Panama's Exceptional Investment Potential

Today Panama stands as an unrivalled investment property location, appealing for dozens of reasons and in many areas of the investment scale. The International Property Investment Network (IPIN) takes a look at the country and evaluates its investment potential.

The World Tourism Organization has recently identified Panama  as the fastest growing tourism market in Latin America; the IMF has named it the fastest growing economy in Latin America; it has been the. winner, for six years in a row, of International Living magazine’s Annual Global Retirement Index; and the country is listed by Global Property Guide as the location offering the 4th best rental returns in the world..

So what makes Panama such an idyllic location? Aside from a varied climate, ranging from hot, sunny beaches to cool, beautiful mountains, Panama offers low cost living and very high quality of life. Not only does the country boast a state-of-the-art infrastructure with excellent health care, advanced telecommunications systems and roads, but locals are accustomed to foreigners and, as is typical in Latin cultures, they are very welcoming. English is widely spoken, making Panama very comfortable for buyers from abroad who wish to live and work in the country.

Financially,  the country offers exceptional benefits to all those who retire to Panama under its Pensionado Programme which allows: import tax exemption on household goods and/or cars; no property taxes for up to 15 years depending on the property; up to 20% off health care services; discounts on airfares, restaurants, fast food and movie theatres; discounted closing costs for personal loans and utility bills; and an amazing 50% off public transport (air, ground and sea). In addition, regardless of the visa you request, there is no income tax charged on incomes generated outside Panama.

IPIN’s Head of Operations, Gareth Milton, is enthusiastic about the potential of investment property in Panama: “Panama now offers unrestricted freehold property ownership to foreigners,  and currently attracts15-20% per annum capital appreciation, in conjunction with exceptional rental yields of 11% per annum, along with a swift, safe and painless buying process. Panama has left a very strong impression on me.  I can’t wait for IPIN to launch its first investment product in Panama in February 2008 – I’m sure it will be very popular.”

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