Housing options

Hello, if you arrive by February 2015 it is far too early to start looking for housing, there is a lot of movement in sales and rentals.
Stay in touch

Thanks for the info Saxoblues,  but wanted to get names of the developments so we could start looking into what is available for what prices

Hi Papagx22014,$

I have created a new thread with your post on the Panama forum for more visibility and for a better interaction with the other members.

Thanks

Priscilla 

If you just want to browse listings, you might go to www.panamarealtor.com and select BEACHES (Coronado and Gorgona).  Don't use this site though to buy - it's really not a real estate firm, just a collection of listings from lots of agents.  For goodness sakes (coming from someone who has been ripped off by developers in Panama) please follow the oft-given advise of so many folks:

- Never buy pre-construction (developers are well known for taking the money and running or delivering substandard product and no judicial recourse exists in Panama for expats)

- Never buy until you've rented for six months or longer (you'll see the underbelly of living in Panama or many other areas that did not seem like such a big deal at first blush)

- Anyone offering to help you has some financial incentive for doing so (keep your radar up at all times as even your own realtor or attorney have no problem violating ethical standards on undisclosed conflicts of interest)

Despite what agents and developers may tell you, there is no urgency to buy.  From my vantage point, people buying beachfront condos cannot unload them quickly.  It is easy to buy, hard to sell, and you won't learn about which ones to avoid until you get plugged into a network or community.  Even then, watch out.

thank you.  we really appreciate that!

great advice

Thanks Pricilla for starting this thread!

Hi Bob and Patty,
Great development right on the beach, still very reasonable comparing to some. First tower is just about finished and second started. http://palmarpanama.com/default.aspx?lan=en
Get in touch with Claudia cmckay@decuriagroup.com

There are a few other sites to view listings; compreoalquile.com, encuentra24.com/panama-en/real-estate-for-sale-beachfront-homes-and-lots#regionslug=prov-panama-san-carlos,prov-panama-chame and the playa community website.  Some of the developments are currently under construction and some are still in the planning stages.

When we were looking for our condo, we just drove down the Pan American highway, stopping at developments along the way.  We also met with a real estate agent who showed us resale units.  You may need to use more than one agent as there is not yet a MLS listing service.  Agents may tell you one exists; but it doesnt really.  Agents may share listings, but not always.  If you meet with more than one agent, you will have more exposure to resale listings.

Here are the names of a few new developments that are oceanfront with 2/3 bedroom units.

Gorgona
Biltmore
Playa Serena
Bahia
Ocean Waves

Coronado has new towers such as Coronado Golf that have ocean views, but are not oceanfront.  There are some older buildings that have resale units as well.
Coronado Bay is oceanfront.

Playa Palmar has the Palmar which is under construction in a small beach town with a few restaurants and bars in walking distance.

San Carlos has many new oceanfront developments.

Riomar, Vista Mar, and Casamar all are oceanfront developments with both existing towers and ones under construction.

Other new developments under construction include Playa del Sol, Playa Ensenada and Fontanella del Mar.

There are many others - too many to list.

You could also look at vrbo for an idea of existing condos in the area.  We rented one condo via vrbo and loved the devleopment.  We ended up buying a unit that was under construction.  The developer was willing to work with us and modify the plans to better meet our needs.

Thanks so much for the information!!  Very helpful.

Listen to SawMan. That is excellent advice. Do not buy anything until you have been here at least a year. Do not buy anything pre-construction. You will save yourself a lot of headaches. Living here can be great but keep it simple, especially to start.

Papagx22014 wrote:

My wife Patty and I (Bob) will be visiting Panama third week of Feb, 2015 to determine if Panama is the place for us to purchase a beach front condo or house.  We were told there were many new housing developments on the Pacific coast.  We are looking for a 2 or three bedroom beachfront or ocean view on the pacific side within 1 hour of Panama City.  Any suggestions will be GREATLY appreciated.

Hi Bob an Patty, all the the postings on your question on housing are good an to the point. (Moderated: no free ad on the forum pls + register in the business directory)

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