Thread: Brits in Panama

Hi all

We are from the midlands in England.

We have visited Panama 3 times in the last 12months 9most recently returning on 11 April 2009). We are kicking ourselves that we didn't take the plunge and buy a property the 1st or 2nd time we visited. We have noticed that prices have risen alot and we are now in danger of being priced out of the market for the type of property we would like. We are now looking at renting in Clayton.

We will be starting a business in Panama. We already have a business in England which has been established for 8 years. Our business in England carries out drain unblocking/repairs and pest control. We were considering this as a business option in Panama. However, since travelling back and forth over the past year it struck us that there are lots and lots of windows and the only windows we ever see getting washed are the ones on my rental car. (whenever I stop in traffic someone is gladly wanting to wash my windscreen) We have never seen them being cleaned at hotels and the skyscrapper banks etc. Are we not looking hard enough or do they just not clean the windows on the buildings in the city?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated because at the minute we are setting ourselves up to come to Panama to clean windows the european way (abseiling, but would prefer to keep my feet on the ground).

We want to rent in Clayton whilst we see how things develop......window cleaning, pest control and drain unblocking, does anyone on here think we have a viablebusiness model, offering these services sucsesfully.

We have everything is in place in Panama, bank accounts, company formation etc. The next step will be to go to freezone and purchase equipment.

We are also eager to meet other expats that are willing to meet with us. My name is Lance 34 my partner Penelope is 31 and our daughter Olivia is 11.

We will be back over to Panama in May for around 3 weeks.

Thank you

This is not to say your idea won't work, but a) I have seen people cleaning the outside windows on high-rises -- usually hotels -- and b) there are window-cleaning services in Panama. (Google "limpiar ventanas panama -fl -florida" <without the quotes> to get an idea.)

The main obstacle, I think, is two-part cultural:

First, Panamanians don't take obsessive care in their exterior surroundings like European-based cultures. E.g., you don't see manicured lawns and gardens except among the super-rich and the ex-pats in Boquete. So, I think it will be hard to convince those high-rise owners that their windows need to be cleaned; after all, the rains will come soon. And in the meantime, (he says), if I had any extra money, I'd spend it on something immediate that the tenants are screaming about: The broken elevator/security cam/whatever, the laid-off security guard, the missing manhole cover on the sidewalk outside, etc.

Second, all business in Panama is based on relationships. You will never get that contract to clean a building's windows as long as the owner is friends with (or is related to) anyone else in the business. So, networking here is really important -- and some of those networks are hard to break into, short of marriage.

Again, I don't mean this to say you've got no chance -- only that you will have hurdles.
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I dont think you will find yourself priced out of the market in real estate. I have already seen prices coming down. The biggest concern for you will probably be what you get for your home and business in UK and the exchange rate with the dollar. I have noticed that makes far more of a difference than anything else. If you decide to take the plunge and move, make sure you use a Forex company to change your £s to $s. By comparison, your bank will rob you. If you need a recommendation for a UK based Forex company that I have used on several occasions then send me a private message and i will give your their address, website and a contact name. They work in conjunction with Lloyds, so you can get a reference if you need one.

I dont know about the business idea. But starting a business and employing panamanians should get you a visa. And there are a lot of high rises in panama city and if the price is right i am sure visiting every high rise in panama city will bring up some results, and maybe bribery also helps :-D

Hi

I'm a brit, now living in Panama after 31 years in Costa Rica.

There are many good housing projects around. I'm almost ready to close a deal on a house.

Take a look at this website: www.mariabonitapanama.com

This is a real nice place, with swimming pools and social area. Houses range from $90,000.00 upwards

I'm 58 and live with a really lovely Panamanian lady.

If I can help, let me know

I'm with Zog when it comes to real estate. Not sure if I would be rushing to buy something?

I personally see little to no benefit in buying vs renting right now.

just buy dirt , no need to buy houses ,