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Buy an existing house or apartment

Platform summary

Illustrative, non-legal overview of buying an already-built property. Always confirm the steps and requirements with the competent authorities.

Conservatória do Registo Predial · estimated duration ~90 days

How it usually goes

Buying a finished home follows a logic similar to land, but with extra attention to the property’s legal status. Most buyers orient here, visit the property and only then verify the title, the licences and any debts. The purchase closes with the deed, the tax and registration - and ends with transferring water, electricity and the annual tax to the new owner.

What to watch out for in Cabo Verde

  • Make sure all heirs sign when the property comes from an inheritance - the most common cause of contested sales.
  • Works or extensions without a permit can become your problem - check that the building matches its licences.
  • Condominium and tax (cIPI) debts can pass to the new owner - ask for proof that everything is paid.
  • You need a Cape Verdean NIF and should work with an independent lawyer, just as when buying land.

The steps, one by one

  1. 1

    Verify title and encumbrances

    Confirm the registered owner and whether there are mortgages or seizures.

    Request the Land Registry Certificate and confirm the seller really is the owner and the property is free of encumbrances. Also check that the registry description (area, units, boundaries) matches what you will visit.

    Authority:
    Land Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial)
    Documents:
    Land registry certificate, Seller identification
    Duration:
    ~14 days

    Good practice: Request the tax property record (caderneta predial) and compare it with the registry - they should match.

  2. 2

    Check the property, licences and debts

    Visit the property and confirm the habitation licence, condominium debts and taxes.

    Visit the property, ideally with a surveyor, and confirm there is a habitation/use licence. Ask for proof that the annual tax (cIPI) and, in a condominium, the fees are paid. Confirm there are no works still to be legalised.

    Authority:
    Municipality + tax office
    Documents:
    Habitation licence, Payment proofs (cIPI, condominium)
    Duration:
    ~14 days

    Good practice: Ask for the latest Electra and water bill in the seller’s name - it confirms there are no outstanding debts.

  3. 3

    Deed, tax and registration

    Sign the deed, pay the cITI and register the transfer.

    The purchase is formalised in a public deed before a notary. You pay the transfer tax (cITI) and fees, and register the transfer at the Conservatória. Only after registration are you the owner against third parties.

    Authority:
    Notary + Land Registry + tax office
    Documents:
    Draft deed, Buyer’s NIF, Proof of funds
    Duration:
    ~21 days

    Good practice: Ask the notary for an estimate of all costs (tax, fees, registration) before the deed day.

  4. 4

    Transfer water, electricity and annual tax to your name

    Transfer the contracts and update the property’s tax record.

    After registering, transfer the water and electricity (Electra) contracts to your name and update the property record at the tax office, so the annual tax (cIPI) is issued in your name. Keep digital copies of everything.

    Authority:
    Electra + tax office
    Documents:
    Deed and registration proof
    Duration:
    ~14 days

    Good practice: Take meter readings on the day you get the keys and record them - it avoids paying the previous owner’s usage.

This information is indicative and may be outdated. Always confirm with the competent authorities. Djarvista does not provide legal advice.