends to love it, and who might be happier elsewhere.
A Great Fit For
Families with school-age children
Professionals working for multinational companies
Buyers who value security and modern buildings
Frequent flyers who want the airport close
Buyers who want a house or townhouse inside the city
Think Twice If
You want historic character
You want cafés and street life on foot
You want more space for less money in an older building
You want a beach town lifestyle
You dislike high-rise living and HOA rules
Renting It Out
Tenants here are mainly executives, employees of multinational companies, diplomats and local professionals, and most leases are long-term and furnished or semi-furnished. Check each building’s rental rules before you buy. We pull current comparable rents before you buy rather than relying on general figures.
Daily Life in Costa del Este
The practical side: safety, healthcare, families and getting around.
Safety
A planned district with wide streets, private security in most towers and gated residential areas. It is generally seen as one of the most secure parts of the city, though the usual precautions still apply.
Healthcare
There is a major private hospital in the district, and the hospitals in Punta Pacífica are about 15 minutes away along the Corredor Sur outside rush hour.
Families
International schools close by, parks and the waterfront promenade make it a first choice for many relocating families. Supermarkets, shops and restaurants are inside the district.
Getting Around
You will want a car. The Corredor Sur links Costa del Este to downtown in one direction and to Tocumen International Airport, about 12 km away, in the other. Test the commute at rush hour before you buy.
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. Some new builds carry a temporary exemption.
Transfer Tax
Panama’s 2% transfer tax is customarily paid by the seller. Buyers pay no agent commission.
Costa del Este Real Estate FAQ
Is Costa del Este safe?
It is generally regarded as one of the most secure areas of Panama City, with private security in most towers and gated communities. Normal precautions still apply.
What is it like to live in Costa del Este?
Modern, planned and family-friendly: towers and gated homes, international schools, parks and a waterfront promenade, close to the airport but car-dependent.
Where is Costa del Este?
On Panama Bay in the Juan Díaz area of eastern Panama City, along the Corredor Sur between downtown and Tocumen International Airport.
How much does an apartment cost in Costa del Este?
Based on a sample of asking prices in October 2026, furnished one-bedroom units ask about $264,000 to $320,000, a new one-bedroom about $330,600 and a four-bedroom family apartment about $683,000.
Are there houses as well as condos?
Yes. Alongside the towers there are single-family homes and townhouses in gated communities with parks, playgrounds and 24-hour security.
Can foreigners buy property in Costa del Este?
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 Qualified Investor visa requires $300,000 in a first sale from a developer or $500,000 in a resale, and the Friendly Nations visa accepts titled property from $200,000. Confirm the rules with an immigration attorney.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner?
Yes. Through our lending partner, qualified foreign buyers can finance up to 75% of the purchase price on titled property. Banks require proof of income.
Is pre-construction a good idea?
It can be, if the developer has a solid record and the contract protects your deposit. Your attorney should review the payment plan, delivery dates and permits before you sign.
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. We help buyers find apartments and homes across Panama City and the rest of the country, working alongside independent attorneys, inspectors and lenders. Prices are based on advertised asking prices reviewed in October 2026.
Looking for a Home in Costa del Este?
Tell us your budget, how many bedrooms you need and where you will be working and going to school. We will shortlist buildings and communities, arrange viewings in person or by video and help you check the HOA, rules 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)
Avenida Dr. Belisario Porras
Pedasí, Los Santos 7401, Panama
WhatsApp: +507 6169-2453
Email: ken@panama-properties.com