Cascais, Portugal, has become one of the country’s most desirable real estate markets, attracting both international investors and families seeking a high-quality lifestyle by the sea. Known for its golden beaches, luxury villas, and close proximity to Lisbon, Cascais blends coastal charm with urban convenience.
The town’s real estate offerings range from modern apartments with ocean views to historic mansions tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, making it appealing to a diverse group of buyers. With strong infrastructure, international schools, a vibrant cultural scene, and Portugal’s favorable residency options, the Cascais, Portugal, real estate market continues to thrive as a prime choice for living and investment.
If you are considering buying property in Cascais, this article will take you through the buying process and the essential details, including the best areas for property purchases. You’ll also find out more about:
Why buy property in Cascais?
Buying property in Portugal has become increasingly popular with expats and international buyers, and Cascais is one of the country’s true gems. The Cascais municipality isn’t just beautiful—it is also a fantastic location to invest in property. It’s not difficult to understand what makes the area one of the most highly valued in Portugal for lifestyle and property investment.
It is placed on a picturesque stretch of coastline but is also close to the capital city. A train line links the neighborhoods along the beach with the center of the city, and Lisbon is less than 45 minutes away by car, making it an excellent idea to buy property in Cascais. Other excellent reasons to buy property in Cascais include:
- Portugal has no restrictions on foreigners purchasing property
- The Cascais property market is experiencing steady growth
- Portugal’s cost of living is lower than that of many Western European countries
- The Cascais region enjoys a blissful climate, renowned for its warm summers and mild winters.
- Cascais is home to many excellent international schools in Portugal and high-quality healthcare services
Cascais Overview
Climate in Cascais
Cascais benefits from a moderate climate, with hot weather in the summer and mild winters. In the summer, there are average highs of 26 Degrees C, though daytime temperatures frequently surpass 30 Degrees C. It also has the benefit of being by the Atlantic coast, which means even on the hottest days, there is usually a sea breeze to provide some relief from the heat. In January, the coldest month, average lows are around 11°C.
Beaches in Cascais
Anyone looking to buy property in Cascais will probably already know that the area is famous for its beaches, with some of the most popular being Carcavelos, the Praia da Rainha in the town of Cascais, and Guincho on the coast to the north.
Living in Cascais
Portugal, you will also find that the beaches are not only beautiful but also varied. Carcavelos is popular with surfers, whereas the calm waters of São Pedro are more popular with beachgoers who are looking to work on their tan. The rugged coastline of Sintra offers something entirely different, and although it can be windier than Cascais, it is better for those who prefer wilder, less developed coastlines. One thing is for sure: Beach lovers will find many different kinds of beaches close to Cascais to explore.
Culture in Cascais
One of the highlights of the area is that there are plenty of things to do in Cascais. There are a number of art galleries in the town of Cascais, including the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego and the Museu Condes de Castro Guimarães.
Luxury living in Cascais
The greater Cascais area is known for its luxury, from the casinos to the golf courses and Michelin-starred restaurants. There are a number of high-end restaurants to choose from, including two Michelin-starred restaurants overlooking the Penha Longa golf course: LAB and Restaurante Arola. Alongside the fine dining, there are many opportunities to drink cocktails and good wine at many places along the Cascais coastline. One of the highlights is the Palacio Hotel in Estoril, where you can drink a martini in one of the places that inspired James Bond.
Expats in Cascais
The high quality of living in Cascais attracts many expat communities to the area, as well as the excellent local schools and the proximity to Lisbon city center. Foreigners buy property in Cascais because the region offers several exciting experiences.
Property Map of Where to Buy Property in Cascais
Cascais and Estoril
Visitors to the town of Cascais will find themselves among the palaces and turreted mansions that bring to mind its regal past. Homes in Cascais and Estoril are among some of the most expensive in the entire municipality. You will also find the gorgeous Praia da Rainha here, which you can head to even in the depths of winter, and Cascais Marina, where you can enjoy strolling around on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Estoril is the location of the famous Casino Estoril, which is the oldest in Portugal and the largest in Europe. The leafy suburbs in the surrounding area have large, spacious houses, many with swimming pools, and are just a short distance from the beach. The average asking price for real estate listings here is €8,389 per square meter.
