Complete Silver Coast Portugal Real Estate Buying Guide

The Silver Coast of Portugal – or Costa de Prata– is perhaps the best place in the country for expats seeking a high-quality and affordable lifestyle in Europe. It is a region on the west coast where you have access to some of the best beaches, cute villages and towns, and very good weather.

Besides, there is always something to keep you busy, whether it is surfing, hiking, or just relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches. The different locations on the Silver Coast have various property types to match your budget.

In this Silver Coast real estate buying guide, we are going to provide you with everything that you will need to know about buying property in this fabulous part of Portugal.

Quick summary

  • Compared to Lisbon and the Algarve, you will find that your money will go further if you buy property on the Silver Coast.
  • Nazaré is one of the most traditional towns in Portugal, where the inhabitants have stuck strongly to their traditions.
  • The Silver Coast has many property types, whether you are looking for a beach house, a villa, or a historic townhouse in the city center.

Why buy real estate on the Silver Coast?

Aerial View of Figueira da Foz in the Silver Coast

So, where exactly is it? Well, the definition is open to debate. However, most agree that the Silver Coast in Portugal begins north of Lisbon and extends around 150 kilometers northwards up the coast beyond Nazaré.

The Silver Coast is perfect if you are seeking to buy property in Portugal and where you can embrace living in an authentic part of the country that has become increasingly popular with expats.

The region has attracted remote workers on the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa, retirees on the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa, and families because of its beautiful landscapes, lovely villages, and attractive real estate prices. In this part of our Silver Coast real estate buying guide, we will provide you with an overview of some things to consider when buying real estate on the Silver Coast. 

Favorable property prices: Compared to Lisbon and the Algarve, you will find that your money will go further if you buy property on the Silver Coast. Silver Coast property for sale is relatively affordable compared to the better-known parts of Portugal, yet offers a wide array of property types.

High-quality life: The most significant reason why expats are heading to the Silver Coast is that the region is incredibly beautiful, and you do not have the flocks of tourists that head to the Algarve in the south of the country.

Spectacular coastline: Wherever you go on the Atlantic Ocean and the Silver Coast, you will come across spectacular landscapes, beaches, and towns. Whichever part of the coastline you choose, you will find that the towns each have their own unique characteristics and customs.

Delightful food: It is no surprise that the cuisine of the Silver Coast focuses on fresh catch of fish and seafood. The food in this region of Portugal is among the very best in Europe and is an important part of the culture here.

Connectivity to central locations: With Lisbon airport to the south and Porto to the north, you can reach either city very quickly for a weekend getaway or even a day trip, should you so wish. The region also has efficient public transport.

Events all year round: There are events along the Silver Coast year-round, with many activities to get involved in. Each town will have its own special customs, so make sure that you get involved in the town’s life to soak up the authentic Portuguese lifestyle. 

Overview of Silver Coast, Portugal Real Estate Market

The Silver Coast real estate market has steadily positioned itself as one of Portugal’s most balanced property regions, combining relative affordability with long-term growth potential.

Stretching north of Lisbon along the Atlantic, the area has benefited from sustained interest from international buyers priced out of Lisbon, Cascais, and parts of the Algarve, while still retaining a largely domestic character.

Property prices have risen over the past decade, but at a slower and more sustainable pace than Portugal’s major urban and resort markets, which continue to attract buyers seeking value rather than short-term speculation.

Demand on the Silver Coast is driven by lifestyle-focused buyers rather than mass tourism. Towns such as Caldas da Rainha, Nazaré, and Óbidos offer a mix of modern developments, renovated townhouses, and traditional Portuguese homes, often at price points significantly lower than comparable coastal locations closer to Lisbon. New-build supply is available but remains limited, helping prevent oversaturation and supporting gradual capital appreciation.

From an investment perspective (even though real estate is no longer eligible for the Portugal Golden Visa), the Silver Coast is better aligned with long-term holding strategies than with high-yield short-term rentals.

