The six inhabited islands have mountainous landscapes while the remainder are characterised by long beaches of white sand. They are the nearest tropical islands to Europe, an hours flight south of the Canaries. Rainfall is limited to just 15 days a year. Daily sunshine averages six to seven hours from August to October and 10 to 12 hours the rest of the year.

History

The Portuguese colonised it in the 15th Century when navigators in the service of the Portuguese crown discovered it, and their influence remains today. Over the centuries the settlers formed the roots of the Cape Verde culture: the African drum beats out an unmistakable rhythm, and somehow a place remains for the Portuguese triangle! Tourists find dancing to this distinct music both bewildering and fascinating.

Be prepared for it to take time. Dancing is essential at the many festivals where work is forgotten and enjoyment takes over.

Climate
The climate is tropical and dry. The average temperature is 25 degrees and changes do not really exceed 10 degrees. Even sea temperatures stay between 21 degrees and 25 degrees so you can enjoy water sports every day. In fact, one of Cape Verde’s main riches is the sea, because of its abundant maritime fauna, underwater platforms and the purity of the water.
Among the many permanent species of fish are the Dory, the Swordfish, the Victor Fish, the Moray and the Grouper. These fish are frequently used in the local cuisine, and taste fabulous. Coming straight from the sea as it does, the freshness has to be tasted to be believed.

Our man in Cape Verde bought a large Grouper for less than one Euro!

Cuisine
If your sport is fishing you can do a little whale and dolphin spotting as you catch a lobster or two for dinner. Shell fish are also always on the menu. There are gormet restaurants to be visited, but why not try ‘Mamma’s food’ – all variations of rice, potatoes, sweet potatoes, fish and beans. Bananas are prepared in a variety of ways and are important as an export crop. However, nowadays, tourism is the most important ‘export’. The endangered turtle may once have been part of the cuisine, but now she chooses unspoilt Cape Verde to lay her eggs.

Vast, glorious beaches allow swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. Island hopping by plane or boat reveals further perfect beaches, mountains that are twice the height of Ben Nevis and wildlife where birdwatchers can enjoy 75 different species.

Politics
Little by little the Cape Verde cultural identity has formed. The islands achieved independence in 1975. In 1991 they settled on a multi party system with all the institutions of modern democracy. They enjoy peace and social stability. Crime is virtually unknown. Portuguese is the official language although the native Creole is more common. The currency has been linked to the Euro since 1992, Euros and credit cards are widely accepted.

Cape Verde has been sponsored by Spain, Italy and Portugal for ‘special status’ within the EEC.
Literacy is about 70 percent and the demand for primary and secondary schools is high. Most teachers are graduates from European and American universities.

Relocating
So what do you do if you decide this island paradise is for you? First you find a reputable company, one that is a member of the Federation of Overseas Developers. Bound by a code of ethics, they will not pressurise you into buying something you do not want. On the contrary, caution will be advised. Make sure they have committed themselves to industry regulations and have been vetted and approved.
Independent Property Consultants (IPC) is such a firm.

They are developers, not agents. With staff actually in Cape Verde, they know the locals, the customs, and the culture. IPC can show you everything from the good restaurants to the good solicitors, essential for buying, of course.
These beautiful, unspoilt islands are a new and exciting investment opportunity for people looking to buy holiday homes or to maximise both capital growth and rental yields .Tourism is expanding by 20 percent every year and inflation is running at 1.4 percent. IPC have one, two and three bedroom houses at prices ranging from x95,000 to x300,000. Analysts predict a 70 percent rise in the next 24 months. The International Monetary Fund rates Cape Verde’s economy as ‘solid’, and you can arrange a mortgage with a 35 year repayment or on an ‘interest only’ basis. In Cape Verde, schools and hospitals are exemplary, as are the sanitary standards, with no contagious or endemic diseases you need no vaccination before entering.
Portuguese property purchasing laws are used in general. IPC recommend a Portuguese speaking lawyer who has experience in Cape Verde.

The buyer needs to be represented by someone not associated with the seller. An independent lawyer will make sure of the legalities of the land. Have the local government just given permission for a motorway next to your dream home? These things can happen! Your lawyer with on the spot experience can check out everything. He will advise on currency exchange and money transfer.
IPC help to make sure your deposit is covered by a bank guarantee or insurance. They bring a wealth of experience to buying property overseas, and can advise on your mortgage, engage with the local laws of the host country and give you peace of mind. IPC will provide testimonials, and why not? It’s your money they need to safeguard.

To learn more about IPC and how they can help you realise your dreams of a tropical island, visit the website: www.ipcltd.co.uk
or freephone: 0800 169 2234