Investors Feelilng More at Home in Real Estate

Reading through the many international property publications and blogs, is proving to be a happier experience of late, especially where luxury homes are concerned. Not surprisingly, the more volatile the European money markets appear to be, the greater the interest in solid and trustworthy high-end real estate properties as a long term investment.

Overseas Property Trends

Following tax rate increases, announced 50% of income tax-rates and clamp downs in the U.K, upscale real estate agents and law firms report that there is a “wealth exodus” taking place in the U.K. As published in the 2010 issue of OPP (Overseas Property Professional) Magazine, England’s wealthiest are out to buy new permanent addresses. Traditional European tax havens such as Switzerland and Monaco are always sought after, but changes in the tax regime are generating much buzz around upmakrt properties in Portugal, which also benefits from its reputation as a landmark retirement destination.
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A Home for Everybody in Cape Verde

According to a study completed in 2008, the archipelago of Cape Verde has a shortage of over 80 thousand homes. The government has recently announced the creation of a program entitlesd Casa para Todos, (a Home for Everybody), which aims to tackle the shortage in housing on the archipelago which is estimated to be of over 80 thousand residences short.
The government plans to build eight-thousand social houses and rehabilitating close to 15,000 others until 2011.
Cape Verde may recieve the first installment of a special credit line made available by the chinese goverment as early as this year. The enitirity of this credit line will go towards real estate construction costs for those in Cape Verde in need.

Upbeat Growth Forecasts!

In his first conference of 2010 IMF Managing Director, Dominique Strause-Kahn stated that recovery from the economic crises has been significantly faster than expected. The International Monetary Fund will be publishing updated growth forecasts later this month, which Strausse- Kahn revealed will be upbeat for investors.

Cape Verde "Credible and Useful"

The vision, determination and courage generally recogninzed in Cape Verde by the International Community at large, have earned it the status of a "credible and useful", states the Portuguese Ambassador to Cape Verde Graça Guimarães in a two page interview printed in the Portuguese daily financial newspaper OJE. She further describes the archipelago as a strategic partner for Portugal and the European Union and as such a natural destination for small and medium size companies.

Cruising into Praia!

The new Seaport of Cidade da Praia was inaugurated this afternoon in a ceremony presided by the minister of Infrastructure, Transportation and Telecommunications . The main purpose of these new premises is to be offer comfort, safety and hygiene to all the visitors arriving to the island by ship. Government sources guarantee that this year alone, approximately ten thousand passengers cooming in or out of Cape Verde will make use of the seaport.

Cape Verde Tax Cuts - Dynamic Economy

Having cut VAT from 15% to 6%, Cape Verde has established itself as a player in the highly competitive arena of Foreign Investment. Added to the country’s investment in infra-structure, an economy which has been fueled by the private sector and the government's strict fiscal diciplin and and you what you get is the seventh consecutive year of positive evaluation and high praise from the IMF. A sure sign that Cape Verde remains a strong destination for Direct Foreign Investment.

Cape Verde celebrates Tourism

Sunday September 27th marks the 29th World Tourism Day which will be celebrated across the planet. As a country investing heavily on it's tourism industry and infrastructures Cape Verde is, as ever, paying attention. The ministry of Economics together with several interested entities (Expotour, Hotel and Tourism Industry University in Cape Verde) have organized their first Tourism Fair, which is open to the public, throughout the weekend.
Whether you are a tourist or own an investment property in Cape Verde, don´t miss out!

Cape Verde looking to boost Real Estate

On August 3rd we created a post to inform you of Cape Verde's first International Construction and Homes Fair which at the time was due to take place during the first fifteen days of August. We have just learned that the dates have altered and that the first real estate event of this kind in Cape Verde will be held on the weekend of the 23rd through to the 25th of October.
You can obtain more inforamtion at http://www.portugalcaboverde.com/.

Investments between Cape Verde and Canary Islands Made Easy

Cape Verde Investments and Proexca Canaries Public Investment Office have announced the signing of a protocol that will facilitate and stimulate investments and projects in both archipelagos. A meeting will be taking place before year’s end in which further information and more significant measures will be announced.

Better Quality of life in Santiago Island, Cape Verde.

This weekend the prime minister of Cape Verde attended the official launch of the public sewerage and water construction works in Santiago Island, Cape Verde. This project has received a joint investment from the Cape Verdean government and EU and in addition to the network system ,will also be connecting homes to the system.
“This is an investment which has immediate impact on the lives of the people by making their quality of life better” said José Maria das Neves.

