Updated: March 25, 2025

Cascais Portugal luxury lifestyleDo you dream of owning a modern apartment, swish villas, or a yacht marina near Lisbon? Cascais is the answer. With luxury yachts bobbing in the water, beautiful beaches welcoming you for a dip in the cool Atlantic Ocean, and a sun-dappled promenade, Cascais is the dream of many expats.

If you’re considering purchasing real estate in Cascais, the expert team at Goldcrest will ensure you have access to the best Cascais real estate investment opportunities at the best price possible. The services of a buyer’s agent or realtor in Portugal can be priceless in scouting out the perfect property, saving you time and hassle.

Read on to learn more about finding a good real estate agent in Cascais, why you need a real estate agent’s professional services when acquiring property in Portugal, and further insight into the real estate market and lifestyle in Cascais.

An Introduction to the Cascais Real Estate Market

The Cascais real estate market has seen a rise in the past few years. There are many reasons to buy property in Cascais, whether you are moving with family and are looking for spacious and living options, looking to retire comfortably in a country with excellent healthcare, or looking to get your foot on the property ladder in Portugal. 

Cascais offers beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, luxurious houses, and some of the best restaurants in Portugal. Cascais is also very close to Lisbon, which is just a short 30-minute drive away, allowing residents easy access to the city’s amenities while still enjoying a peaceful escape from the bustle. 

You can also see our article on finding a real estate agent in Lisbon if you’re curious about purchasing property closer to the capital.

GC-ICON-94Luxury properties in Cascais

High-end real estate in Cascais includes stunning beachfront villas, contemporary penthouses with panoramic ocean views, and historic mansions set within exclusive gated communities. 

Areas such as Quinta da Marinha and Monte Estoril are particularly sought after for their opulent homes featuring private pools, landscaped gardens, and state-of-the-art amenities. 

Commercial properties in Cascais

The commercial property market in Cascais is thriving. Prime retail spaces, boutique hotels, and high-end restaurants benefit from the area’s upscale clientele and year-round visitor appeal. 

Office spaces attract businesses looking to establish themselves in a prestigious setting, while waterfront commercial properties near the marina cater to luxury hospitality and leisure ventures. 

Cascais real estate costs

The average asking price for property in Cascais was €7,260 per square meter in 2024. Note that this is the asking price, and the sales price can be significantly lower than this, as sellers aim to sell by a set date. 

A professional real estate team with local knowledge can help you identify the best neighborhoods that meet your requirements, considering your budget, your required property size, and your additional requirements, such as being near the beach or top-quality schools.

GC-ICON-63Cost of rent in Cascais

The cost of renting a home in Cascais reflects the prestige of the area, so it tends to be a little pricier than other areas in Portugal. However, the rental price will depend on the neighborhood, property type, and size. Factors like proximity to amenities and modern features also influence rental costs.

While we would recommend buying a property to take advantage of the capital appreciation while living in Cascais – and eventually having a home that is fully paid off – here are the average rental prices you can expect to pay per month:

  • One-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,475
  • One-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: €1,016
  • Three-bedroom apartment in city center: €3,166
  • Three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: €2,321

Get a full scope of the real estate market in Cascais to find your dream home with our all-in-one guide.

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Why do you need a real estate agent in Cascais?

The real estate market in Portugal is fragmented, which means there is no one location, such as a Zillow Portugal, where you can find all the properties available for purchase. This, along with the language barrier and limited local knowledge, can make it tricky to navigate the market.

Working with an English speaking realtor in Portugal or a bilingual buyer’s agent in the country can make communicating and negotiating much easier with their multilingual capabilities (e.g., Portuguese, English, French), expert client representation, and negotiation skills when it comes to sale terms and conditions. Below, we delve into a few benefits of working with a real estate or buyer’s agent.

Expertise in the market

real estate agent in cascais

Working with a dedicated agent with Cascais real estate market experience and insight will likely save you money in the long run, as you may be able to get a better deal on your property purchase.

If you plan to buy a property and rent it out, a good agent will save you a lot of hassle by finding the perfect property and location for investment.

They can also assist with finding tenants to lease the property.

Personalized property matching

An experienced real estate agency in Cascais or a buyer’s agent will have access to an updated real estate market database of exclusive listings. 

With the help of a real estate agency, you will easily have the option to visit the available properties without having to search online. Dealing with an experienced real estate agent in Cascais will cost you a little bit more upfront than handling it yourself, but it will save you money in the long run. 

Keep in mind that a real estate agent in Cascais typically represents the seller, while a buyer’s agent, like Goldcrest, works exclusively for the buyer, ensuring that your interests are top priority and giving you access to a valuable local network of trusted professionals to eliminate the back-and-forth.