Rental demand is stable, particularly for long-term leases driven by locals, expats, and digital workers, though seasonal tourism does provide supplementary income in coastal areas. Infrastructure improvements, better road connections to Lisbon, and increasing international awareness continue to strengthen the region’s fundamentals.

Overall, the Silver Coast represents a measured, lower-risk segment of the Portuguese property market—appealing to buyers prioritizing livability, resilience, and steady growth over rapid price inflation.

nauru passport on an airplane window
icon-logo-star

Take a look at our
Portugal Golden Visa Ultimate Guide

Where to Buy Property on the Silver Coast

There are far too many gems on the Silver Coast to provide you with a full overview of places to consider. However, in this part of our Silver Coast real estate buying guide, we’ve tried to provide you with some information on some of the best places to live on the Silver Coast in Portugal.

Óbidos

Óbidos is a fascinating medieval walled town that is also one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations. If you are looking for fun festivals, head to the medieval festival in Óbidos, where you have the chance to dress up in medieval attire and walk around the castle, feasting on typical dishes from times gone by. Also, Ginjinha, a typical cherry-flavored liqueur often served in a chocolate cup, is a favorite here. 

While Óbidos itself may not be the best place for homebuyers and better for an investment, the surrounding countryside would be the perfect home, where you can enjoy the Portuguese countryside and also be very close to Lisbon and the spectacular Sintra mountains.

Nazaré

nazare-portugal

Nazaré, the most famous town on the Silver Coast and close to Figueira da Foz, has much to offer. For those who like thrills, it doesn’t come much better than watching big-wave surfers head out to sea to try and catch the massive waves.

You can watch from the coast or the iconic lighthouse, which provides the best views of the surfers as they go up against the greatest force of nature. 

Nazaré is also one of the most traditional towns in Portugal, where the inhabitants have stuck strongly to their traditions. Here, fishermen’s wives wear seven colored layers of skirts and the traditional black headscarves.

The fishermen themselves can be seen close to the water, drying their catch of fish in the sun on wooden racks along the seafront. This local charm of Nazaré is what makes the town so special, where the little things and cultural traditions remain unchanged.

Peniche

Peniche Portugal

Peniche is a quiet fishing town, perfect for those who are looking for some peace and quiet. If you are looking for Silver Coast property, you should be able to find many different types of property in Peniche. If you look outside the town, you can find more spacious properties. 

This town has a relaxed vibe, where time seems to slip by at a slow pace, perfect if you are looking for some well-earned rest. You can also take the ferry to Berlengas, an archipelago of islands where the impressive ancient Fortress ofSão João Baptista, from the 17th century, can be seen.

Torres Vedras

Torres Vedras is a quiet town with a Moorish castle overlooking the city. Tourists don’t seem to venture to Torres Vedras, so the local life is very much still embraced here. Close by, you have Praia de Santa Cruz, which has beautiful landscapes and beaches. In this area, you will be able to find spacious properties at affordable rates, and you are very close to the glittering city of Lisbon.

Coimbra

Coimbra in Portugal

Coimbra is a fantastic city that is known for having one of the oldest universities in Europe. With affordable accommodation and good interest rates, the city is a good place to live. Coimbra manages to combine the very best of modernity without compromising on showing off its ancient roots and traditions. 

Property Types on the Silver Coast

The Silver Coast has many property types, whether you are looking for a beach house, a villa, or a historic townhouse in the city center. However, in this part of our Silver Coast real estate buying guide, we’ll provide you with some information on terms to look out for when buying property in this region.

  • Casa geminada – a semi-detached house where two houses share a common wall.
  • Casa / moradia – this is a detached house that usually has outdoor areas, such as a backyard, patio, etc. 
  • Condominios (or condos for short) – an apartment with a common area.
  • Quinta – rustic homes or farms that you can find in the inland areas of Portugal.
  • Terreno – meaning “land” in Portuguese, where you can build your own house on land that is registered for habitation. Some conditions allow for agricultural land, but this will need to be verified with the city or the Câmara Municipal.

