Choosing a Real Estate Company in Panama: 5 Firms Worth Knowing
When I moved to Panama from Canada in 2021, the first thing that struck me about the property market was how little protection a foreign buyer has by default. There is no national MLS. The same house can appear on five websites at five different prices. Some land has full title and some does not. And the friendly agent showing you around is, more often than not, working for the seller.
That is why choosing a real estate company here matters more than it does at home. The right firm can save you from an untitled lot or an inflated price. The wrong one can cost you far more than any commission.
We get asked all the time which real estate companies in Panama buyers should trust. This is our own blog, so yes, we are on the list, and we will tell you plainly why. But we also want you to know the other reputable firms in the market, and how to judge any agent, including us.
Five questions to ask any real estate company in Panama
Before you look at a single listing, put these questions to whoever you are thinking of working with.
Are you licensed? Real estate brokerage in Panama is regulated by the Junta Técnica de Bienes Raíces. A legitimate broker will give you their licence details without hesitation.
Who do you represent? This is the big one. A seller's agent is paid to get the highest price. A buyer's agent is paid to protect you. Ask directly, and get the answer in writing.
How do you check title? Every property should be checked against the Registro Público before you sign anything. Our guide to property title and due diligence in Panama explains the difference between titled land and rights of possession, and why it matters.
What will this really cost me? A good agent will walk you through lawyer's fees, notary and registration costs, and transfer taxes up front. See our breakdown of buying and closing costs in Panama.
Do you actually know this town? Panama City, the Azuero coast, the Chiriquí highlands and the Caribbean islands are completely different markets. You want agents who live and work where you are buying.
5 real estate companies in Panama worth knowing
1. Panama Properties (that's us)
We built Panama Properties to answer the second question above the right way. We are a licensed and bonded Panamanian brokerage, and our focus is buyer representation: we work for you, not the seller.
What that means in practice:
Every listing is vetted. We check title and legal standing before a property goes on our site.
No agent fee for buyers. You pay your own lawyer and minor notary and registration fees. That's it.
Financing help. We help foreigners explore mortgages and loans in Panama, and you can buy real estate with crypto.
Bilingual team. English and Spanish, with our main office in Pedasí.
Help after closing. Residency, relocation and settling in.
We cover the areas our clients ask about most. In the capital, that means Panama City condos and homes and restored apartments in Casco Viejo. Our home base is the Azuero coast, where we know Pedasí and the surf town of Playa Venao street by street. Our agents live in the highlands and help buyers find property in Boquete. We also cover the beach communities around Coronado and the islands of Bocas del Toro.
Don't take our word for it. Read what past buyers say in our client reviews.
2. Panama Sotheby's International Realty
The Panama affiliate of the global luxury brand is based in Panama City and concentrates on the top end of the market. Its listings appear on the Sotheby's International Realty worldwide website, which is a real advantage for sellers of high-value homes. A natural fit if you are shopping for a luxury condo in the capital.
3. Engel & Völkers Panama City
Engel & Völkers runs its Panama City operation through a local licence partner. Alongside residential listings, it has a strong selection of office and commercial space in districts like Obarrio, Costa del Este and Santa María. Worth a call if you are an investor looking at commercial property.
4. The Agency Panama
The Agency, the Los Angeles luxury brokerage, opened its first Central American office in Panama City in 2023. Managing partner Vicky Levitam has worked in the city's high-end market for more than 18 years, often alongside major developers. A good choice if new luxury towers are your focus.
5. RE/MAX Panama
RE/MAX is represented in Panama by independently owned offices within the RE/MAX Central America network. Its regional portal lets you search listings in English or Spanish and compare Panama with neighbouring countries. Because each office runs independently, ask which areas a particular office covers before you commit.
The bottom line
Every firm on this list is a legitimate business, and the big international brands are strong choices at the luxury end of Panama City. If you want someone whose only job is to protect the buyer, across the beach, mountain, city and island markets foreign buyers love, that is exactly why we started Panama Properties.
New to the process? Start with our step-by-step guide to buying real estate in Panama. When you are ready, tell us your goals, budget and timeline and we will put together a shortlist for you.
