More about INVESTING in Casco Viejo - What you need to know
Investing in Casco Viejo Panama: Short-Term Rental ROI & Real Estate Guide
We promised you even more info about what you need to know if you buy in Casco Viejo.
Here it is:
🔧 Renovation + Restoration = Big ROI
Casco’s beauty is in its historical charm, but that comes with quirks—think wood beams, 200-year-old stone, and antique doors. Restoring a property here means:
Hiring architects licensed in historic conservation
Working with the Oficina del Casco Antiguo (OCA) for permits
Respecting architectural integrity while updating utilities and finishes
✅ The upside? Properties that are tastefully restored command top-tier nightly rates and retain long-term value.
📊 Real ROI Case Study
Here’s a real-world example from a recent Casco Viejo investor:
Purchase Price: $390,000 (renovated 2BR)
Furnishing & Setup: $15,000
Average Nightly Rate: $225
Occupancy: 75%
Gross Monthly Income: ~$5,000
Annual ROI (net after management & fees): 7%–9%
💥 And that doesn’t include property appreciation—many Casco homes appreciate 5–10% annually due to rising demand and limited supply.
🧑💼 Property Management: Go Local, Go Pro
Unless you plan on living in Panama full-time, you’ll want a solid property management company that specializes in short-term rentals.
What to look for:
Bilingual (English/Spanish) team
Deep knowledge of Casco’s licensing and HOA rules
Experience with guest turnover, maintenance, and 5-star reviews
Concierge-level service to justify higher nightly rates
Fees typically range from 20%–30% of gross rental income, but it’s worth every penny for peace of mind and high occupancy.
🧭 Best Streets & Zones for Investing in Casco
Here are a few investor-friendly pockets within Casco:
Calle 9 & 10 – Popular with Airbnb guests, walkable, and photogenic
Calle San Felipe – Near Plaza Catedral and high foot traffic
Calle 1ra (First Street) – Ocean views and close to the Cinta Costera
Around American Trade Hotel – Prime boutique vibes and premium rates
Stick to areas with high pedestrian traffic and proximity to nightlife, cafés, and tourist hotspots.
🙋♂️ FAQs About Investing in Casco Viejo for Short-Term Rentals
Is Airbnb legal in Casco Viejo?
Yes, in designated zones/buildings with proper tourism licenses.
Can foreigners own property in Casco Viejo?
Absolutely. Foreigners have the same property rights as locals.
What’s the biggest challenge?
Navigating permits and historic preservation rules. But with a local team, it's manageable.
Is it safe to invest in Panama?
Yes—Panama has a stable economy, uses the U.S. dollar, and offers foreigner-friendly property laws.
What’s the best time to buy?
Now. Inventory is tight, and prices are climbing as tourism rebounds and investment heats up.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Casco Viejo Is a Short-Term Rental Dream
Casco Viejo offers something few neighborhoods can: old-world charm, cultural buzz, and cash-flow potential. If you’re looking to invest in a short-term rental with high ROI, legal security, and long-term appreciation, this historic district is a standout.
With smart planning and the right team, you can own a profitable slice of Panama’s most iconic neighborhood—and give travelers the kind of stay they’ll rave about.
🔗 Bonus Resources
Casco Viejo Tourism
Airbnb Legal Guide for Panama
OCA Historic Regulations
Talk to us if you are interested in buying & investing in Casco Viejo. See our listings.