Panama real estate sales decline in first half of 2026

Panama's residential real estate market saw a 13% decrease in sales during the first half of 2026, totaling $695 million compared to the same period in 2025. According to data from the Panamanian Association of Real Estate Brokers and Promoters (ACOBIR), the decline was most significant in the low-cost segment, with sales of homes priced up to $120,000 dropping by 28.3%. Higher-priced properties experienced a more moderate decrease of 6.2%.

The commercial market also faced a contraction, with sales falling 26.6% year-on-year to $50.5 million. In contrast to the local slowdown, international demand remains a growth driver; sales to foreign buyers rose by 17.7%, reaching $712 million.

During an industry forum, Rodolfo Sabonge, Director General of National Planning at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, emphasized that investor confidence relies on fiscal certainty, financial and political stability, and legal security. He noted that the fiscal deficit was reduced by 2.5 percentage points of GDP within one year. Despite the sales slump, construction permits reached $597.6 million in the first half of the year, and the sector is projected to grow between 4% and 5% in 2026.