How to choose who to rely on when buying in Cape Verde

Published 4 October 2026 · updated 5 October 2026 · by Invest in Cape Verde

When you buy a home in another country, you are not just choosing a property. You are also choosing the people who will guide you through a context you do not know: language, rules, market, areas. A wrong choice here makes even the best purchase difficult. This guide gives you concrete criteria for assessing whoever you are dealing with, including us.

Separate the roles

First of all, be clear about who does what. Several different people are involved in a purchase in Cape Verde:

• whoever offers you the property: a direct seller, a developer or an agency;
• the qualified professional (lawyer or notary), who checks the documents, the ownership and the contract;
• your accountant at home, for tax obligations;
• a local contact, who supports you after the purchase too.

Sometimes several of these roles are carried out by the same group. That is fine, as long as the legal checks remain in the hands of a professional working in your interest. Tax and legal matters should always be checked with a professional.

The criteria that really matter

1. Local presence, and for how long

An operator who has been on the island for many years knows the areas, the people, the prices and the typical problems. Ask how long they have been working there, with what organisation and with which local partners.

2. Completed projects

Words count for little; finished projects count for a lot. Ask to see properties and developments that have already been handed over, and if possible to speak to people who have already bought.

3. Transparency on prices and costs

A serious partner tells you straight away how much the property costs, whether there is a commission, what expenses you will have to cover and who to ask for a quote on taxes and the deed.

4. Realistic expectations

Be wary of anyone who promises you easy, certain earnings from lets you manage yourself. A reliable partner also tells you about the limits and the risks, not just the advantages.

5. Support after the purchase

Signing is not the end. Ask who will support you afterwards: for management, maintenance, paperwork and any future resale.

6. A verifiable reputation

Look for external evidence: articles, testimonials, the experiences of other buyers. Use common sense, but do check.

The questions to ask (and the answers to get)

Take these questions to your first meeting, or to a video call:

1. How long have you been working on this island?
2. Which projects have you already completed, and can I visit them?
3. Does the price include an agency commission?
4. Which local professional can check the property for me?
5. Who will be my point of contact after the purchase?
6. How are payments handled, and into which accounts?

The answers should be clear and, where necessary, in writing. For questions about the property, also use the checklist before buying on Boa Vista.

The warning signs

Stop and think if:

• you are being rushed with “last units” or sudden deadlines;
• they do not want your own professional to check the documents;
• they ask for payments in cash or into unclear accounts;
• they cannot show you a single completed project;
• after signing they become hard to reach.

Many of these signs come up again in the 10 mistakes to avoid when buying a home abroad. On payments, read how to pay for a property abroad.

Who we are, applying the same criteria

We ask you to assess us by these criteria too. Here is what we can show you:

• presence: the group is made up of Boavista2000.com, the long-established portal on Boa Vista, and Daniele Rampini; we have been working on the island for over 25 years, with almost 30 years in business;
• completed projects: over 350 properties built and sold, and the White Hotel, an Apart-Hotel with 69 suites sold and now in operation;
• new project: The View, 65 suites on the beach at Praia Cabral;
• transparency: for the properties for sale the sale is direct, with no agency commission;
• support: local staff who continue to support clients after the purchase;
• reputation: our work has been covered by, among others, Il Sole 24 Ore, Corriere Economia, ANSA and Milano Finanza.

You can check everything in person on an exploratory trip. To plan the trip, also read when to go to Boa Vista on Boavista2000.com.

Let’s get to know each other

The best way to find out whether we are the right partner for you is to talk to us. Book a consultation and ask us the questions in this guide.

Frequently asked questions