Cascais is one of Portugal’s most sought-after property locations for good reason. Located just 36 kilometres west of Lisbon, this coastal town blends beachside tranquillity with urban convenience. With world-class golf courses, award-winning restaurants and a Mediterranean-style climate, buying property in Cascais offers an ideal setting for anyone considering a second home, a relocation or a smart property investment.
Whether you’re looking for a holiday retreat, a buy-to-let opportunity or a place to retire by the sea, this article highlights everything you need to know about buying a property in Cascais as we move into 2025.
Contents
- Why buy in Cascais
- Getting to Cascais
- Cascais climate
- Best areas to buy property in Cascais
- Current trends in the Cascais property market
- Is Cascais a good place to invest?
- The step-by-step process to buy in Cascais
Buying property in Cascais means the beach is on your doorstep
Why buy in Cascais
Cascais has evolved from a fishing village into one of Portugal’s most refined coastal destinations. Its reputation for elegance began in the 19th century when King Luís I designated it as the royal summer residence. Since then, the area has maintained a sense of prestige, attracting expats, professionals and retirees alike.
Living in Cascais means having ocean views, heritage buildings, an active cultural life and easy access to the capital. The culinary scene is one of the finest in the country, with over 40 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide 2024, including the renowned Fortaleza do Guincho. Yet it still retains a relaxed seaside charm.
Local attractions include Praia da Conceição, Estoril Casino – linked to Ian Fleming’s inspiration for James Bond – and plentiful green spaces. Golfers can enjoy top-rated courses such as Quinta da Marinha and Oitavos Dunes. If you’re seeking a base close to Lisbon, but away from the buzz, Cascais is ideal.
Better still, Cascais is one of Portugal’s safest locations, with high standards of healthcare, schooling and transport. It’s no surprise that international buyers – particularly from the US, UK and Canada – are increasingly drawn to it.
For a more detailed breakdown of the purchasing process, claim your free copy of our Portugal buying guide:
Getting to Cascais
Accessibility is one of Cascais’ key strengths. Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport is only 30–40 minutes away by car, making weekend visits or frequent travel entirely feasible.
For North American buyers, direct flights from New York, Toronto and Boston reach Lisbon in under seven hours. Newer routes, including those from Miami and Chicago, were confirmed in 2024, increasing options for overseas purchasers. European cities are even closer – flights from London, Paris or Frankfurt take around three hours or less.
Lisbon airport has regular airport transfers, car rentals and ride-share services. From central Lisbon, you can also reach Cascais by train in under an hour, departing from Cais do Sodré for just a few euros. The journey follows the coastline and stops in central Cascais, just a ten-minute walk from the beach.
Once in town, getting around is simple. Local buses connect the residential neighbourhoods, while cycling is common thanks to dedicated cycle paths and a network of rental scooters and e-bikes.
Cascais climate
Cascais enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, sunny summers and mild winters. This makes it ideal for year-round living or holidaying. Average summer highs reach around 27ºC in July and August, with low humidity and minimal rainfall. Sea breezes temper the heat, especially in beachfront areas.
From November through February, the weather is cooler and wetter, but temperatures rarely dip below 10ºC. The chilliest month is January, when daytime highs average around 14ºC and there’s occasional rain.
Spring and early autumn are arguably the best times to visit. With average highs around 22–24ºC and fewer crowds, these months offer excellent conditions for house-hunting or relaxing outdoors.
Thanks to its coastal location, Cascais avoids the temperature extremes found further inland. It also boasts some of the highest annual sunshine hours in Portugal – typically over 2,800 per year.
If you’re buying property in Cascais, the Santa Marta lighthouse will be a local sight
Best areas for buying property in Cascais
Cascais is not a uniform town – each district has its own character, architecture and appeal, depending on whether you’re buying for lifestyle, investment or long-term residence.
Centro Histórico: The historic centre is filled with traditional Portuguese townhouses, boutique shops and charming plazas. Property here sells quickly and commands high prices, but offers excellent holiday rental potential.
Quinta da Marinha: This luxury neighbourhood, between the town centre and Guincho beach, is known for grand villas, equestrian centres and golf courses. It’s a favourite with celebrities and investors seeking privacy and prestige.
Birre: A peaceful area with detached homes, private gardens and space for families. There are fewer short-term lets here, making it ideal for long-term living.
São João do Estoril: Just along the coast from central Cascais, this area provides a balance of modern apartments and traditional homes. It is well-served by public transport and has good schools nearby.
