Buyincapeverde.com
Nov 28, 2025Investing in land remains one of the most flexible and potentially rewarding real estate strategies, especially in a destination like Isla Maio, where tourism, tranquillity and natural beauty attract growing interest from abroad. The plot identified as MAI0071, located in the western sector of Maio, offers a compelling blend of location, opportunity and long-term upside. This article unpacks what makes it special and what to check for buyers looking for land investment, villa construction, or long-term value.
Why Maio and Why Now Matters
1. A hidden gem in Cape Verde
Unlike the more famous islands of Sal or Boa Vista, Maio offers a more tranquil, authentic and unspoilt version of Cape Verde. The island is known for wide beaches, peaceful villages, and a slower pace of life.
For an investor, that means lower competition, less development pressure, and significant potential for early-mover advantage.
2. Land availability rare and undervalued
While some parts of Cape Verde have seen property prices soar, plots in Maio remain relatively affordable, especially in quieter zones. There are listings on the island with plot sizes ranging from a few hundred square meters (for small homes) to several thousand m2 (for large builds or resort-type projects).
This availability makes it possible to buy land with flexible budgets and build according to long-term planning.
3. Legal framework favourable to foreign buyers
Foreign nationals, just like locals, can legally purchase land in Cape Verde.
The process requires typical legal steps (reservation, promissory contract, deed, registration), but there is no prohibition against non-resident buyers.
This accessibility is a major draw for diaspora communities or foreign investors looking for a safe offshore property investment.
4. An opportunity before tourist pressure rises
As other Cape Verde islands become more built-up and tourist-developed (e.g., Sal, Boa Vista), demand could gradually shift toward quieter islands with natural landscapes like Maio. Before the island reaches its full potential, early land purchases could reap significant appreciation.
What the West Maio Land Plot (MAI0071) Offers
While specific dimensions and price details of the plot would need to be confirmed, we can infer typical advantages from similar Maio land listings.
Potential for villa, boutique resort or eco-housing
Given the island’s character, coastal views, beaches, calm climate, and nature, the plot could support the construction of:
- a private villa, with sea/bay or countryside outlook
- a holiday home for personal or rental use
- a small guesthouse or eco-resort (especially if combining multiple plots or larger surfaces)
Other land listings on Maio range from 400 m² building plots to large parcels of 5,000 m² or even tens of thousands of m² suited for resorts or larger developments.
Infrastructure plausibility
Some plots on Maio are described as “ready for building” with access to utilities, water, electricity, and road access, which reduces risk and construction overhead.
This is a major advantage on islands where infrastructural investment can be uneven.
Flexibility in project scope
Whether you want a modest vacation home, a long-term residence, or a rental investment (holiday or long-term), land ownership gives flexibility. You’re not locked into a pre-built structure; you can build it according to your timeline, needs, and budget.
Long-term value & legacy potential
Land is among the safest real estate assets over long periods, especially in areas expected to grow in demand. Investing in land in Maio now sets you up for long-term growth, regardless of whether you choose to build immediately or hold it for future years.
Key Considerations & Due Diligence Steps
Investing in land on a remote island has many upsides, but certain essential checks ensure you avoid pitfalls:
1. Verify property title and land registry
Ensure the plot is legally registered, with a clean title, no encumbrances, and proper documentation. In Cape Verde, this protects your ownership and future resale or building rights.
2. Check access to utilities & infrastructure
Confirm that water, electricity, and road access are available or easily connected. Some smaller or remote parcels may require additional work (wells, solar, septic). Favourable plots with confirmed connections.
3. Understand zoning and building regulations
Check local planning rules: permissible building types, maximum footprint/floors, and environmental restrictions (especially near coastlines or protected areas). This ensures your intended project (villa, resort, guesthouse) is allowable.
4. Consider logistics and costs of construction
Building on an island implies higher transport costs for materials, possible delays, and reliance on local craftsmen. Plan realistic budgets and timelines.
5. Evaluate access & transport links
How far is the plot from the main village, port, airport, or basic services? Ease of access works both for living convenience and future resale/rental attractiveness. On Maio, the main airport serves the island, making connectivity reasonable.
6. Have an exit/rental strategy
If you plan to rent or resell: verify demand (tourism, expats, local buyers), infrastructure nearby, access to water/energy, and regulatory environment for rental properties.
Who Should Consider This Investment
This land plot in West Maio is suitable for:
- Diaspora Cape Verdeans looking for a holiday home or family legacy property.
- Investors seeking long-term value in emerging island real estate before prices rise.
- Eco-conscious or retreat-style buyers wanting a quiet, natural environment for a villa or boutique eco-resort.
- Developers or small-scale resort builders targeting quieter islands with growth potential, especially as competition on Sal or Boa Vista rises.
- Retirees or remote workers want tranquilly, sea, and nature with affordable long-term land ownership.
Why Now Is Possibly the Best Moment
- Land in high-potential islands like Maio remains comparatively undervalued.
- Infrastructure improvements and potential tourism growth may raise demand in coming years.
- Many parcels are still available, giving buyers choice.
- Early acquisition locks in lower entry cost before external demand (diaspora return, eco-tourism, sea-view property seekers) pushes prices up.
The land plot MAI0071 in West Maio is more than a patch of earth; it represents an entry ticket into a lifestyle of calm, nature, and long-term value. For those who are willing to plan ahead, whether for a villa, holiday home, eco-project or long-term investment, Maio offers a rare mix of serenity, affordability and untapped potential.
If you approach the purchase with proper due diligence (title check, infrastructure, legal compliance), you could secure a valuable asset for both today and tomorrow a piece of Cape Verde waiting to be shaped by your vision.