The face of international real estate investment is changing, and increasingly, it’s female. Women are purchasing properties abroad independently at growing rates, challenging traditional assumptions about who ventures into cross-border real estate transactions. Panama has emerged as a particularly welcoming market for solo female investors seeking portfolio diversification and lifestyle options.

Ashley Luther, partner at CHORD Real Estate, has witnessed this trend firsthand through her work connecting American investors with Panama opportunities. Her observations reveal a shift that real estate professionals should understand as international investment moves from niche to mainstream strategy.

Breaking the Intimidation Barrier

International real estate investment carries perceived barriers that historically deterred many potential investors, particularly women making independent financial decisions. Concerns about safety, language barriers, unfamiliar legal systems, and cultural differences create psychological obstacles even when financial capacity exists.

Luther emphasizes the importance of addressing these concerns directly rather than dismissing them. “I think women are well respected in Panama in particular, and you see a lot of women in business there,” she notes, pointing to on-the-ground realities that contrast with assumptions many American women hold about Latin American business environments.

During her multiple visits to Panama, Luther met at least three women who had moved to or invested in Panama independently. “Maybe now they’ve found somebody there or whatever, but I think that just speaks to what a safe environment and a safe investment Panama can be,” she observes.

The Safety Question

Safety consistently ranks as the top concern for women considering international investment, often more prominently than for male investors. Luther’s personal experiences in Panama directly address these fears with concrete examples rather than empty reassurances.

“I go out in the mornings while Steve (my husband) is still sleeping, running. I’ll run all the way from Old Town all the way to Punta Pacifica and back and never had any issue,” Luther shares. “I’ll go out and get coffee, go to the grocery, go to the pharmacy. I’ve never felt unsafe in any area of Panama that we’ve been in.”

This practical, lived experience carries more weight than statistics for women evaluating whether international investment makes sense for their circumstances. 

Financial Independence Through Real Estate

Women are investing in real estate independently at increasing rates domestically, and that trend is extending internationally. The motivations vary: diversifying portfolios built through careers or businesses, securing retirement options with more favorable cost structures, creating vacation properties for personal use, or establishing plan B residency options in uncertain times.

Luther positions international investment as an empowering option rather than a risky venture. The key lies in providing thorough information and vetted resources that allow women to make confident decisions based on facts rather than fears.

Why Panama Works for Independent Investors

Several Panama-specific factors make it particularly accessible for solo female investors. The business environment includes substantial female representation in professional roles, creating a comfort level often absent in other international markets. English prevalence in business contexts eliminates language barriers that might complicate transactions elsewhere.

The U.S. dollar serves as currency, removing exchange rate complexity and calculation challenges. Central Standard Time alignment enables real-time communication without the complications of significant time zone differences. Modern infrastructure including reliable internet, contemporary healthcare facilities, and established expat communities provides familiarity and support networks.

Practical Considerations

Luther recommends that women considering international investment start with thorough research and connect with others who have made similar moves. The existence of established expat communities provides both information sources and potential support networks for those considering relocation alongside investment.

She also emphasizes the value of visiting before investing, experiencing daily life realities rather than relying solely on research. Walking neighborhoods at different times of day, using local transportation, visiting grocery stores and pharmacies, and observing how locals interact provides an intuitive comfort level assessment that spreadsheets cannot capture.

Working with established partners who have vetted local professionals for legal work, property management, and real estate transactions eliminates much of the trust-building burden that can feel particularly daunting for solo investors in unfamiliar markets.

Investment Rationale Beyond Gender

While acknowledging the specific concerns women often bring to international investment decisions, Luther emphasizes that the fundamental investment thesis applies equally across genders. Portfolio diversification, favorable cost structures, residency optionality, and lifestyle enhancement represent solid rationales regardless of investor gender.

“Whether you’re looking for a vacation option or whether it’s for a plan B or whether it’s just, hey, I’ve got plenty of investments here in the U.S. and maybe they’re only producing marginal returns, let me look at something internationally with huge potential for capital appreciation,” Luther explains.

The growth in solo female international real estate investors reflects women’s increasing financial independence and willingness to pursue opportunities that previous generations might have considered beyond their reach. Panama’s welcoming environment for these investors positions it well as international real estate investment continues gaining mainstream acceptance.

Real estate professionals working with female clients should recognize that international opportunities deserve discussion alongside domestic options, with concrete information addressing legitimate concerns rather than assumptions about risk tolerance or capability.

Ashley Luther is a partner at CHORD Real Estate. CHORD hosts its Invest Panama Summit May 28-30, 2026, in Panama City. Information: chordrealestate.com/investpanamasummit or RSVP@CHORDrealestate.com.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee any specific investment results. Past performance is not indicative of future outcomes. Investment decisions should be made based on individual research, risk tolerance, and consultation with qualified professionals.