Carcavelos: Technically just outside of Cascais municipality, Carcavelos has become popular for international schools, remote workers and surfers. The large beach, new developments and lively atmosphere make it a strong prospect for property appreciation.
For those seeking renovation opportunities or detached homes with space to extend, the peripheral areas such as Alcabideche and Malveira offer better value.
Current trends in the Cascais property market
Cascais remains one of the most desirable places to live in Portugal, and this is reflected in steadily rising property values. Average sale prices have gone up by 7.5% year-on-year (2024 figures), with €5,000 per m² being the benchmark for prime zones.
Despite its premium status, there are properties available to match a range of budgets. Entry-level one-bedroom flats can start from around €250,000, while detached family homes tend to begin at €600,000. Top-tier sea view villas in Quinta da Marinha are often priced beyond €2 million.
Unlike Lisbon, where much of the market is driven by new developments, Cascais offers a mix of restored period properties, townhouses and modern gated communities. New build availability is limited in central areas, so buyers focused on energy performance and guarantees should consider the outskirts or expanding suburbs.
Demand from foreign nationals continues to be high. North Americans are the fastest-growing group of buyers, alongside returning Portuguese expats from Switzerland, Luxembourg and Brazil.
Is Cascais a good place to invest?
Cascais offers strong investment potential for international property buyers, particularly those looking at short- or medium-term rentals. Its blend of lifestyle appeal, stable political climate and easy access consistently rank it in the top tier of places to invest in Portugal.
Rental income opportunities are robust. Holiday homes here are in demand throughout the summer and shoulder seasons, while long-term lets remain popular with digital nomads and professionals commuting to Lisbon. Standard gross rental yields sit around 4–5%, while luxury homes may yield less but appreciate more over time.
The legal framework in Portugal supports foreign ownership, and the Golden Visa scheme continues to encourage non-EU investment in commercial properties and funds (though residential properties in Cascais are no longer eligible under the scheme as of late 2023).
In addition, tourism levels in Cascais are projected to rise again in 2025 due to increased airline connectivity and ongoing infrastructure investment, including a new marina expansion and improved regional transport links.
Of course, each investment carries risk. It is important to seek tax and legal advice early in your property search, especially if you plan to rent out or share ownership. Learn more about investing in Portuguese property before proceeding.
The step-by-step process to buying property in Cascais
Buying property in Cascais is straightforward, especially if you enlist the right support. At Your Overseas Home, we make this journey clearer and safer. Here’s how to get started:
1. Define your budget: Start by confirming your budget in euros. Include funds for notaire fees, IMT (property transfer tax), legal fees and any renovation works. If you’re buying in another currency, speak to a currency exchange specialist like Smart Currency Exchange to protect against market fluctuations. Most buyers allow 7–10% on top of the purchase price.
2. Research the area: Read up on different neighbourhoods. Use our expert guides, talk to property consultants and speak to estate agents familiar with Cascais. If relocating, explore health care, schools and visa requirements. Use our experts page to find all the specialists you need.
3. Make property enquiries: Once you’ve found some properties that interest you, make initial contact with estate agents – ideally those recommended for international buyers. Begin asking questions and shortlist suitable homes for viewing.
4. Book a viewing trip: Plan your trip to see properties in person. Arrange viewings with trusted estate agents and assess each location first-hand.
5. Make an offer: Offers are generally made through the agent. Once a price is agreed, you’ll sign a promissory contract (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda) and pay a deposit – usually 10–20%.
6. Finalise the sale: Completion typically takes 6–8 weeks. A notary registers the property officially. If you’re not based in Portugal, a solicitor or lawyer using power of attorney can complete the transaction on your behalf. Learn what overseas buyers need to know about power of attorney.
7. Plan the move or rental process: Speak to property managers for short- or long-term rental help, arrange insurance, and register for utilities. From here, you’re ready to enjoy life in Cascais. Managing your Portuguese property doesn’t have to be a stress.
For overseas buyers looking to combine seaside charm with investment potential, Cascais ticks all the boxes
Cascais offers a unique lifestyle supported by a solid property market. For overseas buyers looking to combine seaside charm with investment potential and year-round sunshine, it ticks all the boxes. With increasing international demand and strong capital appreciation, now is an excellent time to explore the market.
If you’re curious about buying property in Cascais, book a free consultation with one of our recommended experts. We’ll help you make informed decisions and avoid the potential pitfalls when buying property in Portugal.
