Panama 'growing in interest'

Panama has seen a notable growth in interest from potential buyers, it has been stated.

Gareth Milton from Propertyshowrooms.com told the Daily Telegraph: "The country is attracting 150 per cent more inquiries on our portal than this time last year," adding that the country is cheaper to buy in than the US and the process of acquiring property is "very straightforward".

The paper stated that the country offers not just affordability, but good healthcare, a stable economy, low crime and highly attractive scenery.

It is also set for new economic development as the Panama Canal - which links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans - is set to be widened.

Paul Collins, the property editor of overseas investor magazine BuyAssociation.co.uk, said in August that there had been a major increase in interest from potential UK buyers once Britons started to consider the country.

He said a catalyst was the case of John Darwin, the man who faked his own death and set up home with his wife in Panama using money from the insurance payout.