Buying a property in Cascais
Cascais boasts a rich royal and literary history, a high-end culinary scene and picturesque beaches. All just 20 minutes from Portugal’s capital. It is also a short distance from Lisbon International Airport, the best connected and busiest in the country.
That makes it ideal for North American buyers too, with direct flights from New York or Bostin in less than seven hours and then a short transfer time.
Cascais suits international property buyers who would like to be, or need to be, close to Lisbon but would prefer to live in a more relaxed seaside setting.
Why buy a property in Cascais
An easy 36 kilometres from Lisbon, Cascais is a vibrant seaside destination. Since the 1870s, when King Luís I of Portugal chose it as his retreat, Cascais has attracted royalty. Today, locals and visitors enjoy its gorgeous beaches, golf courses (such as Quinta da Marinha and Golf Estoril), and museum district. There is still a focus on luxury, however. Cascais’s high-end culinary scene includes 44 restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide.
However, with a population of over 200,000, not everywhere in Cascais is priced in the millions and there are apartments available from €250,000 and houses from €450,000.
Praia da Conceição, the central beach in Cascais, is near the train station and overlooked by the five-star Albatroz Hotel. It has a Blue Flag and is close to shops and cafes. Paddleboarding is popular here, though it can be crowded in peak season. Nearby, smaller Praia da Rainha, named after Queen Amelia, has shallow, calm waters suitable for children.
The Casino Estoril, inspired Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale. It offers restaurants, musical shows, an art gallery and a nightclub.
One great plus of Cascais is how close it is to the capital. The drive is just 20 minutes long. The train is double the journey time but costs just €3. Plus, both the cost of living and the property options are a touch more affordable than Lisbon.
How to get to Cascais
As not just a capital city, but one of the mist exciting and dynamic cities in the world, Lisbon has plenty fights from every corner of the globe including Asia and south America. Direct flights from San Francisco take 11 hours and from New York seven hours.
Flights from northern Europe take two or three hours and there is also the option of the train. The legendary Sud Express sleeper train that used to link Paris and Lisbon is suspended for now, but there are slower options available.
The weather in Cascais
Cascais enjoys warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In summer, Cascais experiences highs of 27°C and up to 11 hours of sunshine a day. The cooler season lasts from November through to early March. January is the coldest month with an average daily maximum of 14°C.
Is a property in Cascais a good investment?
While property is pricey, with average prices paid by foreigners average up to €5,000 per square metre, the real estate market in Cascais is strong and continues to attract international buyers.
The town’s royal connections, luxury ambience and appeal to tourists and expats alike ensures a steady demand for rental properties, making it a potentially lucrative option for those looking to invest in real estate.
Neighbourhoods to buy in Cascais
- Costa da Guia: Located between the heart of Cascais and Guincho Beach, this area is known for its beautiful properties and proximity to the ocean.
- Quinta da Marinha: This is a luxury neighbourhood with high-end villas and excellent amenities, including golf courses and equestrian centres.
- São João do Estoril: A charming area with a mix of traditional and modern properties, close to the beach and well-connected by public transport.
- Birre: Known for its spacious homes and quiet, residential atmosphere, Birre is popular among families.
- Carcavelos: This neighbourhood is famous for its large beach and vibrant community, making it a great place for both living and investment.
The property market in Cascais
Cascais has a less diverse property market than Lisbon or the Algarve. You will not find as many land plots, renovation properties or new developments. But if you are after a lovely home a short distance from the beach then this is the place to look.
The starting price for a small apartment is €250,000. While a family home requires a budget of at least €600,000. Cascais has superb large villas with panoramic sea views, swimming pools and gardens.
Steps to buy in Cascais
It’s best to be methodical and see buying property in Cascais as simple set of steps, none of which is particularly difficult. Before you know it you can own your own home in Cascais!
- Set a budget: Work out how much you have to spend. Read our guide, How to pay for a Portuguese property to see your options. Speak to Smart Currency Exchange about exchange rates and international payments. Get a mortgage approval in principle if required. Remember to allow for buying costs.
- Do you research: Research the best areas around Cascais to buy for your particular budget, lifestyle, needs and interests. If aiming to move to Cascais full time, connect with an independent lawyer to discuss your residency and visa options. If hoping to rent a property out, check if this is legally possible.
- Online search: Once you know how much you have to spend in euros, you can start browsing available homes for sale in Cascais. Check out the appeal of different locations. Explore the area on Google Earth too, which will help you get an idea of the area. Make some enquiries on properties for sale in Cascais at Your Overseas Home. This will open a dialogue with recommended, English-speaking estate agents in Cascais.
- Book a viewing trip: When you have narrowed your online list as far as it will go, speak to an estate agent and book your trip to Cascais.
- Make an offer: When you’ve found a property you like, make an offer via your estate agent.
- Reservation contract & deposit: Once accepted, you may be asked to sign a reservation contract (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda) and pay a deposit. Before you pay the deposit, we recommend speaking to a currency specialist who can help you lock in the rate for the duration of your property purchase, to avoid it fluctuating with the markets. The deposit is usually around 20% of the purchase price.
- Completion: This will be at the notary’s office (or by your lawyer via power of attorney), probably two months or so later. Congratulations, you now own a property in Cascais.
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