Sao Vicente Property

There are five areas of development on this island. The port town of Mindelo itself has flats mainly designed for local merchants and professionals being built on the hills above the oil storage terminals. The airport at Sao Pedro has the Foya Branca hotel and new villas are being put up by the original developers of the hotel, since sold to Portuguese doctors. Calhau on the eastern tip of the island is being transformed from a sleepy fishing village by new small-scale development. Baia das Gatas beach in the north has a small developemnt. And a vast complex is planned by Indians at Calhete in the south of the island. Direct flights from the UK to Sao Pedro airport on Sao Vicente could start as early as 2008.

Sao Pedro

The Foya Branca Hotel at Sao Pedro near the airport was originally conceived as a property development by a Belgian called Marc, who still lives in a house behind it. He failed to sell the villas, which are actually quite attractive and they were bought by a group of Portuguese doctors and converted into an hotel. This still seems to be struggling to be profitable. But the Belgian has now teamed up with a Dutchman called Marco and they decided to have another go on the strength of the new British Isles interest in the islands.They have drawn up plans for some new villas and apartments.. These will be built near the hotel over the next couple of years. If they are as well built as the previous villas, they will be a good buy, for those who are happy with the constant fresh wind through this wide valley.

S from Birmingham is interested in what he feels is more attractive pricing.

"The other island that I feel would be worth looking at is Sao Vicente where apparently there will be a Nikki Beach resort complex. Prices are lower due to the lack of an international airport. Front line villas approx £240.000. I would strongly suggest a visit to the islands and of course doing your own research and visiting the local sales offices before parting with your cash."

Calhete Grande - Profile Group Dubai Cesaria

Dubai investors led by Hanif Mohammed Khoda`s Profile Group have plans for what might be the biggest property complex in the Cape Verdes at the Cesaria Resort on Praia da Calhete Grande in the south of the island. Khoda, from a muslim family originating in Rajasthan, India, has managed developments in Dubai and India, but this is his first outside Asia. His name means God in Farsi. So now Cape verde has Gods as well as Godfathers developing property. What good fortune! It could cover 1,300 ha and include 2,200 apartments and 1,700 villas eventually. Also under consideration are hotels and a golf course. Dubai might be the one spot with enough risk capital and expertise to build a speculative golf course based on desalination. Economy Minister Joao Pereira Silva has given the green light but roll-out is still pending. Jonathan Crone, an Englishman is Development Director based in Mayfair. Alan O`Donell a New Zealander based in Abu Dhabi is finance director.

A Nikki hotel is promised. But this seems to be a group with a massive publicity machine but without any actual hotels. It may be as elusive as the proposed golf courses. Do not base any investment decisions upon either eventuality and you will not be disappointed.

Calhau

has several new multi-family houses.

Mindelo town property

Copacabana Blocks of Flats

These are planned for the North-Western end of Mindelo beyond the port area, fuel storage depot and container handling facilities. They are conceived more for local tradesmen and business people than holidaymakers and consist of some rather solid Soviet-style blocks. There will eventually be nine blocks each of about 24 flats with two, three or four bedrooms. Prices will vary depending on the quality of finish and internal treatment selected. But they are good value compared to Sal or Boa Vista planned developments as they are much larger than the typical Italian style developments with areas of between 80sqm and 100sqm. Prices start at £41,000 for a low-finish two bed flat and range up to £108,000 for a high finish 4 bed flats.

Town flats above the harbour

Mira Mar is a block or two to four bedroom apartments, with terraces or balconies some with sea views, cost from £54,000 to £80,000. Construction has not yet begun at a second project, Verde Cara, which will be built on the hill above the port. One to four bedrooms units cost from £40,000 to £60,000.

Baia das Gatas

The best seaside resort on Sao Vicente will have some property developments close to the beach and on cliffs above.

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