How to Buy a Property in the Cape Verde Islands

Are you dreaming of owning a home in the Cape Verde Islands? Whether for investment, holiday, or relocation, buying property in this Atlantic paradise is an exciting opportunity. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process.

1) Can Foreigners Buy Property in Cape Verde?

Yes—foreigners can purchase freehold property with no significant restrictions. A stable democracy, a legal framework modeled on Portugal’s, and pro-investor policies make Cape Verde popular with international buyers. If you’re starting from scratch, this step-by-step overview is a helpful companion read: Investing in Cape Verde (how to buy safely).

2) Deciding Where to Buy

Each island has a distinct profile and price band:

Beach-first hubs: Sal and Boa Vista offer the best flight access, resort inventory and STR demand.
Culture & compact city life: São Vicente (Mindelo) blends music, nightlife and a walkable urban core, with easy ferry access to Santo Antão for hiking.
Services & mixed stays: Santiago (Praia) balances business travel, history and longer stays.

Shortlist islands by guest profile (families vs. kitesurfers vs. culture travelers), flight patterns, and micro-locations (walk-to-beach, noise, sun exposure).

3) Finding Your Property

Work with reputable local agencies and compare inventory.
Visit in person if possible before committing.
Common types: apartments (studios–2 bed for liquidity), villas/townhouses (hybrid use), and land (developer/owner-build—requires tighter diligence).

4) The Buying Process: Step by Step

a) Engage a Local Lawyer

Retain an independent lawyer experienced in real estate. They can act under Power of Attorney if you’re abroad.

b) Reserve the Property

Typically involves a reservation fee (often €3,000 or 5–10%). You’ll sign a reservation form or Promissory Contract (Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda, CPCV).

c) Legal Checks and Documentation

Your lawyer should verify:

Land Registry entry (Certidão do Registo Predial) and clean title.
No encumbrances (taxes, utilities, liens).
Licenses/permits (habitation license for urban; location plan for land).
Tax number (NIF) for the buyer.

d) Sign the Promissory Contract (CPCV)

Binds both parties; deposit usually 10–30%. Specifies price, timelines, deliverables, penalties.

e) Final Deed (Escritura)

Executed before a Notary; balance paid; keys handed over. Can be done via POA.

f) Register Ownership

5) Financing Your Purchase

Mortgages are available primarily on completed properties (not usually off-plan). Many buyers use savings, remortgage at home, or negotiate developer payment plans on new builds. For context on financing options and best practices, see the mortgage explainer inside our guide: Investing in Cape Verde (how to buy safely).

6) The “Green Card” for Investors

Foreign buyers purchasing for residency purposes—meeting local minimum thresholds (often ~US$90k–$135k, by municipality)—may qualify for a Cape Verde Green Card (residency benefits, potential tax reductions for eligible properties). Check current rules with your lawyer, as programs can evolve.

7) Key Tips for Buyers

Hire an independent lawyer and reputable agent/manager.
Ensure documents are complete and in Portuguese (certified translations as needed).
Confirm utilities and taxes are settled pre-completion.
If possible, inspect in person (and commission a survey).
Allow roughly 3–6 weeks from CPCV to deed on straightforward cases.

Conclusion

Buying property in Cape Verde is straightforward with proper legal guidance. Strong tourism fundamentals, political stability and improving infrastructure support both lifestyle and yield goals. Start your shortlist where demand is proven—Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente, Santo Antão and Santiago—and build from there with conservative numbers and airtight paperwork.

Note: Always verify current regulations, taxes and procedures with local professionals, as frameworks can change.