Manuel Garrido
If you haven’t yet heard of the Portuguese Riviera, you have come to the right place to discover more about this stunning region. This incredible coastal region, known for its stunning beaches, stretches west of Lisbon, and its upmarket seafront neighborhoods make it popular with both expats and investors interested in property ownership in Portugal.
If you are considering buying property in Cascais, this buying property in Cascais for foreigners guide will take you through the buying process and the essential details, including the best areas for Cascais property purchase. This article will cover:
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:
- Unrestricted foreign investment: Portugal has no restrictions on foreigners purchasing property, eliminating a hurdle for international buyers seeking their dream property in Europe.
- Thriving real estate market: The Portuguese property market, particularly in areas like Cascais, is experiencing steady growth and increasing property value.
- Affordability and quality: Portugal’s cost of living is lower than that of many Western European countries while offering a high quality of life.
- Year-round sublime climate: The Cascais region enjoys a blissful climate, renowned for its warm summers and mild winters. Beach lovers can enjoy extended periods for outdoor activities and soaking up the sunshine.
- Quality social infrastructure: Cascais is home to many excellent international schools in Portugal and high-quality healthcare services, making it ideal for families and those seeking a well-rounded lifestyle.
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 living in Cascais is the diverse cultural activities it has to offer. 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 Cascais greater area is known for its luxury, from the casinos to the golf courses and Michelin-star 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 and things to do in Cascais.
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.
Property prices in Cascais and Estoril
The average asking price for real estate listings here is €8,389 per square meter.
Advantages of property in Cascais and Estoril
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.
Property prices in Carcavelos and Parede
The average asking price for real estate listings here is €7,365 per square meter.
Advantages of property in Carcavelos and Parede
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.
Property prices in Alcabideche
The average asking price for real estate listings here is €5,487 per square meter.
Take a look at our How to Buy Property in Portugal article for more info
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. |
Property specialists
Looking to Secure Your Dream Property in Portugal? Get in touch with our real estate division, Goldcrest Real Estate - Portugal´s buyer's agent, to kickstart your property search in Portugal.
As the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, Goldcrest has a clear understanding of the local market and has helped hundreds of people find their ideal property.
Working solely on behalf of the buyer, they secure the best price for you, saving you time and hassle.
Is it better to rent or buy property in Cascais?
Whether it is better to rent or buy property in Cascais depends completely upon each person’s individual circumstances. However, buying a property in Cascais is a good investment opportunity.
If you would like to talk to a property specialist about what investment opportunities could be available to you, schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our team today.
Is it better to buy property in Cascais or Lisbon?
There are a number of benefits to buying property in both Cascais and Lisbon. Both present as stable investment opportunities, with the price of property having risen steadily over the past few years and is forecast to continue doing so. The difference between the two is in what they offer; while properties in Lisbon will be closer to the city center, homes in Cascais are larger and closer to the beach.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Where to Buy Property in Cascais
Is now a good time to invest in property in Cascais?
Real estate in Cascais is currently increasing in value at a steady rate, and therefore is an excellent investment opportunity.
Is it expensive to buy a house in Cascais?
Yes, property in Cascais can be quite expensive, especially for prime locations and desirable features like modern amenities or family-friendly sizes. Property in Cascais is valued higher than the rest of the country and offers a high return on investment.
Is it expensive to rent a house in Cascais?
Depending on the area, it can be expensive to rent a house in Cascais. There are a number of different neighborhoods to choose from, and renting in Estoril, for example, will be far more expensive than renting in Albediche.
Are there any international schools in Cascais?
There are many international schools in Cascais, in fact, there are more in Cascais than there are in Lisbon. Some of the most prestigious are St Julians, Cascais International School, St Peter’s and St Dominic’s. Take a look at this article on international schools in Portugal to find out more.
What is public transport like in Cascais?
The Linha de Cascais train line serves the whole of the coastal region between Lisbon and Cascais. Lisbon International Airport, which has frequent continental and international flights to major cities around the world, is less than 40km away.
Where do expats live in Cascais?
There are several expat communities in the Cascais region due to the number of good international schools and the high quality of life, attracting families. Cascais, Estoril, Carcavelos, Parede, and Alcabideche are all good choices for expats.
Is Cascais by the beach?
Yes, Cascais is by the beach, and also close to the beautiful Sintra coastline.
What are the best beaches near Cascais?
Some of the most popular beaches near Cascais include Carcavelos, São Pedro, as well as the beaches in Sintra, such as Guincho.
Is Cascais near Lisbon?
Yes, the municipality of Cascais is just 30 km from Lisbon. It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the center of Lisbon by car, or 30 minutes by express train.
What is the closest airport to Cascais?
Lisbon airport is the closest to Cascais, at just 35km, it takes about 35 minutes to get there via the A5 expressway.
What areas to avoid in Cascais?
There aren’t any areas that should be avoided, though the best place to buy property in Cascais depends entirely on your individual requirements.
Is Cascais expensive?
Cascais is one of the most expensive areas in Portugal. However, there are still some less expensive investment options.
Is Cascais safe?
Portugal frequently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, and Cascais is one of the safest regions to live in.
What is the best area of Cascais to live in?
Which area of Cascais is best for you to live in depends entirely on your requirements. Each area has unique advantages, and it could help to talk to a property specialist, such as a real estate or buyer’s agent, to find the best place for you.
Is Cascais a good place to live?
Yes, Cascais offers a relaxed lifestyle and a high quality of life. Indeed, it is one of the best parts of Portugal to live, close to the capital and beautiful beaches. Beach lovers and city dwellers have each found their perfect home in this part of the country.
What taxes do I need to pay when buying a house in Cascais?
In addition to legal fees, Notary fees, and administrative costs, specific taxes must be paid when purchasing property in Cascais. These include the Property Transfer Tax (IMT), the Stamp Duty known as Imposto de Selo (IS), and annual taxes after the purchase, like the Municipal Property Tax, also known as Immovable Property Tax (IMI).
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Cascais?
While not mandatory, working with a real estate lawyer is recommended to ensure a smooth and legal property purchase.
