Choosing what is right for you

Buying something at the right price without taking into consideration other things like where it is situated, what is going to change around the building, whether there are mains facilities or if you can let it easily.....amongst many more things...is not going to be brightest thing you have ever done! Read on ...

You will need to consider whether you want something on the west coast on a large development or something in or around Santa Maria town or alternatively on the east side of town.

There is a lot to choose from, but many more things to consider. I do know that everyone has some opinion as to which is/could be the best investment. There are many reasons for this. It is up to you to make your own choice. You might decide that this island isn't right for you, but you will only know that if you come and take a look.

If you have seen projects advertised, the artist’s impression will provide you with a picture of how they should look when they are finished. If you arrive here to look at where they will be built it may be hard to imagine the finished project but you will have been to see the island and have a better understanding of where buildings will be situated in relation to the town and other developments on the west and east coast.

You may prefer to look at properties that have already been built in Murdeira Village which is about 15mins drive out of Santa Maria.

Alternatively you may want to consider something in the less touristy areas of Espargos or Palmeira, although I personally don't know anyone that has bought in these areas.

Commercial Buildings/Properties : are being built on smaller, mid size and larger developments or in the town of Santa Maria, the reason for this is because there weren't many available before. Those looking to set up business and import goods may want to consider buying a plot of land to build on, as there aren't any purpose built workshop type units to speak of, you will need to consider whether this should be obtained nearer to the port, to save on transportation costs.

I am aware that interest in the island is growing and more people want to invest on Sal and other islands. This is why I developed this website so it would help people like you who may be looking for a holiday home, a property or land as an investment opportunity. This website is my business, the information on it is free.

If you feel you need assistance in finding something that is right for you and you want some assistance, please contact me prior to departure to arrange a meeting.

Inspection trips: A way of looking at parts of the island or a number of islands whilst looking at a number of projects. The number of projects seen may be limited.

West Coast Developments: There are larger developments being built from the southwest side of town up to Murdeira Village. Work started on some of them in 2006, others will start in 2007. There are various completion dates specified. Some developments will be on the beach front, some buildings/apartments will have sea views, while others won't. Some developments will not be on the beach front, although some apartments may have sea views and others won't.

Some developments will have villas/ apartments//hotels/pools, others will just be apartments. Some will have golf courses, marinas and leisure clubs.

Nikki Beach and Hotels such as the Hilton will be linked to some developments.

Some developments will have a nice beach, others rocky or less sandy.I understand that each of the beach front developments must include the building of a promenade along the coast line which links one development with another. The promenade will provide an access route along the west coast eventually.

There are three developments that I am aware of that will have marinas. I understand that priority for berths may be given to some of the owners, but there isn't anything confirmed or set in writing with either development as yet.

Santa Maria (Town):

There are a number of apartment blocks behind the main street, some as re-sale, some new, some off-plan.

It really depends on what you think you are looking for. You may need to consider air conditioning if buying in central Santa Maria as it does get hot in the summer. Counting back from the front line, I counted 20 plots to the furthest back row. This may vary slightly it depends on which part of the beach you stared counting from.

Older buildings:

There are a number of old houses in Santa Maria and other areas on the island.

The ones I have seen:

Some: - have been on the market a long time - are incomplete - are over priced - are near local bars - don't have mains water - are small hut type building - have a tin roof - without bathrooms/bedrooms - are completed but different styles - have been refurbished and made into apartments - have been knocked down and rebuilt - have signs of salt creeping up through the brick work and floors. - are in Santa Maria, Palmeira or Espargos etc etc etc

Communal flat roof Those that buy an apartment with a communal flat roof will be able to share use for entertaining or for drying clothes. Access should be limited to owners, but people renting an apartment in the block may also have access. Occasionally parties are held on the roof, hopefully to no-one's dismay.

Plots of land for building:

Some investors are buying plots of land then looking to pay a developer to build on them.

Do you know what is going to be built next to your plot?

Some people may not want to build a villa on a plot amongst the local unfinished houses. You may end up with a block of apts being built next door with the apartment balcony's overlooking your patio.

You have to come and see where the position of the plot is or the property you want to buy, before buying, not only that, what buildings or other things that are around you....I wouldn't recommend buying without seeing. You may need to know how many floors can be re-built; it may be 4 or less. You can get this information from the Camara Municipal.

Building costs per sq.m (May 07):

If looking to buy a plot and build, you will need to enquire about the building costs. In or around Santa Maria they could be under 400euros a square meter or over 1200euros a square meter depending on the position of the plot and how big the plot is etc. They may be less up in Palmeira or Espargos.

The prices are quite high on Sal compared to other islands.On Boa Vista there were some smaller plots of 20,000sq.m at 55euros per m2 whilst a larger plot further along the coast was 35euro per m2.(May. 07

East side of town: There is a new square being built on the east side, this will improve that area by providing some other commercials and bars I understand.

You may want to consider the trade winds when looking for property. The east side of town is the more windy side, with winds coming from the north east. The winds get stronger from November into the winter months. You should consider this when looking at buying north east facing property; you may not be able to open the windows on the north side during the winter winds, unless you want to have sand or dust in the apartment! This may not be as bad if you are surrounded by other buildings.

There are some nice resorts that have been completed or are part built projects on the west side of the coast.