When I moved to Panama City, Panama, in 2017, I landed in the best part of the city entirely by accident.
At the time, I had just been hired by Live And Invest Overseas and wanted to live near the company’s headquarters. That search led me straight into the El Cangrejo–Bella Vista area—a neighborhood I later came to realize is the most vibrant and livable part of the capital.
Lucky me.
Bella Vista didn’t just shape my day-to-day life while I lived in Panama… It gave me perspective on how much lifestyle and community can add to the value of a property investment.
Today, as I look at the condo investment project that’s taking shape there, I can see why it has so much potential for expats, digital nomads, and savvy investors.
Let me start with why I fell in love with the neighborhood, and then I’ll share details about the project… and how you can learn more in our exclusive webinar on Sept. 30.
Why Bella Vista Stands Out
I still remember my first weeks in Bella Vista. Stepping out my front door, I had everything I needed within easy reach.
- Walkability – Panama City is notorious for traffic and for the lack of sidewalks in most areas. The El Cangrejo-Bella Vista area is one of the rare exceptions. I could walk to work, grab groceries, stop for a coffee, or just stretch my legs in the park—all without getting into a car. That sense of freedom in a major Latin American capital is priceless.
- Convenience – Bella Vista has clinics, dentist offices, gyms, schools, restaurants, and bars all within a few blocks. A Metro stop was just minutes away, which meant the rest of the city was easily accessible.
- Social energy – This area has a buzz about it. Zumba classes in the park, friends gathered on the terrace of a brewpub, young professionals walking their dogs… it’s a microcosm of Panama City’s diversity and energy.
When I returned to Panama this past June for the International Property Summit, I made a point to revisit Bella Vista and was happy to see that the buzz is still alive. It may have even grown.
This makes the timing of this real estate project in the heart of this neighborhood even more exciting…
A Renovation Project Tailored For Digital Nomads And Entrepreneurs
The project I toured isn’t just another pre-construction development on a distant timeline. Instead, it’s a renovation of an existing hotel, located right in my old stomping grounds—at a prime corner near a Metro stop and a beautiful and historic church.
Because it’s a renovation, the timeline from investment to return is much shorter than typical preconstruction condos. The team is converting hotel rooms into stylish, functional apartments designed for both short- and long-term rentals.
These units are aimed at digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and young professionals—the crowd that Bella Vista naturally attracts.
Why Now Is The Right Time
Over the past few years, the number of digital nomads in Panama City has exploded. Remote work, better internet, and global mobility mean more people are choosing to work from places they love.
Panama City—and Bella Vista in particular—checks every box for this lifestyle:
- Reliable, high-speed internet
- Affordable cost of living compared to other global cities
- Year-round warm weather
- Cultural attractions and nightlife
- A growing network of co-working spaces
The developers of this project know their market. They’re building not just apartments but a community, with plans for networking mixers, yoga classes, and more. This is exactly the kind of environment today’s mobile professionals are looking for.
What You Get
The apartments will be turn-key, fully furnished with kitchens equipped with modern appliances and clever space-saving designs. On the rooftop, residents will enjoy a pool and lounge with panoramic city views.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Units start at just a little over $100k (including furniture and appliances).
- The investment is fully managed by the hotel, making it a hands-off, passive-income opportunity.
- Owners benefit from a rare license for short-term rentals, a highly coveted advantage in Panama City.
This opportunity is projecting a 10%+ annual ROI. Given the location and the market trends, appreciation is also highly likely.
Why You Don’t Want to Wait
Properties like this don’t come along often in Panama City. Between the price point, the license for short-term rentals, and the strength of the location, demand is expected to be high.
That’s why we’re hosting a special webinar on Sept. 30, where you can get all the details directly from the developers. They’ll share floor plans, photos, financing and payment options, and answer all your questions.
If you’re serious about getting into one of the most exciting property markets in the Americas—and at a price point that won’t last—you need to be there.
To smooth travels and successful property buys,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Property Alert