The yield map (2026, ranges)
Gross rental yield = annual gross rent ÷ purchase price, before vacancy and costs. Prices are indicative for newer, well-located stock. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
| Area | Profile | Gross yield (range) | Price / m² (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casco Antiguo | Vacation / boutique | 6.5–8% | $3,500–4,200 |
| El Cangrejo | Urban rental | 6.5–8% | $2,000–2,600 |
| Punta Pacífica | Luxury towers | 4.5–6.5% | $2,900–3,700 |
| Costa del Este | Master-planned residential | 5–6.5% | $2,300–2,900 |
| Santa María | Golf & luxury | 5–6% | $3,000–3,800 |
| Coronado | Beach / second home | 4.5–6% | $1,800–2,300 |
| Boquete | Highland / expat | 4–5.5% | $1,600–2,000 |
Indicative ranges compiled from published 2026 market data (see sources). Actual yields depend on the specific unit, furnishing, management and season.
How to read it
Higher headline yields (Casco Antiguo, El Cangrejo) usually come with more work — furnished, short-stay or turnover-heavy tenancies — while the prime towers trade some yield for liquidity, tenant quality and capital preservation. A 6% yield on a stable, dollar-denominated asset in a growing city is strong by global standards; chasing the top of the range often means accepting operational drag or thinner tenant pools. City-wide, published sources put gross yields in the 6.5–9% band, with luxury compressing lower.
Model your deal
Plug in your own price, expected yield, vacancy and costs to see the net picture:
Rental yield & ROI calculator
Indicative only — adjust every field to your own deal. Not financial advice.
When you are ready to pressure-test a specific building's real numbers — not a market average — that is exactly what our buyer advisory does.
Frequently asked questions
Are these yields net or gross?
Gross — annual rent over purchase price, before vacancy, management and maintenance. Use the calculator to estimate net yield after those costs; a common rule of thumb is 8% vacancy and 15–25% operating costs.
Which area has the best returns?
There is no single answer. Casco Antiguo and El Cangrejo tend to show higher gross yields; Punta Pacífica and Costa del Este trade yield for stability and liquidity. The right pick depends on whether you optimise for cash flow or capital preservation.
Can I run a short-term (Airbnb) rental?
Sometimes. Panama City requires a tourism licence for short stays and many towers prohibit rentals under 30 days. Casco Antiguo and Bocas del Toro are the friendliest markets. Always check the building's rules first.
Sources & last updated
Figures reflect published 2026 data and are indicative; laws and market conditions change. Verify specifics with a licensed Panamanian attorney or tax advisor before acting.