Property Prices on the Silver Coast

On average, prices across the Silver Coast typically sit well below the national hotspots. Apartments in established towns such as Caldas da Rainha often trade in a lower-to-mid range by Portuguese standards, while coastal areas like Nazaré command a modest premium, especially for sea-view or centrally located properties. For example, the average asking price for a family home in Nazaré is around €320,000, while in Peniche it is about €260,000.

According to the most recent data, the average asking prices for properties are:

  • For a central apartment with a sea view in Nazaré: Between €350,000 and €450,000
  • For a townhouse or detached home in Peniche: Between €300,000 and €380,000
  • For a renovated house near or inside the historic area in Óbidos: Between €400,000 and €600,000

For a family of four, the Silver Coast still offers 30 percent to 50 percent lower asking prices than Lisbon’s coastal suburbs and more space for the budget than the Algarve’s prime zones. Price growth has been steady rather than explosive, which is why these towns continue to attract families relocating for lifestyle rather than short-term investment gains. 

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?

GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS

  • GCS has offices located across Portugal.
  • Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
  • Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa. 

100% APPROVAL RATE

  • Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants. 
  • We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.

ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION

  • With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application. 
  • Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.

TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY

  • Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
  • All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Share this post:

Explore More Resources

Upcoming
Property Manager Lisbon: How to Find the Best Agent for Your Assets
If you’re planning to get a second house in Lisbon, you should know how to find a property manager in Lisbon to help you manage your assets.
Upcoming
How to Find a Property Manager in Braga
If you have a house in Braga or are planning to buy one, you should also be familiar with how to find a property manager in Braga.
Upcoming
How to Find a Property Manager in Porto
icon-logo-star-blue

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many places on the Silver Coast that have become favorites with expats, such as Nazaré, Peniche, Óbidos, and Coimbra.

The Silver Coast is a haven for expats, who can enjoy the good weather, spectacular landscapes, affordable properties, and where the locals are very welcoming. Portugal coast real estate is also varied, and if you are looking for a villa, beach house, or town house, you should be able to find what you are looking for.

The name, the Silver Coast, derives from the Ocean color. On certain days, the sun’s rays paint the ocean a beautiful silver color.

The main difference between the Silver Coast and the Algarve is affordability and authenticity. The Silver Coast offers lower property prices, less tourism-driven development, and a more traditional Portuguese lifestyle. In contrast, the Algarve is more expensive and tourist-centric, with higher demand driving property costs up.

Silver Coast real estate is a good investment for foreigners due to low property prices, increasing international interest, and steady rental demand. Its proximity to Lisbon, authentic culture, and undeveloped coastline attract buyers seeking value growth and lifestyle benefits without the high costs of Algarve.

The safest areas to buy real estate on Portugal’s Silver Coast include Nazaré, Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha, and Figueira da Foz. These towns offer low crime rates, stable infrastructure, and established expat communities. Their growing popularity also supports long-term property value and secure investment potential.

The main difference between the Silver Coast and cities like Lisbon or Porto is cost. Living on the Silver Coast is 20–30 percent cheaper, with lower housing, dining, and utility expenses. While Lisbon and Porto offer more amenities, the Silver Coast provides better value for long-term living.

Buy real estate on Portugal’s Silver Coast by hiring a local lawyer, getting a fiscal number (NIF), signing a promissory contract, and completing the final deed at a notary. Foreigners can buy freely, and the process typically takes 1–3 months depending on financing and property checks.

Foreigners do not need a visa or residency permit to buy property on the Silver Coast. Portugal allows non-residents to purchase real estate freely. However, a visa or residency is required to live in Portugal long-term or qualify for tax residency and health services.

Foreign buyers pay the same taxes as locals when purchasing Silver Coast real estate. These include property transfer tax (IMT) of 1 percent to 8 percent, stamp duty of 0.8 percent, and annual municipal tax (IMI) of 0.3 percent–0.8 percent. Rates vary based on property value, location, and whether it’s a primary or secondary home.

Privacy Overview
Global Citizen Solutions logo featuring a stylized globe and modern typography in blue and green colors.

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

Analytics

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.