Your property in Panama, in good hands while you live abroad

Frequently asked questions

How much does Vaca Group charge to manage my property?

Our management fee is 9% to 10% of the monthly rent actually collected, with a $100/month minimum per property, depending on the property type and level of service. We only charge on what comes in: if no rent is collected in a given month, no management fee is due. Finding a new tenant is quoted separately as a one-time placement fee, and we confirm it in writing before we start.

Why is there a $100/month minimum fee?

The $100/month minimum covers the fixed cost of managing a property properly when 9%–10% of the rent doesn't reach it: at a 9% fee, it applies to rents below about $1,110 a month. Managing a unit takes the same baseline work regardless of the rent — collection, paying fees and utilities, inspections, maintenance coordination, and a bilingual monthly report — and we don't lower that standard because a rent is low. The minimum is confirmed in writing before we sign, along with the rest of the terms.

What exactly does the management service include?

It includes tenant sourcing and screening, lease signing and handling, monthly rent collection, a clear monthly statement, coordination of maintenance and repairs, periodic inspections, and acting as the point of contact with the tenant and the building administration. With your authorization, we also pay HOA (PH) fees and utilities on your behalf. Major work such as renovations or legal eviction proceedings is handled and quoted separately, always with your approval.

How do I calculate my net rental income as an owner in Panama?

Subtract from the monthly rent collected the management fee (9%–10%, $100/month minimum), the HOA (PH) fee, prorated property tax and insurance, a repairs reserve (~5% of rent), and estimated vacancy (~4%–8% of the year). For example: an apartment renting for $1,500 with a 9.5% fee and a $250 HOA fee nets roughly $930 a month. This page includes an interactive calculator that runs those numbers for your property in real time.

What is the minimum term of the management agreement?

The minimum term is 12 months, aligned with the typical lease cycle in Panama. After the first year it renews automatically, and you can end it with advance notice, which we set out in writing from the start. There is no penalty for leaving once the minimum term is met.

I live abroad. How and when do I receive the rental income?

We transfer to you monthly by bank, after the tenant pays and once our fee and any expenses you have approved are deducted. Payment goes out within a few business days of receiving the rent, together with a statement showing what was collected and deducted. We can deposit to your account in Panama or overseas; on international wires, intermediary-bank charges are on your side and we tell you in advance.

If something breaks, who approves the repair and is there a spending limit?

We agree with you on a cap for minor and urgent repairs (for example, up to USD 150–200) that we can resolve right away so the tenant isn't left without service; that limit is set in the contract. Above that amount we request your written approval, with the quote, before proceeding. In a genuine emergency that threatens the property or safety, we act first and notify you immediately. Every expense appears with its receipt on that month's statement.