The real estate purchase contract with a mortgage is a legal agreement that establishes the conditions and terms under which a real estate transaction is conducted when the property will be financed through a mortgage.
This type of contract is common when a person wants to acquire a property but doesn’t have sufficient financial resources to pay the full amount at the time of purchase. Instead, they turn to a financial institution such as a bank, which provides a mortgage loan to cover part or all of the property’s value.
Advantages of Buying Real Estate with a Mortgage
Access to High-Value Property
Buying a property with a mortgage allows the buyer to acquire a higher-value property without having to pay the full amount in cash immediately. This provides the opportunity to access larger and higher-quality housing options.
Payment Flexibility
By financing the purchase of a property with a mortgage, the buyer can spread the payment of the total amount over monthly installments throughout an agreed-upon period.
Tax Benefits
In Panama, the interest paid on a mortgage can be tax-deductible. This can result in significant tax benefits for the buyer, making the purchase of a property with a mortgage even more attractive from a financial perspective.
Investment Opportunity
Buying a property with a mortgage can also be an excellent investment opportunity. The real estate market in the country has experienced steady growth in recent years, meaning the property could increase in value over time.
Possibility of Obtaining Additional Financing
If the buyer needs additional financing for other projects or investments, having a property with a mortgage can facilitate obtaining additional loans using the property as collateral.
How to Conduct a Real Estate Purchase with a Mortgage in Panama?
The process of a real estate purchase with a mortgage typically involves the following steps:
- Search and Selection of the Property: Search for the property you want to acquire and ensure it meets your needs and expectations.
- Obtaining Financing: Contact financial institutions to secure a mortgage that allows you to finance the purchase of the property. Compare interest rates and conditions offered by different institutions and choose the option that best suits your needs.
- Price and Terms Negotiation: Once you have selected the property and have a clear idea of the financing you can obtain, negotiate the price and terms of the purchase with the seller.
- Drafting the Purchase Contract: Once an agreement is reached with the seller, it’s necessary to draft a purchase contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the transaction. It is advisable to seek the advice of a lawyer specialized in real estate law to ensure the contract complies with all legal provisions and protects your interests.
- Contract Signing and Mortgage Formalization: Once both parties agree to the contract terms, the contract is signed. Subsequently, the mortgage is formalized with the chosen financial institution, where the details and conditions of the loan will be established.
- Registration of the Purchase: The purchase must be recorded in the Public Registry of Panama to have legal validity. This step must be completed within the deadlines established by law and with the required documents.
Key Elements of a Real Estate Purchase Contract with Mortgage
The essential elements to include in a real estate purchase contract with a mortgage are:
- Identification of the Parties: The contract should include detailed identification of both parties, i.e., the buyer and the seller, including their full names, ID or passport numbers, and any other relevant information that accurately identifies them.
- Description of the Property: The contract should provide an accurate description of the property being sold (location, size, registration number, etc.).
- Price and Payment Method: The contract should specify the agreed-upon price for the property and the method of payment. If a mortgage is being used, the financing amount and loan conditions should be specified.
- Mortgage Conditions: The contract should establish the specific conditions of the mortgage (interest rate, loan term, among others).
- Responsibilities and Obligations: Every purchase contract should define the responsibilities and obligations of both the buyer and the seller.
- Special Clauses: Special clauses agreed upon by both parties can be included, such as delivery deadlines, contract termination conditions, and others.
- Signature and Notarization: The contract must be signed by both parties and notarized to have legal validity. It is recommended to have the assistance of a lawyer specialized in real estate law throughout the process.