Navigating legal and financial processes

Real estate services should also assist with the legal paperwork related to your property. They will be your trusted go-to throughout the process until you finally decide on the best option for you.

In addition, if you choose to work with a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest, the full-service agency, along with a trusted real estate lawyer in Portugal, can assist you with finalizing the legalities of the purchase, liaise with the seller and their lawyer and agents, assist with property and seller background checks, help you sign contracts and legal documents, and ensure you understand and agree with each aspect of the purchase.

The agent does a lot of the leg work required to complete the transaction, helping you transfer funds, and obtain ownership rights to the property while ensuring all legal and financial aspects are in order.

How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Cascais

Cascais, Portugal offers a great selection of professionals who can serve as a first-time home buyer agent in Cascais. Let’s take a look at the process of finding the perfect property professional to help you along your journey. You can also consider acquiring the service of a real estate lawyer in Cascais.

Identifying your real estate needs

Before you buy property in Portugal, you will need to create a list of the type of properties you are interested in buying, research the location and potential neighborhoods you will be investing in, and pinpoint details, such as the size and style of the house or apartment you are looking for. 

Once you have created your list of requirements and have a clear idea of your budget, you can begin looking for real estate agents in Cascais, Portugal.

Searching for agents

real estate agent in cascais

Most real estate businesses will be present online via social media or the businesses’ website. You can start your research online to find real estate agents in Cascais, Portugal, that fit your criteria and check that the business specializes in working with expats. Be sure to read client reviews and testimonials too.

You can also check out expat groups in Cascais and ask for recommendations from your personal network of friends, family, or colleagues. It could also be helpful to create a shortlist of top-rated Cascais real estate brokerage firms with local knowledge and expertise. 

Evaluating potential agents in Cascais

The right real estate agency or buyer’s agent will be your compass throughout the buying process, navigating legal intricacies and ensuring you have a clear understanding of every detail. When evaluating potential agents to work with, it’s important to ask targeted questions to make sure they will be a good fit.

Consider using this checklist for a systematic evaluation of key criteria to help you make an informed decision when hiring a real estate agent or real estate company focusing on residential purchases in Cascais, Portugal.

Criteria

Evaluation

Language Proficiency

Do they speak English?

Experience with International Buyers

Can they provide project data proving experience?

Property Market Insight

Do they have an exceptional understanding of the Portuguese real estate market to provide expert investment advice and services?

Focus on Real Estate in Portugal

Is their service focused on real estate in Portugal?

Track Record of Excellence and Communication

Do they maintain contact and have a track record of excellence?

Business Credentials

Do they have business credentials to share with clients?

AMI License Number

Do they have an AMI license number?

Alignment of Company Values

Do their company values align with your interests?

Real Estate Agent versus a Buyer's Agent

Madeira real estate agentA real estate agent is an industry professional who facilitates real estate transactions under a real estate brokerage firm. Dealing with a real estate agent can be a great help when purchasing property, but you should be aware that expat real estate agents in Portugal work mainly on behalf of the seller, not the buyer, and they will get a higher commission for a higher sale.  

Working with a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest is a completely different story. The buyer’s agent is a full-service agency dedicated exclusively to you (as a buyer) and will search for the best options that suit you and your unique needs. 

Buyer’s agents, unlike realtors, do not sell real estate or work with different parties for the same property; they are exclusively at your disposal until you complete the property purchase. In addition, a buyer’s agent also has access to exclusive properties and featured listings and databases that cannot be found elsewhere in the market. 

Take a look at this comprehensive guideline showcasing each option’s advantages and potential drawbacks to help you select the best full-service agency in Cascais, Portugal. 

Factors

Real Estate Agent

Buyer's Agent

Work Scope

Facilitates transactions for various parties

Exclusively works for the buyer throughout the process

Search & Selection Assistance

May present options, but not solely focused on buyer's needs

Focuses on finding options that suit the buyer best

Representation

Represents the seller's interests primarily

Solely represents the buyer's interests

Conducting Legal Checks

May overlook some legal checks for buyer's benefit

Ensures thorough legal checks for buyer's protection

Language Assistance

Language proficiency may vary

Proficient in the buyer's language

Negotiation

Represents seller's interests in negotiation

Negotiates exclusively for buyer's benefit

Documentation Handling

May not prioritize all necessary documentation

Ensures all required documentation is in order

Time and Cost Savings

May not optimize for time and cost efficiency

Saves time and money by focusing on buyer's needs

Commission

Earns higher commission for higher sale prices

Does not earn based on sale price, focused on buyer

Step-by-Step Guide for Your Property Journey

Now that you are well equipped to find a real estate professional in Cascais, you are ready to take the first steps of your property journey.

