The Invest Panama Summit, held May 28-30, 2026, in Panama City, brought together twelve American investors to tour five major development zones. The event revealed that investors are not following a single strategy but are instead drawn to different types of properties based on their individual priorities. Gated residential communities, beachfront developments, and urban revitalization projects each appealed to distinct investor profiles, suggesting that Panama's real estate market serves a broad range of motivations.
Steve Luther, partner at CHORD Real Estate, which organized the summit, noted that attendees gravitated toward different projects. "We had people kind of zeroing in on different projects that spoke to them," Luther said. "But they all in general loved everything." The diversity of interest underscores the market's ability to cater to varying investor needs, from those seeking resort-style living in communities like Santa Maria and Bosco to those focused on coastal scarcity at Playa Caracol and Amador Causeway.
The summit emphasized the importance of in-person relationships in international real estate investment. Investors met with agents, developers, attorneys, and property managers, building trust that remote research alone cannot provide. Luther stressed, "I don't suggest wiring a bunch of money from a Zoom call. Shake hands, meet the people, get a comfort level, build that trust." This approach reflects how sophisticated investors make international decisions: gathering information remotely but requiring in-person verification before committing capital.
Panama City's infrastructure also impressed attendees, who found the modern high-rises, multinational corporate presence, global banking operations, and contemporary retail comparable to cosmopolitan centers rather than typical emerging markets. This infrastructure not only facilitates investment feasibility but also enhances lifestyle appeal for those considering relocation.
The success of the summit has prompted CHORD to consider additional events, potentially in September or early next year. However, the logistical constraint of maintaining a small cohort—twelve investors—ensures the personalized tours and direct professional access remain valuable. Several attendees entered serious contract discussions, and interest in future events is growing, indicating that direct exposure to Panama's market is accelerating its discovery phase among American investors.
The implications of the summit are significant: Panama's real estate development pipeline appeals across investor demographics simultaneously. Rather than relying on a single niche, the country offers multiple parallel opportunities, from gated communities to beachfront and urban redevelopment. This diversification suggests market depth beyond initial hype and positions Panama as a mature destination for international real estate investment. For more information, visit CHORD Real Estate's international page.
