Residential Mortgages in Panama

Right now, Panama’s mortgage market is very favorable to consumers. 29 banks are offering preferential interest rates, up to 98% 30 year financing, waiving commissions and free appraisals.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010


©image: Photoxpress

A new real estate wave is bringing the market back to life, although without the same strength in all areas. The neighborhoods of San Francisco and Bellavista are currently seeing the most growth in construction.

Martesfinanciero.com analyzed this market and considers that all signs are positive: “banks are willing to lend, developers are ready to supply and there is enough demand from qualified consumers”.

Other factors contributing to a favorable future for the sector include $10 million subsidies from the government for home ownership, improvements in legislation and lack of limitations for foreigners to own land or real estate.

More on this topic

Growth in Supply of Housing Loans in Costa Rica

August 2010

The banking system has increased its range of mortgage credits with terms of up to 30 years in both dollars and colones, the local currency.

The Costa Rican banking system's housing credit portfolio makes up 31% of 31% of all non-financial private sector loans, measured in colones. As of May year on year sector growth stood at 3.71%, according to the Central Bank.

Panama: $170 Million for Mortgage Loans

September 2010

During this year, the "Caja de Ahorros" (CA) aims to place $170 million in Mortgage Loans.

By the end of August $73,2 million have already been lent and the goal is to double this amount, pointed Rodrigo Arosemena, General Manager of this organization.

Arosemena commented to Panamá América that "...we will focus on promoting savings and we will increase mortgages, mainly those with preferential interest or under $30 thousand."

Housing Applications Fall 25% in Guatemala

March 2009

Applications for housing from the Institute for the Promotion of Insured Mortgages (FHA) decreased by 25% in 2008.

Guido Rodas, manager of the FHA, told La Prensa Libre that the decline in lending growth to the private sector caused the drop in demand for housing.

In his own words: "In 2007, there was a boom in lending growth, but it was not sustainable in 2008"

Boost to Middle Class Housing in Panama

January 2012

President Martinelli announced that the maximum value for a property to be considered for the preferential interest rate will be increased to $120,000.

The measure must be passed in the National Assembly by amending the act, which is expected to happened very quickly.

A current limit of $80,000 has been established as the maximum value of homes that can be financed under the law, which allegedly has led to low-quality housing solutions being built to keep costs within that range.


Industrial Water Treatment Plants

Wastewater and Wastewater Recycle/Reuse Plants for many types of industries.
UEM’s Anaerobic Digester systems offer quick returns...

Stock Indexes

(Feb 7)
Dow Jones
0.26%
S&P 500
0.20%
Nasdaq
0.07%

Commodities

(Feb 7)
Brent Crude Oil
115.66
Coffee "C"
222.5
Gold
1,746
Silver
34.145