This haven of natural beauty welcomes buyers.
Cape Verde, a collection of islands off the coast of West Africa, is increasingly recognised as the next tourism and property hotspot and is attracting huge amounts of foreign investment. It has recently been announced that a major new tourist project worth over $100 million is set to take place in the capital city of Praia, located on the largest of the 10 Islands, Santiago. This, along with the opening of the new international airport in Praia, is likely to lead to an increase in tourism, adding to Cape Verde’s property investment appeal.
Leading overseas agent, Avatar International, is currently representing two new apartment developments in Praia: Aguia and Santa Maria. Managing director, Amar Sodhi comments: “Santiago already has so much to offer, with lush forests, beautiful beaches and numerous sporting activities. The new Praia tourist project includes improvement of the harbour and beaches, as well as a luxury hotel and casino which will enhance the area. Aguia and Santa Maria are in close proximity to the new Praia tourist project, as well as the major banks, government departments and embassies. This means that both developments will be ideal for corporate as well as holiday lets, adding to their capital growth and rental yield potential.”
The Aguia and Santa Maria apartments are situated next to each other in the heart of Praia, the financial district of Cape Verde, overlooking Gamboa beach, which will be transformed with imported white sand from the coast of Africa as part of the investment programme. Gamboa beach is the largest on Santiago Island and is just 200 metres from the apartments. Numerous cafes, restaurants and bars are also nearby. Several golf courses are currently under construction in the local area and the new international airport is just 5km away.
Both developments are of modern design, finished in crisp white rendering with plenty of glazing to create a clean, contemporary look. Both developments incorporate CCTV cameras for security.
Aguia incorporates 13 four bedroom duplex apartments, all of which are designed and finished to a high standard. Each apartment has ceramic mosaic floor tiling throughout and includes a kitchen/dining area with fitted cupboards, worktops, cooker and extractor fan as well as a washing machine. There is also a large open plan living and dining area. Bedrooms are of a generous size and there are two fully fitted bathrooms, some with Jacuzzi’s. Each apartment has a balcony with fabulous views of Gamboa bay. The development also benefits from a private swimming pool.
Santa Maria incorporates a collection of 36 three bedroom apartments. Each apartment has ceramic mosaic floor tiling throughout and includes kitchens with fitted cupboards, worktops, cooker and extractor fan as well as a washing machine. There is also a large open plan living and dining area. Bedrooms are generously proportioned and each apartment has two fully fitted bathrooms with spa baths. Apartments also benefit from a balcony, some with fantastic views of Gamboa bay.
At present, the quickest route to Cape Verde is via Lisbon from Heathrow or Gatwick, with a flight time of approximately seven hours. It is anticipated that Cape Verde Airlines will be launching direct flights from the UK to Santiago’s new international airport starting in November, which will shave two hours off the journey.
Completion of both Aguia and Santa Maria is planned for August 2007. Prices at Aguia are from €224,999 for a four bedroom duplex apartment. Prices at Santa Maria are from €104,000 for a three bedroom apartment. For further information, contact Avatar International on telephone: 08707 282 827 or visit: avatar-international.com