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Ever since it was first featured in the TV programme “A Place In The Sun” in 2007, Cape Verde has captured the heart and imagination of a growing number of Britons. We estimate that about 150,000 of us will visit in 2012, most on package holidays to the beaches of the low-lying islands of Sal and Boavista. Many British citizens – and Irish nationals too – have also been tempted to buy property in the islands. Sal and Boavista are again the most popular, but there are developments on other islands too, including the island of Santiago where you’ll find Cape Verde’s capital, Praia.
While the vast majority of holiday-makers and many investors have nothing but good memories and experiences of Cape Verde, a small minority of investors have not found the experience of buying property in Cape Verde easy or straightforward – or cheap. I do not want to put anyone off buying property in Cape Verde. I do however want potential purchasers to devote sufficient time, preparation and resources to reduce the risks involved.
There are risks in everything we do. The key is understanding them and mitigating them to a level where we feel comfortable. This is especially important when large sums of money are involved. Buying a property is a huge undertaking wherever you are in the world. Cape Verde is no exception. It is vital that you exercise care and attention, taking the same precautions as if you were in the UK.
Many British nationals choose to buy off-plan in Cape Verde. And the majority of these are happy with their purchase. However some buyers have experienced problems with long delays, incomplete builds and developers not having enough money to complete projects. Other buyers are also experiencing disputes over ownership of land, partial or non-delivery of property management contracts and inflated guaranteed rental returns.
So my four top tips before you buy:
- Do your research:Make sure you visit the islands before you buy (especially if you are planning to use the property yourself, rather than seek to rent it out permanently). Consider whether it’s worth renting for3-6 months first, possibly during the winter (i.e. the ‘tougher’ season). Research your agent and developer on the internet. And read our “Notes on Cape Verde for British Nationals” on the FCO website, especially the section dealing with the practicalities of buying and selling property.
- Healthcare:If you have health issues (or even if you don’t!), check out the local medical facilities. Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. The country’s largest hospitals are in Praia and Mindelo, with smaller medical facilities and clinics located throughout the country. Medical facilities are very limited on Boavista, one of the main destinations for UK tourists. The islands of Brava and Santo Antão no longer have functioning airports, so air evacuation in the event of a medical emergency is nearly impossible from these two islands. If you need emergency medical assistance, dial 130 (Santiago Island) and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
- Seek Legal Advice:Before you buy, we strongly recommend you seek professional legal advice from a lawyer who specialises in Cape Verde property conveyance laws and who isindependentfrom any other person involved in the transaction, for example, from the estate agent or developer. A number of buyers have experienced problems with their property because they used lawyers and translators recommended by the estate agent and, as a consequence, were not sufficiently independent.
- Be prepared for the long-haul:If things go wrong, the wheels of justice can move slowly in Cape Verde. Seeking resolution through the courts can be costly and time-consuming. We are aware of cases where it has taken two years to lodge a formal claim in the courts. Again, we advise British nationals who are experiencing property problems in Cape Verde to seek professional, independent legal advice.
John Marshall
HM Ambassador to Senegal, Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde based in Dakar
Note: The British Embassy in Dakar has lists of English-speaking lawyers and qualified translators available on its website. These lists are provided for information only and do not indicate a recommendation, either express or implied, as to the competence of the listed individuals. Those using the lists are strongly encouraged to do their own research into the suitability of those listed for the purposes for which they are required. In the event of a property dispute arising, the British Government is not able to become involved in individual cases, or become involved in steps to recover any capital outlay in respect of individual property deals that may have gone wrong. Many thousands of British Nationals are involved in criminal and civil cases around the world every year and we simply do not have the resources nor the legal expertise or powers to judge the merits or intervene in individual cases.
Of course, if you’re planning on travelling to Cape Verde you should ensure you have adequateexpat travel insurance.
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FAQs
Cape Verde is listed as Worldwide for travel insurance. For Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance page, choose Region 3 - Worldwide to include Cape Verde in your travel plans.
