Buy Property in Cape Verde: The Complete Guide to a Successful Investment

Cape Verde has moved from “hidden gem” to a clear contender for lifestyle-led investment in the Atlantic. Year-round sunshine, accessible prices compared with Europe, political stability and growing tourist demand create a promising backdrop for second homes and income properties alike. Yet success doesn’t come from sunshine alone: it requires a methodical approach to location, legal checks, costs, financing and the way you’ll operate the property once you own it. This guide distills the essentials—where to buy, what to buy and how to buy—so you can move from curiosity to a secure, numbers-backed decision. Whether you’re eyeing a beach apartment in Sal, a cultural pied-à-terre in Mindelo (São Vicente) or a boutique guest unit near the trails of Santo Antão, the steps below will help you navigate Cape Verde’s market with confidence. For broader context, see why the market is booming in 2025 (FR).

1) Where to Buy: Islands and Micro-Locations

Sal (Santa Maria): beach, watersports, high winter occupancy; studios–1/2-bed units near the beach perform well.
Boa Vista: family-friendly resorts, wild beaches; terraces and good sun exposure add value.
São Vicente (Mindelo): music, culture, easy living; strong demand for central apartments and workations.
Santo Antão: hiking paradise; potential in boutique guesthouses/aparthotels.
Santiago (Praia & Cidade Velha): services and heritage; mixed leisure/business stays.

Micro-location checklist: walkable beach/centre, noise profile, sun orientation, parking, building condition, condo rules.

2) What to Buy: Property Types and Use Cases

Studios / 1–2 bed apartments: liquidity + occupancy for STR (short-term rentals).
Townhouses / villas: best for hybrid use (personal stays + selective letting).
Off-plan units: potential uplift at delivery—requires tighter contracts and developer due diligence.

3) Legal Framework and Due Diligence

Foreign ownership is permitted. Transactions are notarised; a local lawyer is strongly recommended to:

Verify title and land registry, liens and tax status.
Review licenses/permits (off-plan: building permit, timeline, guarantees).
Draft/validate CPCV (promissory contract) with clear timelines, penalties and deliverables (finishes, parking, storage).
Confirm condo statutes (short-let rules, reserve funds, pets, renovations).

If you prefer a checklist in Portuguese, here’s a step-by-step buying guide (PT) you can follow alongside this section.

4) Costs, Taxes and Ongoing Expenses

Beyond the purchase price, budget for:

3–5% for deed/registration/notary (range varies by island and deal).
Legal & technical surveys.
Fit-out & furnishing (Wi-Fi, A/C, appliances, linens).
Insurance (home; life if using financing).
Condo fees & maintenance (cleaning, small repairs).

Good practice: keep a 6–12 month reserve for fixed costs.

5) Financing Options

Local mortgage: conservative underwriting; moderate LTV; solid documentation required.
Home-country financing (equity / mortgage): process familiarity; watch currency exposure.
Developer financing (off-plan): phased payments; tighten guarantees and delay clauses.

Looking for a deeper dive? This French overview explains how “easy credit” for foreign buyers works (FR).

6) Rentals: Turning a Home into an Asset

What drives performance:

Walk-to-beach/centre, reliable Wi-Fi, A/C, balcony/terrace, soundproofing.
Professional photos and clear listings (house rules, calendar, response times).
Active management: dynamic pricing by season, minimum-stay strategy, fast guest comms.

Typical gross yields of 6–10% are achievable with good management and realistic occupancy planning. For a strategy-level complement, check the 2025 winning playbook.

7) Risks—and How to Mitigate Them

Seasonality: diversify channels (Airbnb/Booking + mid-term stays in shoulder months).
Uneven build quality: independent survey; choose reputable developers.
Remote locations: higher maintenance friction; validate logistics.
Management gaps: SLAs, monthly reporting, occupancy/reviews targets.
FX and rate risk: align currency of debt and income when possible; consider fixed rates.

8) Step-by-Step Purchase Process

Define investment thesis (yield vs lifestyle).
Shortlist island / micro-location / property type.
Lawyer + surveyor engaged; documents requested.
CPCV signed (deposit, timelines, penalties, specs).
Financing arranged (or phased developer plan).
Deed at notary, registration, key handover.
Fit-out, photography, listings live, management playbook running.

9) Final Checklist

Title/registry clean; tax-clear certificates
CPCV with penalties, delivery specs, annexed plans
Financing or alternative plan validated
Full budget (closing + fit-out + insurance + condo)
Management contract with SLAs & monthly reports
Pro photos and channel strategy in place

Conclusion

A successful purchase in Cape Verde is equal parts place, paperwork and operation. Choose the right micro-location, secure the legal base with an independent lawyer, and run the asset with professional standards. Do this, and you’re not just buying square metres by the sea—you’re building a lifestyle-yield portfolio entry on a stable, sunny Atlantic stage.