The Panama City Beach condo prices rose a healthy 2.3% the first half of this year compared to 2016. Despite the price increases, volume is up 29% compared to the same period last year. All signs point to a very healthy market.

If you are looking for a Panama City Beach condo, loan options may be different than you would expect for a secondary residence. I have written the following article, Condominium loans in Panama City Beach, to explain why. The article's main point is that qualified buyers who put at least 20% down can get a 5-year ARM or a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage. As of February 2017, qualified buyers can expect to get a 5 year arm amortized over 30 years with a rate of roughly 4.5%.

Update: July 2017:  Normal condo loans are available at Calypso again.

In October 2016 Calypso was added to the no lend list for the banks that finance condos in Panama City Beach. One of the considerations for providing normal condo loans to gulf front condominiums in Panama City Beach is pending litigation.  Any litigation banks feel could severely impact a condominium association can cause condominiums to be added to this list.  In October of 2016 the bank that buys the majority of the Panama City Beach condo loans on the secondary market added Calypso to this list.

Tax reports from the TDC (Tourist Development Council) showed a 40% decrease in March tax revenue for 2016 compared to the prior year. Hotels and rental management companies are forecasting even lighter spring break traffic this year. What was previously considered a peak rental month is now another quiet rental month for many condo owners in Panama City Beach.

This is a very touchy issue in Panama City Beach.  I just thought it would be helpful to present the data for condo owners.

The Panama City Tourist Development Council has voted to recommend the Weeks Marine company be awarded the beach renourishment project. On January 4, the council voted to approve the company for the project and increase the project budget to $17 million, up from $12 million. The final vote will be held by the Bay County Commission.

The project will add 900,000 cubic yards of sand to four beachfront areas, including Pinnacle Port, the Calypso condominium to the Tidewater Beach Resort area, Treasure Island Resort Condominiums, and the County Pier/Chateau Motel area. Work is expected to begin early in the spring with a projected May 1 completion date.

A look back at 2016 condo sales in Panama City Beach

The 2016 Panama City Beach condo market was a bit of a mixed bag. The average sales price per square foot for condos built in the area after 2001 are down less than 1% from last year. This year saw some floor plans increase in price while others were flat or fell lower. There is still a healthy demand for condos as the area continues to improve and mature. Strict financing requirements are providing a healthy market free from speculators and flippers.