Second Homes turn to Primary Homes

Recession, new tax band (50% for those earning £150,000.00) and an over all better quality of life are some of the most compelling reasons stated by almost half of the British working population (45%) which according to a recent survey consider relocating abroad. A significant number pointed out, under the better quality of life category, that housing in the U.S., Australia and Europe is by and large less expensive. Many of those are gloating over the real estate investment they made overseas. Unlike others they know they can rent their properties at home and relocate to their chosen dream house without concerns of applying for mortgages, international tax laws etc..

Cape Verde in Economic Prospects for Africa Report 2009

Cape Verde is relatively protected from the impact of the financial crisis, According to an AfDB annual Economic Prospects for Africa 2009 report released this Sunday, despite some unfavorable indicators. Primarily the decrease in emigrant remitance which has always been significant. Although economic growth has slowed this year (from 6.1 percent in 2008 to 3.6 percent), there will be growth in 2010. The economic performance of Cape Verde is even more impressive when considering “the significant costs of its small size, insularity and geographic configuration,” stated the African Development Bank

Jose Maria Neves Doctor Honoris Causa

José Maria Neves, Prime Minister of Cape Verde, recognized as one of Africa’s foremost leaders, will be receiving an honorary doctor of law degree from the University of Rhode Island in recognition for his excellent performance as the archipelago’s leader, and specifically, his role in promoting education through important partnerships between the University of Cape Verde and other institutions worldwide. Rhode Island University’s publication also praises the Prime Minister for his anti-crises measures which have minimized Cape Verde’s vulnerability to the world economic downturn, thereby fostering international credibility which enables foreign investment, largely in the tourism sector and second home real estate, to continue its growth trajectory.

Cape Verde Taking Care of Real Estate Growth Demands

Cape Verde plans on remaining the shining example of a developing economy that uses aid wisely to invest in its own sustainable growth. Due to its climate, Cape Verde has always been short on water supply, now with the investment property market and hotel industry growing – Cape Verde has chosen to tackle this issues sooner rather than later. Japan, who has taken an interest is Cape Verde since it’s independence in 1975, will be giving Cape Verde approximately 10M€ specifically to fund the creation of new drinking water production systems in the Islands. In addition, the capital city of Praia is also increasing its water resources by doubling the desalination capacity by year end and by installing a 5.000 cubic water facility in order to bring the total available supply per person per day to 82 litres, which is just above the World Health Organization recommended amount. Legally all real estate developers in Cape Verde are required to provide properties with their own water desalination systems.

Can I Park my Airplane at Your House

Work, housework, cooking shopping, bills, noise - it's all getting to you, and you need a real break. On top of it all, as you sit in your office it starts to rain. You get out of work as soon as you can, pack a little weekend bag, hop in your car and drive it to the nearest airport. You taxi it around the take-off runway, unfold your car's wings and wait for permission to take off! 450 miles later you land your car just minutes from your property abroad. So you fold up your car's wings again and taxi out of the airport and quickly drive to your secnod home, park it in the garage and leave it there all weekend.

It is not quite possible yet, but maybe very soon. The company Terrafugia already has working prototype of the Terrafugia Transition. In fact on their website you can already pre order yours.

Cape Verde Growing Number of Visitors

In a study launched recently by the WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) Cape Verde is on the TOP 10 list in terms of the countries where the number of foreign visitors is growing. Due to the growing touristic market and an ever more interesting investment property offer, the WTTC anticipates that Cape Verde will rank 6th in terms of growth in the number of visitors.

Angola and Portugal, Even Stronger Business Ties

José Eduardo dos Santos, president of Angola, is currently in Portugal on his first official visit to the current Portuguese president Cavaco Silva. Already Portugal's major exporting destination outside of Europe, Angola is now an African nation at peace and experiencing tremendous developments. As Portuguese businesses continue to grow in Angola, and Angolans start to have distinguishing impact on Portuguese economy, the President rallied for even greater cooperation between the two stating that in the current climate countries should turn to their oldest and most trusted friends.

High Marks for Cape Verde

The Heritage Foundation (a Washington DC Think Tank) and WSJ Index of Economic Freedom Report for 2009 was released earlier this month. It came as no surprise that Cape Verde continues on the rise. Although its best mark was in the category of Monetary Freedom where Cape Verde scored a whopping 76.9, where it really did exceptionally well was in the category of Property Rights, scoring an awesome 70.00 points, where the overall (179 countries) average was 44.0. An added bonus is that Cape Verde came in ahead of some of its main competitors when it comes to attracting European investment in second homes abroad and residential tourism – Poland, Greece, Egypt and Tunisia.

An Investment for your Investment

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