The Republic of Cabo Verde is taking steps to address its housing crisis by reinforcing property rights and modernizing its land registry system. According to Gertrudes do Rosário Morais, the right to private property is a fundamental right in Cabo Verde, enshrined in the country's constitution. Article 69 of the Constitution guarantees the right to private property and its transmission, while also ensuring that this right is exercised in harmony with the interests of the collectivity.
Historically, Cabo Verde's land management has been plagued by informality and insecurity, inherited from the colonial period. The practice of informal transactions, based on verbal agreements or private documents without public deeds or registration, has hindered the proof of real rights and fueled numerous land conflicts. To overcome this, Cabo Verde has embarked on a series of legislative reforms in the land registry sector over the past two decades, aiming to establish greater security and certainty in property identification.
The country's legislative journey in this area began with the Law No. 25/VII/2008, which established a special regime for regularizing the occupation of state-owned land. This was followed by the Decree-Law No. 29/2009, which approved the first Land Registry Legal Regime (RJCP). Subsequent decrees, such as Decree-Law No. 10/2010 and Decree-Law No. 45/2014, have further shaped the land registry system, introducing the principle of mandatory registration and regulating the licensing of private entities.
A significant milestone in this process was the Decree-Law No. 12/2024, of March 21, which unified the land registry regime and established a single regulatory framework. This decree defines the land registry as the administrative registration and collection of data that characterize and identify existing properties in the national territory. The new regime aims to provide greater certainty and security in property transactions, as well as encourage national and foreign investment.
The evolution of Cabo Verde's land registry legislation reflects the country's efforts to address its housing crisis and promote sustainable development. By strengthening property rights and modernizing its land registry system, Cabo Verde aims to reduce conflicts and disputes over land, increase transparency and efficiency in property transactions, and ultimately improve access to housing for its citizens.
The housing crisis in Cabo Verde is a pressing issue, with many citizens facing difficulties in accessing affordable and secure housing. The government's efforts to reform the land registry system and strengthen property rights are seen as crucial steps towards addressing this crisis. By providing a more secure and transparent framework for property transactions, the government hopes to stimulate investment in the housing sector and increase the availability of affordable housing options.
The impact of these reforms on Cabo Verde's housing market and economy remains to be seen. However, according to experts, the strengthening of property rights and the modernization of the land registry system are essential steps towards promoting sustainable development and addressing the country's housing crisis. The government's commitment to implementing these reforms and addressing the challenges they pose will be crucial in determining their success.
Key points
- Cabo Verde's new land registry regime aims to provide greater certainty and security in property transactions.
- The country's housing crisis is a pressing issue, with many citizens facing difficulties in accessing affordable and secure housing.
- The government's efforts to reform the land registry system and strengthen property rights are seen as crucial steps towards addressing the housing crisis.
