How Mid-Term Rentals Are Transforming the Panama Housing Market

December 2024 – Snowbirds in Canada and Europe peer out of frosted windows. American retirees glance at skyrocketing bills. Digital nomads scour “Best Cities to Live” lists. Others simply search for an escape from grim news headlines.

For all of them, Panama emerges as the perfect destination. With its year-round tropical weather, high rankings on global “best places to live” lists, and status as the safest country in the region, Panama is hard to beat.

As an airline hub, Panama offers convenient flights, making it easy to get here. But finding a monthly rental? That’s where things get tricky.

Why Is It Hard to Find Mid-Term Rentals in Panama?

If you’re looking for a furnished place to rent for a few months, you might think of starting with platforms like Airbnb. However, Airbnb isn’t built for mid-term stays. Its core model revolves around short stays (2–7 days), which means it prioritizes open calendars. Even if you find a place, chances are someone has booked it for at least one night during your desired timeframe, ruining your extended-stay plans.

You might also discover that renting for less than 45 days in Panama City is illegal without a special license.

Next, you might turn to real estate portals or agents. But here’s the problem: there’s not enough commission in mid-term rentals to interest most agents. Unless they can tack on a hefty commission (up to 25%), they often won’t bother with rentals under six months.

Lastly, you might consider contacting landlords directly through platforms like Encuentra24. But landlords accustomed to long-term leases often find monthly rentals too short to justify the hassle. Many don’t know how to navigate this niche market.

So, what’s the solution?

New Marketplace for Mid-Term Rentals in Panama

A new platform is reshaping how you find furnished rentals for one month or more in Panama. Flat.com.pa brings together listings from hotels, apart-hotels, agencies, and private landlords, creating a seamless and user-friendly experience for renters seeking mid-term accommodations.

Flat leverages modern AI technologies to enhance its services:

   •       AI detects facilities and amenities within listings, ensuring accurate property descriptions.

   •       It generates optimal photo angles for every space.

   •       AI even organizes images in the perfect sequence, providing a smooth and intuitive browsing experience.


Designed specifically for mid-term stays, Flat.com.pa offers:

   •       High-quality, furnished rentals starting from one month.

   •       Listings vetted for quality, with professional photos, virtual tours, and even drone videos.

   •       Detailed building information to help renters research neighborhoods and amenities.

Currently, the platform offers 300+ units across 100 buildings, focusing on Panama City and popular Pacific Coast destinations like Coronado, San Carlos, Punta Chame, Buenaventura, and Playa Venao.

How to Succeed with Mid-Term Rental Listings

If you’re tired of the short-term bubble or looking for higher returns than long-term leases provide, mid-term rentals may be your best option.

Flat.com.pa reports an average stay of three months, with many clients extending their leases. The platform attracts reliable, professional tenants—retirees, expats, and digital nomads.

The Secret to Mid-Term Rental Success

The key to thriving in this market is ensuring your listing reflects “what I see is what I get.”

Short-term renters might overlook outdated photos. Long-term renters usually visit in person before signing. But mid-term renters? They demand up-to-date, realistic listings that provide confidence to book without a visit. That’s where Flat shines.

Using advanced 360-degree virtual tours powered by Matterport technology, Flat.com.pa ensures renters see every detail of the apartment. This transparency leads to 95% of clients booking without a visit, saving time and money for everyone.

List Your Apartment Today

If you have a furnished apartment you’d like to rent out, Flat.com.pa is the best platform to connect with high-quality tenants. You can join the flat here.