As you now know the difference between a buyer’s agent and a real estate agent, it is clear that working with a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest can help you successfully navigate the Cascais real estate market and find your dream home.

While a buyer’s agent will be able to guide you through every step of your property investment journey, it’s always good to know what the rest of the process will look like. To set you up for success, use these basic steps of the purchase process as a roadmap to plan your next steps.

Step 1: Request an appointment to discuss your specific needs.

Step 2: Your agent will conduct a property search and arrange viewings.

Step 3: Once you have reviewed the properties presented by the agent and shortlisted the ones that meet your requirements, you and your agent can formulate an offer for the property.

Step 4: Shortly after the offer is accepted, your agent will assist with completing legal paperwork and other necessary formalities.

Step 5: It’s time to close the deal. Your buyer’s agent can help you with finalizing the legalities of the purchase, help you sign contracts and legal documents, and ensure you understand and agree with other aspects of the purchase.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent and full-service agency that works solely on behalf of you as a buyer. We have agents focused on the different regions of Portugal who will ensure you have access to the best properties and investment opportunities and will negotiate on your behalf for the best price possible.

Our Cascais team works diligently to ensure the correct steps have been taken with high-quality service, safeguarding you from poor property investments. For the past decade, we’ve been building our inside knowledge of the local Cascais real estate market and establishing extensive connections across the region, assisting clients in finding their ideal property and securing it at the best possible terms.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Find a Real Estate Agent in Cascais

Local agents in Cascais, Portugal, provide valuable insights and local knowledge on the property market and also help clients secure the best deals, bridge language barriers, and negotiate prices when assisting clients with purchasing property. 

The services offered by local agents in Cascais include but are not limited to:

  • Property buying and selling assistance
  • Rental property management
  • Property valuation and market analysis
  • Legal and paperwork assistance
  • Investment advisory services

You will also have the option of working with a buyer’s agent like Goldcrest. As a buyer’s agent, we work specifically on behalf of all our customers, ensuring that we find the best properties to suit their needs and at the best value for money. 

As part of our focus on protecting our clients’ best interests, Goldcrest’s full-service agency and network of partners can also assist customers with property management or help them relocate to their new homes.

Finding a property in Cascais can take some time, effort, and careful search if you’re doing it on your own. However, if you’re willing to hire a local Cascais real estate agent (Inmobiliaria), this will make your life easier and help you find the best properties in the market that meet your requirements. 

Start by researching online and in expat forums for highly recommended real estate professionals. You could also reach out to your personal network of family and friends to see if they have any recommendations.  Make sure you ask targeted questions before choosing which real estate agents in Cascais, Portugal, you will work with.

The average asking price for property in Cascais was €7,260 per square meter in 2024. Note that this is the asking price and the sales price can be significantly lower than this. 

The average price will vary depending on the location, house type, size, proximity to key services, and whether the property offers extra amenities and facilities like a private swimming pool or large garden. For example, if you opt to have a pool, this will incur additional costs. 

To provide you with an indication of house prices and an idea of the different areas to buy or rent apartments and houses, take a look at our Cascais, Portugal, real estate guide. 

Good real estate agents in Cascais, Portugal, can assist you with sourcing the perfect property and setting up visits to prospective properties. They will also provide you with insights into different areas that you can consider buying in, for example, if you would like to be close to an international school or by the coast. However, bear in mind that in Portugal, even the best real estate agents work on behalf of the seller.  A buyer’s agent, on the other hand, works solely on behalf of the buyer.

You can find a top Cascais real estate agent by doing systematic research. You can narrow down your search based on their online presence, including social media platforms, experience in the real estate market, and client reviews and ratings.

Checking Cascais real estate agent reviews is one of the best ways to narrow down prospective companies. Make sure you ask targeted questions before choosing which real estate agents you will work with. It’s also a good idea to get referrals from your personal network of family and friends or via online expat groups.

The best estate agents in Cascais will ensure that you are well informed on the process and assist you to the best of their ability to ensure you ultimately secure your ideal property. A good agent will be able to shortlist the best properties based on your requirements and budget.

The commission price will vary depending on the house price. In Portugal, even the best real estate agents work on behalf of the seller and will get a higher commission for a higher sale. A buyer’s agent like Goldcrest, on the other hand, works solely on behalf of the buyer.

Yes, you will find that most realtors are familiar with working with international buyers and will speak English very well.

A real estate agent can assist you with identifying potential properties, plus arrange viewings on your behalf. However, remember that real estate agents work on behalf of the seller. On the other hand, a buyer’s agent knows the price you should be paying and will negotiate on your behalf to get it, as they work solely for the buyer.