Are there good medical facilities in Cape Verde? ›
Healthcare facilities in Cape Verde
Medical facilities in Cape Verde are limited, and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. The largest hospitals are in Praia on Santiago and Mindelo on São Vicente, with smaller medical facilities and clinics located throughout the country.
Is healthcare free in Cape Verde? ›
In addition to paid services, you can count on receiving free medical care. This service is provided by the representative office of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Keep in mind that not all islands have medical facilities in Cape Verde. There you can get only basic services.
What are the health requirements for Cape Verde? ›
Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A; Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Diphtheria; Hepatitis B; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Cholera.
Is Cape Verde considered a third world country? ›
Cape Verde is considered a developing country, and is included on the list of the United Nations Small Island Developing States.
What is the difference between travel insurance and international health insurance? ›
International health insurance is designed to provide a comprehensive level of health care to those relocating from their home country for a sustained period of time, whereas travel insurance provides cover for emergency treatment while you are in another country for a shorter space of time.
What is the quality of life in Cape Verde? ›
Cape Verde is classed as a poor country however, the quality of life ranks highest in the United Nations index of West Africa.
What is the cost of living in Cape Verde? ›
What's it like to live in Cape Verde? The cost of living on an island in Cape Verde can vary depending on the location and personal lifestyle. On average, a person can expect to spend around $1000-$1500 per month for living expenses such as housing, food, transportation, and entertainment.
Can you drink water in Cape Verde? ›
Drinking water: tap water is not suitable to drink, use only water to drink from closed bottles. Be careful with drinks containing ice cubes or with ordinary ice. Consulate in Cape Verde: several consulates present in the capital Praia (Santiago). Travel advice: Cape Verde is a safe country to travel to.
Is it safe to walk around Cape Verde? ›
Is it safe to walk around Cape Verde? Cape Verde is considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa and has a low crime rate. To prevent being targeted for pickpocketing, visitors should avoid wearing expensive jewellery or leaving their accommodation with a lot of cash.
Cape Verde, a small island state, is a lower middle-income country (MIC) under the African Development Bank's (AfDB) credit policy.
Is Cape Verde affordable? ›
Overall, Cape Verde can be an affordable destination, with plenty of budget-friendly options available. However, prices can vary depending on the level of comfort and activities you choose.
How long can a US citizen stay in Cape Verde? ›
For tourist visits longer than 30 days, two types of visas are available: a single-entry visa valid for up to 90 days or a multiple-entry visa valid for five years. Visit the Embassy of Cabo Verde website for the most current visa information.
Is Cape Verde bad for mosquitoes? ›
The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites. The risk for mosquito activity is high.
What is the income level in Cape Verde? ›
As of recent reports, the average salary in Cabo Verde stands at a modest level when compared to more developed countries. The average monthly salary hovers around CVE 15,000 to CVE 20,000. This figure, however, masks the variance across different sectors, urban and rural areas, and between skilled and unskilled labor.
Is Cape Verde Europe or worldwide? ›
Cape Verde (/ˈvɜːrd(i)/, VURD or VUR-dee) or Cabo Verde (/ˌkɑːboʊ ˈvɜːrdeɪ/, /ˌkæb-/ KA(H)B-oh VUR-day; Portuguese: [ˈkaβu ˈveɾðɨ]), officially the Republic of Cabo Verde, is an archipelago and island country of West Africa in the central Atlantic Ocean, consisting of ten volcanic islands with a combined land area of ...
What does worldwide mean in travel insurance? ›
Travel insurance for multiple countries
If you choose 'Worldwide (excluding USA and Canada),' the area of cover is anywhere in the world except the USA and Canada. This means you can get cover for an Australian adventure, a tour of Vietnam's history or a Kenyan safari in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Is Cape Verde an international flight? ›
Getting to Cape Verde
Cape Verde has four international airports: on Santiago, Sao Vicente, Sal and Boavista.
What is the foreign policy of Cape Verde? ›
Cape Verde follows a policy of nonalignment and seeks cooperative relations with all friendly states. Angola, Brazil, the People's Republic of China, Cuba, France, Germany, Portugal, Senegal, Russia, South Korea and the United States maintain embassies in Praia.
