In the Know: Spotlight on Real Estate in Cascais, Portugal

by The Agency Team | Sep 3, 2024

Cascais, Portugal’s third-largest city, offers a blend of cultural vibrance and coastal charm that attracts discerning buyers from around the world. Located just 40 minutes west of Lisbon, Cascais is known for its divine villas, inviting beaches, historic architecture, amazing culinary scene and one-of-a-kind real estate. Here, Managing Partner Ayres Neto delves into the dynamics of the Cascais real estate market and spotlights some of the city’s most desirable neighrbhooods and attractions.

In a few words, how would you describe the lifestyle in Cascais, Portugal?

Cascais is Portugal’s most luxurious destination, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled along the stunning coastline near Lisbon, this former fishing village has transformed into an upscale resort town, known for its elegant charm. Cascais is steeped in history, with royal palaces, fortresses, and stately homes lining its streets. It was once a summer retreat for Portuguese royalty, and this legacy is still evident in its ornate architecture and beautifully preserved historical landmarks. The nightlife in Cascais is vibrant yet refined, offering a variety of chic bars, lively nightclubs, and cozy lounges. Cascais’ dining scene is equally impressive, with an array of gourmet restaurants serving world-class cuisine, often emphasizing fresh seafood, a testament to its maritime heritage. The town is also surrounded by natural beauty with its stunning beaches, such as Praia da Rainha and Praia do Guincho.

In your experience, what sets Cascais apart from other real estate markets in Portugal?

Cascais is Portugal’s most luxurious destination. With its rich history, amazing architecture, nightlife and restaurant scene, alongside its stunning natural beauty, mountains and gorgeous beaches, it represents the best that Portugal can offer, so naturally buyers and investors flock there to take advantage of this real estate gem.

Can you provide insights into the current state of the real estate market in Cascais, Portugal? Including any standout trends in property prices, inventory levels, and buyer preferences?

The Cascais market has seen prices rising steadily for the last decade or so, due to increased demand from foreign buyers. The improvement in terms of quality of construction, usage of luxurious materials and the emphasis on modern architecture units are a new trend, as builders want to appease a high-end clientele. Inventory is always low and even with more developments being built, supply has not met demand.

Where are the majority of Cascais property buyers coming from today? Do you foresee this changing in the coming months or years?

Brazilians, Americans, Northern Europeans and Brits are the main nationalities buying in Cascais, and that’s not going to change anytime soon, quite the opposite as satisfied buyers tend to create a kind of “chain migration effect” in these feeder countries. Cascais is amazing after all.

Can you describe the styles of homes or types of properties that are most prevalent in Cascais?

High-end villas in good size plots. The closer the property is to the ocean, the higher the price per sqm will be. In the last couple of years, modern villas with technology have become more and more prevalent and highly sought-after by international buyers. Several developments were built in the last five or six years catering to luxury buyers coming from all corners of the world

What are some of the most sought-after neighborhoods or areas within Cascais for both domestic and international buyers? What makes these locations particularly desirable?

Quinta da Marinha and Quinta do Patino are two of the top areas in Cascais. The exclusivity of these gated communities makes them the cream of the crop not just in Cascais but in all of Portugal.