Lying in the Atlantic Ocean, 650 kilometres west of Senegal, the Cape Verde Islands consist of ten major islands and five islets. Situated off the west coast of Africa, the islands are a mixture of African and Portuguese cultures in a tropical climate.

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Cape Verde Country Profile
Capital City: Praia
Area: 4,030 sq km or 1,556 sq miles
Population: 401, 343
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -1
Country dialling code: 238
Currency: Escudo Caboverdiano (CVEsc)

Cape Verde Climate
The islands of Cape Verde have a near perfect climate with a long dry season from November to July with low humidity - a real draw for those seeking property.  They average 10-12 hours of sunshine a day with an average temperature of 22-27C.

Cape Verde accessibility
Currently flights from the UK arrive via Lisbon, Paris or Amsterdam, although direct flights from the UK are scheduled for the near future.  Flying time from the UK is around five and half hours.

Cape Verde country highlights
The Cape Verde Islands are often compared to the Caribbean, but are closer to the UK and don't have a hurricane season.  The main draws for visitors and property hunters are the stunning sandy white beaches and beautiful, almost lunar, mountainous landscapes.

Permanent move to Cape Verde
UK visitors need a visa in order to visit Cape Verde.  Visas are valid for 180 days after the date of issue and can be granted for a maximum stay of 90 days.  There are rumours that Cape Verde is planning to apply for membership of the EU, which would make it a viable option for anyone considering it as a permanent new home.

Buying property in Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a very up and coming destination as far as overseas property buyers are concerned. Economically the government of Cape Verde is encouraging both inward and foreign investment and has an aggressive growth strategy when it comes to tourism.  While property developers are moving in to meet demands from those people who are interested in buying property in Cape Verde, there are some safeguards in place so that property disasters that have occurred in other countries are not repeated. For example, you can only build two floors and an attic so that there are no high rises, and property under planning permission now has to be 80 metres from the sea.

If you are buying property in Cape Verde, it will be freehold. There is a three per cent property tax to pay when you purchase a property but no tax when you sell.  All property transactions use Portuguese law and any lawyer qualified in Portuguese conveyancing is allowed to practice in Cape Verde.

Destination Hot Spots in Cape Verde

Santa Maria
Property prices have gone up by 20 per cent since last year in Santa Maria which is the main resort Island in Cape Verde. Property prices start at 45,000 euros for a one bedroom apartment less that a five minute walk to the beach in Santa Maria.  A one bedroom apartment on the beach will start from 99,750 euros.

Maio
Maio has been earmarked for development and is generally believed to be a good property investment for the long term. Villas on Maio start from 135,000 euros.

Boa Vista
Boa Vista is another up and coming hot spot and the most eastern island of Cape Verde. You can buy a fully-furnished one bedroom apartment from 54,000 euros.  One of the most beautiful islands it boasts over 50km of white sand beaches.

Santiago
Another good investment spot marked for property development, you can buy a three bedroom townhouse in Santiago for 160,000 euros.

Search for property in the Cape Verde Islands

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Related article about Cape Verde property:
Property in Cape Verde

Useful website about Cape Verde:
Virtual Cape Verde

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Article first published in May 2006 and updated in June 2007