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In an era where real-estate buyers and investors increasingly prioritize urban lifestyle and convenience, the value proposition of walkable, mixed-use neighbourhoods has risen sharply. Research shows that pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use developments enhance social interaction, access to services, and even health outcomes. For property investors, these characteristics often translate into stronger demand, premium pricing, and potentially better resale opportunities.

The best-known version of this concept is the “15-minute City,” an idea often discussed among urban planners with very real implications for property investors.

The “15-minute City” references neighborhoods where everything residents need — workplaces, retail, dining, fitness, and green space — are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. For investors, this model isn’t about more than lifestyle; it’s a proven formula for long-term property value, sustainability, and demand.

Fast forward to Panama City, where MOVA by B&B Italia in the Obarrio district is a textbook example of the 15-minute city brought to life. MOVA was intentionally designed around the 15-minute city concept, “creating a complete living experience where design, comfort, and connectivity converge.”

The design-driven development is part of a “super-block” layout that concentrates residential, retail and hospitality amenities, bringing together everything residents need. Like neighborhoods in the best cities of the world, MOVA residents can live and work without the need to battle traffic on a daily basis.

Crucially for investors, the neighbourhood context is undergoing rapid transformation. Across the street from MOVA, the regional headquarters of CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) is under development, anchoring a new mixed-use, public-space–rich environment in Obarrio. The city itself has committed millions of dollars to upgrading public spaces, sidewalks, and pedestrian infrastructure in central Panama City—these are structural upgrades that enhance walkability credentials and long-term value

Interest in MOVA has been high from the start, as buyers recognize the attributes found in so many 15-minute neighborhoods in the top cities of the world. And those attributes have very real implications for investors.

Studies show properties in 15-minute areas tend to outperform in value over time and generate higher rents. Knight Frank’s 2023 Global Cities Report found that walkable, mixed-use areas can generate a price premium of up to 20% compared to car-dependent neighborhoods. A study by the National Association of City Transportation Officials found walkable neighborhoods command “substantial premiums per square foot.”

There are also other, harder-to-measure benefits. Research links walkability to higher well-being and stronger community engagement. Lifestyle factors also drive demand — especially among professionals, young families, and internationally mobile buyers.

Amenity-rich projects like MOVA take full advantage of the 15-minute concept, bringing together residential, on-site retail, and hospitality in walkable settings. The mixed-use development, with a location in the heart of the city, aligns precisely with the market dynamics sweeping cities, creating a new kind of real estate opportunity in Panama City.