Have you seen several houses for sale in Panama and are now ready to make an offer on that one property that stole your heart? Because you’re buying in a foreign country, there are a few extra precautions to take note of, but don’t worry — preparing properly and having a solid team behind you can mitigate potential legal complications. Here’s how to get ready to make an offer on a house in Panama.
Work with a qualified Panamanian real estate agent
Real estate in Panama isn’t as tightly regulated as in some other countries, so it’s important to find and work with an agent who has local experience and strong references. Choose someone who is licensed with the Panamanian Real Estate Association (ACOBIR) and make sure that they’ve worked with foreign buyers before. They should be able to show you multiple houses for sale in Panama that fit your requirements and eventually help you make an offer. If you’re not fluent in Spanish, then be sure to look for an agent who speaks English fluently to avoid misunderstandings during negotiations.
Hire a Panamanian attorney early in the process
A licensed Panamanian attorney:
- Confirm the seller legally owns the property.
- Review or draft the purchase agreement.
- Conduct a title search through Panama’s Public Registry.
- Advise on the safest method to transfer funds.
- Ensure the closing documents are properly notarized and recorded.
A lawyer can also make sure that the boundaries match what’s recorded in the Public Registry and that there are no disputes with neighbors over land use or fencing. They will also check for liens, debts, or unpaid taxes attached to the property, as well as guide you on how to set up a secure escrow account to hold your deposit.
Do your due diligence on the property
Property disclosures aren’t legally required in Panama, but you can and should hire a qualified inspector to assess the home’s plumbing, electrical systems, roof, and foundation. If the home is in a development or gated community, review the HOA bylaws and monthly fees to understand your responsibilities as a property owner.
Prepare a solid offer
Work with your agent to develop a strong and competitive offer based on recent sales in the area. Spell out the proposed price, closing timeline, deposit amount, and any furniture or fixtures you’d like included.
Submit your offer and negotiate with the seller
Your agent will present your offer to the seller or their representative. Negotiation is common in Panama, so be ready to go back and forth on the price or terms.
Here at Panama Centro Realty, we are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to guide you through every stage of owning a property in the country, from looking at houses for sale in Panama to closing the sale. Call us at +507 2276645 or email info@panamarealtor.com.
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