Many tourism developments, abroad as well as at home, are sold before the works are finished. This is known as buying “off-plan” or “on paper”. It is a perfectly normal route, but it calls for more care. Here is what you need to know, in general terms.
Why people buy off-plan
Developers sell in advance so they can plan the works. In return, buyers get a few advantages:
- more choice: you can assess the units while they are all still available;
- time to organise yourself: payments are often spread over the construction period;
- a brand-new property, designed to current standards.
The flip side is simple: you are buying something that does not yet exist. That is why the safeguards matter more than the price.
The risks to be aware of
- Delays: building works can run over for technical, weather-related or administrative reasons.
- Non-completion: this is the most serious risk, to be assessed by looking at who is building and what guarantees they offer.
- Differences from the plans: materials, finishes or details may change.
- Unclear contracts: if the rules are not properly written down, you are less protected when a problem arises.
None of these risks is a reason not to buy. They are reasons to buy with your eyes open. You will find a broader overview of the risks in the guide risks of investing in property in Cape Verde.
The safeguards to look for
A written build schedule
Ask for a timetable of the works with the main stages and an expected handover date. Check in the contract what happens in the event of a delay.
Stage payments
It is good practice for payments to be linked to concrete stages of construction, not just to dates. That way you pay in proportion to what has actually been built. There is a dedicated guide on how transfers and deposits abroad work: how to pay for a property abroad.
A contract checked by a lawyer
The contract must describe precisely the unit, the price, the timescales, the payment terms, the finishes and what happens if something goes wrong. Have it read by an independent lawyer before you sign. Local rules on buying property should be checked with a professional.
Guarantees
In some purchases the seller offers guarantees, for example a bank guarantee. If one is provided, ask to see the document and make sure you understand what it really covers. The guide Bank guarantee: what it is will help.
Seeing the site
Nothing replaces a visit. Seeing the land, the building site and the work already carried out gives you a concrete idea of progress. If you can, also look at a completed project by the same developer.
Assess who is building
The developer’s track record matters more than the render. Ask:
- Which projects have they already completed?
- Are they up and running? Can I visit them?
- Who will be my point of contact during the works?
- How will I be kept informed of progress?
The case of The View
The View is a project under construction: 65 suites on the beach at Praia Cabral, on Boa Vista. The foundation stone was laid on 4 July 2026 and handover is expected at the end of 2028. You can follow the works on the page The building site live, with photos and updates.
Behind it stands a completed project you can visit: the White Hotel, with 69 suites sold and now in operation. The contractual terms of The View, including those on payments and guarantees, are set out in the official presentation: read them carefully and have them checked by your lawyer. For the most common questions about the project, see the page The View: questions and answers.
Next step
Would you like to see the building site or have the construction stages explained? Contact us: we can arrange a video call or an exploratory trip to Boa Vista.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to buy off-plan or a finished property?
It depends on your priorities. Off-plan gives you more choice and time to organise the payments, but you have to wait and assess the safeguards. A finished property can be seen and used straight away, but the choice is more limited.
What happens if the works finish late?
It depends on what the contract says. That is why it is important for it to include an expected handover date and clear rules in the event of a delay. Have it checked by a lawyer before signing.
Can I visit the building site before deciding?
For The View, yes: we organise exploratory trips to Boa Vista to see the building site, the beach at Praia Cabral and the White Hotel, which is already in operation. In general, be wary of anyone who will not let you see the works.
Who keeps me updated during construction?
For The View we publish updates on the building site page and remain available for direct questions. With any project, ask from the outset who will be your point of contact and how often you will receive news.
Would you like to talk it through with a person?
Book a video call or message us on WhatsApp: we will answer your questions about Boa Vista and The View.
