People buying property abroad often wonder: what if one day I want to sell? It is a sensible question, and one to ask before you buy. The short answer is yes, you can. The full answer calls for a few distinctions.
The basic rule: if it is yours, you can sell it
A property registered in your name is an asset you can sell, give away or leave to your heirs. This applies to a traditional apartment and to a suite in an Apart-Hotel, provided the suite is registered in your name.
It is different for those who own a share or a right of use: in that case the rules of the fund or the contract apply, and these may be more restrictive. The difference is explained in the guide registered ownership or a share.
What affects resale
Nobody can tell you today at what price and how quickly you will sell. You can, however, know the factors that count:
- Location: proximity to the sea, to services and to the most sought-after areas.
- Condition of the property: maintenance, finishes, furnishings.
- Documents: having the title deed, registrations and paperwork in order makes everything simpler.
- Demand at the time: trends in tourism and the market affect buyers’ interest.
- Type of property: a self-managed apartment and a suite in a managed property attract buyers with different needs.
Preparing for resale from the moment you buy
The best time to think about selling is when you buy. A few tips:
- Keep all the purchase documents, as originals and as digital copies.
- Check that the property is correctly registered in your name.
- Keep a record of expenses and maintenance work.
- Choose a property in a sought-after area, not just a low price.
- Ask in advance what steps are needed to sell and who can handle them on the spot.
Selling a suite in an Apart-Hotel
A suite in an Apart-Hotel has some particular features. The buyer acquires a property already part of a managed operation: this is something to present clearly to them.
Before buying a suite, ask:
- whether the management contract sets out rules or timescales in the event of a sale;
- whether the new owner takes over the management agreements;
- how any periods of personal use already booked are handled.
In the case of The View the suite is registered in the buyer’s name; it is not a share, so it can be sold or left to your heirs. The contractual terms, including those relating to management, are described in the official presentation and should be read carefully. To understand how the format works, read What is an Apart-Hotel and the comparison with an apartment.
Tax and legal aspects
Selling a property abroad may have tax consequences both in the country where the property is located and in your home country. There is no answer that applies to everyone: it depends on your situation. Tax and legal matters must be checked with a professional. For practical information on buying, costs and documents on Boa Vista you can also consult the guide how to buy a home in Cape Verde, step by step on Boavista2000.com.
Having someone you can rely on locally
Selling from a distance is easier if someone on the island knows the property and the market. The group has been present on Boa Vista for more than 25 years and supports clients after the purchase too. If you are thinking of buying today with an eye on the future, let’s talk. You will find more pointers in the guide on the risks of investing in Cape Verde.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner sell a property in Cape Verde?
If the property is registered in your name, as a general rule you can sell it like any other owner. Local procedures and formalities should be checked with a professional before starting the sale.
How long does it take to sell a home on Boa Vista?
There is no standard timescale. It depends on location, the condition of the property, the asking price, documents and demand at the time. Having everything in order from the start helps to shorten the process.
Does someone buying a suite in an Apart-Hotel have to abide by the management contract?
It depends on what the property’s contract provides. Ask before you buy, so you will know what you can offer a future buyer.
Can I leave the property to my children instead of selling it?
Yes, a property registered in your name can be left to your heirs. The inheritance and tax rules, both in your home country and in Cape Verde, should be checked with a professional.
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.
