Cascais is not a sleepy village pretending to be a city, nor a frantic capital trying too hard – it’s a coastal town where you’re getting everything from marinas and sandy beaches to quiet residential streets and some very good cafés.
It’s a relaxed vibe without being remote, and that’s what draws people who want sea air without sacrificing easy links to Lisbon!
Cascais is also a solid option for people who work remotely or split time between countries. You get the European coastal lifestyle with commuter access to Lisbon.
The train ride to the capital takes around half an hour, depending on stops, and it’s a pleasant line that follows some of the coastline. You know, the kind of commute that can feel like an upgrade rather than a grind.
If you’re serious about moving abroad, Upscore’s Finance Passport helps you compare local lenders so you can move on offers more quickly.
What makes Cascais so special for Brits?
Work/Life Balance: It’s close enough to Lisbon for work and culture, but far enough for sea breezes and a calmer daily pace.
Easy to Settle In: There’s a strong expat scene here and plenty of restaurants from casual seafood spots to nicer evening options.
Wide Variety of Properties: You’ve got everything from compact apartments in the historic centre to stunning villas on the headlands, so investors and families both have options.
Yes! Portugal doesn’t impose any kind of blanket restrictions on foreign buyers, so UK residents can buy property just as any other foreign national can. You’ll just need to get a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and usually a local bank account to complete practical steps like signing contracts and arranging payments.
But owning property here doesn’t automatically give you a residency right, so if you plan to live long-term you’ll want to check visa routes – the D7 is commonly used by people with passive income or remote work.
Start online and use Upscore’s platform to compare local agents who specialise in the Cascais area. These local agents can point to upcoming listings and off-market opportunities that you’re not going to see from photos!
Also, if you’re buying as an investor, make sure you understand rental demand in the specific micro-market you’re targeting. Short-term tourist lets behave differently from longer-term family rentals, and licences or local rules can influence returns.
Upscore’s Finance Passport helps you compare mortgage options and use your credit rating back home to get a loan over here.
Use our new AI tool to get property matches based on inputs like budget and amenity requirements.
