Panama property due diligence
Buying property in Panama? We're building the same plain-English risk report we run for Costa Rica — covering the Registro Público, titled vs. ROP land, and four other checks. Not open for orders yet — register your interest and we'll email you when it is.
What we'll check in Panama
Six areas, checked against the actual documents and registry Panama uses — including the titled-vs-ROP distinction that catches most first-time buyers off guard.
Survey / Cadastral Plan
Does the registered cadastral survey match what you are being sold? We check boundaries, area, and registration status against Panama's national cadastre.
Title Search / Registro Público
We search the Registro Público for the Escritura and Finca number to confirm who really owns the property — and whether it's fully titled or held as Rights of Possession (ROP), which carries materially more risk.
Zoning & Concessions
Can you actually build or operate what you plan to? Coastal land in Panama is often held on state concession rather than private title, so we check what right you'd actually be acquiring.
Sale Contract
We review the purchase agreement (Contrato de Compraventa) for unusual clauses, missing protections, and terms that shift risk onto you.
Outstanding Debts / Paz y Salvo
Unpaid property taxes or municipal fees can transfer with the property. We check the Paz y Salvo clearance before you buy.
Environmental & Coastal Restrictions
Maritime zones, protected forest, and coastal setbacks can make land unbuildable. We flag anything that applies.
One clear answer
Every report ends with a single overall rating, so you always know where you stand.
Proceed with confidence
The documents are consistent and we found no significant issues. Normal closing precautions still apply.
Proceed with care
We found items that need clarification or fixing before you commit — usually resolvable, but don't sign until they are.
Stop and investigate
We found serious problems — ownership conflicts, unbuildable land, or missing critical documents. Do not proceed without professional help.
Panama coverage is coming soon
Panama’s property system is different enough from Costa Rica’s — the Registro Público and finca numbers instead of Folio Real, and a meaningful amount of land held under derecho posesorio rather than full title — that we want to get our analysis right before offering it. We’re not taking Panama orders yet.