While real estate agents can inspect the property, it is worth working with a lawyer to ensure that everything is legitimate with the property, including the seller. It is also worth enlisting the help of a surveyor in Portugal to make sure that there are no problems with either the interior or exterior of the property.

While a real estate agent can assist with the legal processes, it is worth working with a lawyer to ensure that everything is legitimate with the property, including the seller.

A real estate agent in Cascais can help assess the value of a property by utilizing their market knowledge, analyzing comparable sales, considering property features and conditions, and taking into account current market trends.

However, it’s important to note that real estate agents work on behalf of the seller and will get a higher commission for a higher sale. A buyer’s agent, on the other hand, works solely on behalf of the buyer.

Yes, the best real estate agents or buyer’s agents will be able to guide you on local property ownership laws. This will be part of the real estate services that they offer. However, it is recommended still to enlist the services of a real estate lawyer to ensure the legalities of the property purchase are properly taken care of. 

Conduct an online search to check their full address and locate prospective real estate agencies deemed reliable. Following this, you can dig a little deeper and come up with a shortlist of those that you would like to contact to find out more.

You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family. Following this you can schedule interviews with prospective companies. Be sure to check the company’s credentials – they should have an AMI license number.

Over the past two decades, more and more expats have relocated to Cascais. You’ll find that most real estate agents in Cascais will speak English and Portuguese given the increase of international clients buying property in Portugal. Often, in an estate agency or real estate brokerage firm, they will also speak other languages.

Real estate agent fees will vary depending on the real estate company you choose to work with. The best real estate agents will have their fees clearly shown or provide this information at an early stage, including what services are included. A good agent will provide detailed information on how they can help you, providing costs for each service.

Note that even the best real estate agents in Portugal work on behalf of the seller and will receive a higher commission for a higher sale. With a buyer’s agent, they work solely on behalf of the buyer.

In Portugal, real estate agents work on behalf of the seller and get a higher commission for a higher sale, while a buyer’s agent works on behalf of the buyer. While realtors should have your best interests at heart, working with a buyer’s agent can be a good idea. They will help you locate the best properties at the best price.

The most credible real estate license is the AMI license issued by the Institute of Public Markets, Real Estate and Construction (IMPIC). This license enables realtors in Portugal with a license to conduct business in the country. You can always request that a Cascais team of realtors or independent professionals show you their realtor license before you consent to use their services.

Verifying a real estate agent’s credentials involves visiting the IMPIC website and checking out an AMI number link. Input the number and review the results—confirmation of registration and displayed license numbers ensure credibility.

Yes, US citizens can buy real estate in Portugal without restrictions. Non-Portuguese nationals have the same rights as locals when it comes to buying property in Portugal.  Portugal is known for its investor-friendly real estate laws, making it straightforward for foreigners to purchase property.

Real estate agents often provide the following services: 

  • Property search and selection 
  • Legal assistance 
  • Negotiation services 
  • Rental property management 
  • Relocation support 

A buyer’s agent goes a few steps further. In addition to these services above, a buyer’s agent caters solely to the needs of the buyer, not the seller. Because they do not work for the property sellers, they are able to give clients full market access to ensure they find the home of their dreams. 

Expats often praise Cascais e Estoril-based real estate professionals for their professionalism, transparency, and local expertise. Buyer’s agents are particularly popular among expats as they focus exclusively on the buyer’s interests. Many expats find that working with a buyer’s agent makes the property search more transparent and aligned with their unique needs.  

Cascais is one of Portugal’s most desirable coastal towns, known for its luxury lifestyle, stunning beaches, and high quality of life. While it is more expensive than many other parts of Portugal, it remains more affordable than major cities like London or New York, especially when it comes to property prices and daily expenses.

The average asking price for property in Cascais was €7,260 per square meter in 2024. Note that this is the asking price, and the sales price can be significantly lower than this. 

A monthly budget for living expenses of around €1,600 – €1,800 for a single person (including rent) should be enough in Cascais, depending on your lifestyle. This will vary if you choose to purchase property, depending on the purchase amount and mortgage payments.

Real estate prices in Portugal vary widely depending on location. As of recent data, you can expect to pay the following average price per square meter in these regions of Portugal:

  • Lisbon Municipality: €4,935
  • Porto Municipality: €3,937 
  • Northern Portugal: €1,903
  • Central Portugal: €2,098
  • Alentejo: €3,181
  • Algarve: €4,385

In Portugal, estate agent commissions are typically three to eight percent of the sale price of a property, but this will vary from one agency to the next.