Brokers and developers alike yearn for a fondly remembered time when they rolled out of bed, casually pushed a rehashed advert out into a marketplace – breathless in its haste to purchase anything near a beach­ – and watched the sales roll in. They didn’t have to build it, and in some cases, even get the permits. A half decent CGI of a glass and concrete edifice and a few virtual bikini-clad beauties scattered around the concept pool was all it took.

Can it only be 18 months ago...

After decades of being recognised as an established offshore banking centre and freewheeling shipping hub for the Americas, Panama has now become one of the hottest of property hotspots.
In the United States, this tropical Latin American country, a little smaller than Austria, has long been regarded as a great place for an overseas holiday home or investment property. And now British investors are catching on.
Whether you long for a relaxed beach apartment, elegant city house, col...

Panama, boasting the fastest growing tourist section and economy in central America, is now undergoing a major property and economic boom with 30 skyscrapers currently under construction in Panama City, which is now being referred to as the new Manhattan or Dubai. Panama, home to many leading international banks including HSBC, Citibank, Dresden Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia, and Banco Bilboa Viscaya, has a banking district second only to Switzerland.
Panama is well served by the national c...