MOA by BNB Italia: Panama's First Fully Branded Luxury Residence Redefines City Living

If you've been looking at Panama real estate, you've probably seen plenty of cookie-cutter developments. MOA is different. This isn't just a building with B&B Italia furniture in the lobby. We're talking about the Italian design house's signature aesthetic woven into every single unit - from the drop ceiling lighting (which isn't typical for Panama developers) to the Miele German appliances that basically invented modern washing and drying technology, to kitchens by Clinia, another B&B Italia brand that's been crafting premium kitchens for over 100 years. According to Alfredo, VP of Sales, this is Panama's first fully branded residence and only the second B&B Italia residential project globally. That means you're not just buying an apartment in Panama - you're buying into a lifestyle curated by one of the world's most prestigious furniture and design houses. The countertops alone use Inalco mineral stone with more than 50% recycled materials, so you're getting sustainability wrapped up with luxury.

Let's talk numbers because this is what actually matters when you're considering a move or investment. Entry-level units start at around $330,000 for 69 square meter spaces. These come as one, two, or three bedroom options, all delivered completely finished with all the high-end appliances and finishes we mentioned. You're not getting white walls and electrical outlets - you're getting a move-in-ready luxury apartment. For those wanting something more substantial, MOA offers mid-range units with outdoor terraces totaling around 200 square meters (that's roughly 2,150 square feet of total living space including the terrace). These three-bedroom options with those killer terraces run around $680,000. The project launched Towers 100 and 200 just six months before this video, and it's already more than 50% sold - making it one of the fastest-selling luxury projects the developer has launched in recent years. In 2025, they're releasing Tower 300, which will feature double-floor penthouses, so if you want something at the absolute top of the market, that's coming soon. The developer is offering pre-sales pricing for the next 15 to 20 days before construction kicks into high gear, so if you're serious, now is the time to move.

Here's something most real estate articles miss - location isn't just about the building, it's about the neighborhood becoming something bigger. MOA sits right next to the Soho Mall, directly across from the iconic Tornado Building that locals use as a landmark. But what makes this location special is that Avenida Balboa is transforming into what developers and urban planners are calling Panama City's new downtown. Historically, Avenida Balboa was where many of Panama's founding families were born and built their lives. The neighborhood is experiencing major revitalization. Around the project, you've got an incoming Caja Bank location (a major multinational bank), over 12 paddle courts, a 1,500 square meter gym called Soho, and a vibrant restaurant scene that keeps growing. If you know major cities worldwide, you know that upscale development is moving back to city centers. This is happening in Panama right now, and MOA is positioned at the epicenter of that transformation. You can walk to premium dining, shopping, and fitness, or jump to nearby islands for beach time or head to mountains for adventure - all within minutes.

Panama isn't some hidden secret anymore - it's become a legitimate destination for expats, retirees, and real estate investors. The country offers several compelling advantages. First, there's the healthcare factor. Johns Hopkins, one of the world's most prestigious medical institutions, has an affiliate hospital minutes from the city center. For expats considering retirement or long-term relocation, knowing world-class healthcare is accessible is huge. The international school system is robust with top-tier options that cater to expat families. Economically, Panama offers residency options for investors and retirees that make it easier to establish roots than many countries. The lifestyle is genuinely vibrant - you've got a first-class restaurant scene (we're talking truly sophisticated dining, not just tourist food), beautiful Caribbean islands with white sand beaches, mountain adventures, and a cosmopolitan city that's constantly evolving. Plus, there's something about living in a place where you can conduct business in English, access world-class services, enjoy tropical weather year-round, and build real estate wealth that just makes sense for a certain type of person. The currency is USD, so there's no currency exchange risk. The tax system is territorial, meaning expats typically only pay taxes on Panama-sourced income.

One thing that separates MOA from standard residential projects is the full-service residential operating model. Think of it like a hotel experience integrated into apartment living. Some services come a la carte, others are on-demand. This means you could have concierge services, housekeeping, dining services, and other amenities usually found in luxury hotels, available right in your residence or building. This model appeals heavily to expats coming from major cities who are used to convenience and service. You get the autonomy and space of owning your own unit, but with the support infrastructure of a luxury hotel. It's a sweet spot for people who don't want to manage a property themselves but want ownership and privacy.

If you care about environmental impact - and increasingly, serious investors do - MOA incorporates thoughtful material choices. The Inalco countertops use over 50% recycled minerals, reducing environmental impact without compromising on the luxury aesthetic. The kitchen brand Clinia, part of the B&B Italia family, brings decades of design expertise and presumably sustainable manufacturing practices. Miele appliances, while premium, are engineered for longevity, which actually reduces waste over time since you're not replacing cheap appliances every few years. These might seem like small details, but they matter for the kind of clientele attracted to MOA - people who want their luxury to come with values attached.

Buying real estate in a foreign country can feel overwhelming. DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation is a licensed and bonded real estate company (PJ-1430-2023) with deep expertise in helping expats do exactly this. The team includes Austin Hess as COO and lead relocation specialist, Nalini Navarro Guardia as President and Legal Director, and Adam Phillips as Content Director. They have agents throughout the country - over 140 affiliate agents total - meaning they can help you find properties anywhere in Panama, not just in Panama City. They have physical offices in two locations: inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel at Level P (right by the pool) and at the Hilton Hotel on Avenida Balboa. If you're already in Panama, you can walk in Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. If you're still evaluating whether Panama is right for you, they offer a free 23-question relocation survey that takes about 3-5 minutes. After you complete it, their team will reach out with information and set up a complimentary 30-minute Zoom call with Nalini herself. This is valuable because relocation decisions are personal - they're not just about real estate, they're about lifestyle, taxes, healthcare, schools, weather preferences, and a hundred other factors. Having someone help you think through your specific situation beats trying to piece together random blog articles.

Here's the time-sensitive part. MOA is in pre-sales, which typically means you get better pricing before construction officially begins and before the general market launch. According to Alfredo, they're offering pre-sales pricing for the next 15 to 20 days, after which they're starting construction at any moment. Once construction is underway, pricing adjusts upward. Towers 100 and 200 were already more than 50% sold at the time of this video, demonstrating strong market appetite. If you're interested in getting in on a potentially appreciating asset in Panama's hottest neighborhood before the general public launch, this is the window. The project should have significant appreciation potential given the neighborhood transformation happening in Avenida Balboa.