Located approximately 400 kilometres off the west coast of mainland Africa, Cape Verde is the closest tropical archipelago to the UK – just a 5.5 hour flight away – and in recent years has started to appear on the radar of British tourists and property seekers alike.

Enjoying an average of 360 days of sunshine a year and boasting some pristine white sand beaches, fringed with palm trees – ideal for taking full advantage of the aforementioned sun – Cape verde is also one of Africa's most prosperous states, and its currency has been tied to the Euro since 2001. What's more, in 2006 the country's government approved the development of investment projects worth more than $300 million, as it attempts to boost tourism numbers to one million people a year by 2015 – up from 230,000 in 2005. However, if this leads to you fearing the overdevelopment of what is at present still a country awash with natural beauty, you needn't worry too much. Strict guidelines are in place to control the development of the islands, and ensure the country retains its many charms. Of the ten islands – Santo Antão, San Vicente, Santa Luzia, San Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, Maio, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava – it is Sal, San Vicente and Boa Vista which have so far proved to be the most popular with tourists and property purchasers.

In recent years the government of Cape Verde has become increasingly pro-active in its efforts to increase foreign investment in the country, with tourists being especially sought after. "Cape Verde is 100 per cent behind tourism and investment and is continuing to build new roads, improve the airport and expand the ports to cope with the demand," says Darren Mitchell, the director of Cape Verde property specialists Cape V. In 2000, just 83,259 overseas tourists visited Cape Verde's ten islands, while last year it is estimated that over 300,000 people chose to holiday in the archipelago. And with a target of 1 million tourists a year set for seven years time, Cape Verde is set to become increasingly popular in the future. The fact there are now several direct flights a week from Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester to the island will only serve to further improve the country's popularity amongst Brits.

And this rapid tourism growth, along with the increased investment in infrastructure, is having a major impact on how Cape Verde is being viewed by overseas property investors, especially now there are more and more developments coming on to the market. "This is going to be a very exciting year for Cape Verde," predicts Steve Worboys, the managing director of Experience International. "Not only has the archipelago achieved the enviable 'Middle Income Country' ranking from the United Nations and not only is it in receipt of significant loans and funding from the World Bank for growth and competitiveness programmes, but the government's ambitions to raise the standards in terms of tourism and real estate projects are finally coming to fruition with some stunning property projects coming to the market." Of course, not all ten of Cape Verde's main islands offer equally attractive property propositions for investors – especially those looking to take advantage of the country's burgeoning tourist market for their own financial gain, rather than those seeking a holiday home.

To find just where the best areas to buy are, it is advisable to take a look at the destinations that tourists are already heading to. Sal has so far proved to be the main island for tourism and investment, with the Santa Maria region to the south of the island particularly popular. And with a number of golf resorts being planned for the island, such as the Cotton Bay Golf and Marina Resort which will be based around a 36-hole golf course, it is not only those seeking year-round sun or investment who may find themselves drawn to the island. Elsewhere, Boa Vista – which is home to 60 per cent of the country's beaches and a new international airport – is also becoming increasingly popular, with a number of new residential developments presently under construction on the island, while Santiago may also appeal to British purchasers. Not only is it home to the country's capital, Praia, but the government-approved Sambala Resort is one of, if not the, most eagerly awaited developments in Cape Verde.

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Article published July 2008