6. The Medical Tourism Boom
Panama is becoming a hub for medical tourism. If you’re not familiar with the term, medical tourism is when people travel to another country to get medical treatments. Not only are most procedures less expensive, but you can also get the surgery scheduled much faster. It’s a growing trend, especially for those looking to combine healthcare with a little vacation.
But why is medical tourism so popular in Panama? Bottom line…the cost. When comparing the cost of a face lift in the US to the same procedure in Panama, the cost is shockingly different. In the U.S., the AVERAGE cost for a face lift is over 16 thousand dollars, although it can cost as much as $40,000 depending on where you live.
In contrast, Panama offers more affordable options for cosmetic surgery. A facelift in Panama can cost around $2,500 to $5,000, providing a cost-effective alternative. Since many of the doctors in Panama are trained in the US, you’re getting apples-to-apples care ….for a fraction of the cost.
But medical tourism is not just about face lifts and boob jobs. A friend of mine from the US needed about a hundred thousand dollars worth of dental work. He came to Panama and had the same dental work done here…and paid about 20 thousand dollars. That’s a savings of 80 thousand dollars.
5. The Medical Tourism Hotspot of Costa del Este
Because of the huge savings, people from around the world are coming to Panama for high-quality, affordable medical procedures—and guess what…they need a place to stay! Costa del Este is a neighborhood in Panama City that is home to tens of thousands of international expats as well as over 120 multinational companies, such as Proctor & Gamble, Nestle, L’oreal and Samsung.
This sleek new area is also a hub for medical tourism, as it’s perfectly positioned near hospitals—specifically the Johns Hopkins affiliated hospital Pacifica Salud. This makes Costa del Este a hub for short-term and mid-term rentals, both from the multinational companies as well as medical tourism. If you invest here, you’ll be tapping into a growing demand that’s not slowing down anytime soon.
4. Special License for Short-Term Rentals
Like many other cities around the world, Panama City has a law that bans short term rentals under 45 days. However, there are 2 new projects in Costa del Este--Arcadia and Generation Tower—that have a special license that legally allows short-term Airbnb-style rentals. This is a game-changer for investors. There is no need to worry about legal restrictions; these properties are built for flexibility. Whether you’re catering to medical tourists, vacationers, or long-term renters, you’re all set.
3. Arcadia: Move-In Ready Luxury
If you want to invest in a property that’s ready to go right now, Arcadia opened in late 2024, which means it’s already built and waiting for you. The apartments that are available range from 750 to 818 square feet. They come fully furnished and are rental ready. Prices at Arcadia start at around $300,000, but the perks are clear. You can start generating rental income immediately. With Costa del Este’s reputation for high-end living, you’ll attract premium tenants and travelers. It really is an investor’s dream. There are only a few apartments left, so if this option tickles your fancy, contact us right away to learn more.
2. Generation Tower: Affordable and Future-Focused
Generation Tower is the new kid on the block, set to be ready in 2027. The apartments are slightly smaller, and prices start at just $217,000, making it an affordable entry point into this lucrative market. Imagine owning a brand-new condo in a prime area designed for short-term rentals.
Plus, buying now means you can lock in pre-construction prices and watch your investment grow as the area continues to develop. The other great thing about Generation Tower is that you pay in stages. For example, here’s how it could be structured if you buy in 2025.
You pay 15% of the purchase price when you sign the contract. One year later, you pay another 10%, and in 2 years, you pay another 15%. When the building is finished and it’s time to take possession, you can either pay the remaining 60%... or you can finance the balance through the developer for up to 5 years. The best part about using developer financing is that the property is the collateral, so you don’t need to provide financial statements to get financing. You just ask for it. Easy peezy.
1. High ROI Potential
Let’s talk numbers. The expected Return-on-investment for both Arcadia and Generation Tower is between 8 to 10%. This number isn’t a guess; it’s based on similar properties and hotels in the area. That’s not just good—it’s GREAT for real estate investments, especially for those who want to diversify their portfolio in a stable area with high appreciation potential.
With steady demand from medical tourism and short-term rentals, your condo could become a reliable source of passive income.
As a fully licensed, bonded and insured real estate company, we at Choose Panama can help you find the best investment that’s right for you. Go to ChoosePanama.com and click on “Contact” in the top navigation bar. We’ll set-up a call and talk you through the pros and cons of each option.
Closing
If you’re looking for a smart, high-return investment in a booming market, these condos in Costa del Este are calling your name. Whether you choose Arcadia for instant income or Generation Tower for future growth, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Ready to learn more? Drop your questions in the comments or reach out directly—I’d love to help you make your investment dreams come true!
See you in Panama!