Life in the Cascais region is incredibly family-friendly. There are several good international schools to choose from, such as Park International School, St John’s School, and St Antonio International School. There is also a wide variety of excellent housing on offer, with spacious, detached homes close to all the necessary amenities, like supermarkets, gyms, and yoga studios.
The area has excellent transport links—residents can be in Lisbon’s business district in 30 minutes. The Cascais housing market is also very highly valued and stable, and house prices have increased 37 percent over recent years.
Carcavelos and Parede
Halfway between Lisbon and Cascais, the neighboring suburbs of Carcavelos and Parede have a laid-back and tranquil quality of their own. With large, detached houses leading down to the beach, these areas are a favorite spot for surfers, owing to the quality of the waves on Carcavelos beach.
The beachfront is transformed during the summer, as it is one of the preferred weekend getaways for Lisbon residents looking to escape the heat. The average asking price for real estate listings here is €7,365 per square meter.
Like Cascais and Estoril, Carcavelos and Parede also have a number of excellent international schools, such as St Julian’s School and St Dominic’s International School. It is also a hotspot for outdoor sports. In the winter months, it gets some of the best waves in Portugal, and it is also a good spot for bodyboarding and paddleboarding in the summer, as well as kitesurfing and kiteboarding.
Alcabideche
One of the more reasonably priced areas of the Cascais district, Alcabideche is situated along the coast to the north of the town of Cascais. It offers the opportunity for investment at a lower cost, while still having all the advantages that the Cascais area has to offer, such as beautiful coastlines and a convenient location. In terms of schools, there is the IPS-International Preparatory School and St James’s Primary School.
One of Alcabideche’s advantages is its proximity to Sintra Natural Park, which is convenient for anyone interested in hiking and cycling. It is also close to the Penha Longa and Oitavos Dunes golf courses.
The average asking price for real estate listings here is €5,487 per square meter.
How to Buy Property in Cascais: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you are looking into buying luxury villas or modern apartments as investments for rental income, looking for a holiday home, or looking for the perfect property to make your primary residence, the property buying process has many steps. The table below offers a step-by-step guide to help you purchase property for sale in Cascais and ensure that you make a smart investment.
| Steps | Details |
| Step 1: Obtaining a Portuguese Tax Number | Non-EU citizens and EU citizens purchasing property in Portugal will need a NIF Portugal, the Portuguese tax number, to open a bank account and complete financial transactions in Portugal. If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need a fiscal representative to apply online or at the local tax office. |
| Step 2: Secure financing for your property | Assess your finances, explore mortgage options from Portuguese banks, and understand associated costs such as taxes, legal fees, and property registration expenses. |
| Step 3: Finding a property | Set a budget and research the Portuguese real estate market, focusing on location, amenities, and rental potential. Seek guidance from real estate professionals like buyer’s agents or real estate agents. |
| Step 4: Purchasing the Property | Once you find a suitable property, negotiate an offer with the seller, potentially facilitated by a real estate professional. Consider having a buyer’s agent representing your best interests during negotiations. |
| Step 5: Signing the Promissory Contract (CPCV) | After an offer is accepted, a Reservation Agreement may require a refundable fee. The Promissory Contract (CPCV) finalizes the deal, often with a 10 percent deposit, signed in front of a Notary. |
| Step 6: Signing the Escritura | The Escritura, or Final Deed, officially transfers property ownership. Signed before a Notary, it involves paying remaining balances and fees. After signing, the buyer becomes the official owner, concluding the process. |
| Step 7: Paying Fees and Complying with Property Tax Obligations | There are other costs involved besides the standard property prices including legal fees, property taxes, property transfer tax, and possibly capital gains tax if you ever decide to sell the property. |
Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal
If you’re considering making the move to Portugal, it’s essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Portugal D7 Visa is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long-stay options with the Digital Nomad Visa (D8).
For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) – Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent.
However, moving to a new country isn’t just about visas. If you’re thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can’t forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Identification Number), a crucial step in any relocation process.
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