Updated: December 10, 2024
Do 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 sea, and a sun-dappled promenade, Cascais is the dream of many expats. Cascais real estate offers sought-after postcodes and has a rich history, with palaces and mansions that remind you of a previous era.
According to the Portuguese Migration and Asylum Report for 2023, the foreign resident population in Portugal increased to 1,044,606, a 33.6 percent increase since 2022. And Cascais is one of the most spectacular places in the country to snap up your dream property.
If you’re considering purchasing real estate in Cascais, the expert team at Goldcrest will ensure you have access to the best properties and 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.
The Real Estate Market in Cascais
The Cascais real estate market has seen a rise in the past few years, and expats have increasingly started to consider the country as their destination for holidays, investments, or moving to with their families. Programs like the Portugal Golden Visa and visa options like the Portugal D7 Visa for retirees and passive income earners, or the D8 Visa for digital nomads, are also attracting foreign buyers to the shores of Cascais.
The average asking price for property in Cascais is €5,835 per square. 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. Cascais experienced a growth rate of more than 100 percent between 2017 and 2023, indicating the town’s popularity amongst buyers.
There are many reasons to buy property in Cascais, whether you are moving with family and are looking for spacious 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 residents a vibrant yet relaxing vibe.
You will enjoy the beautiful beaches, world-class golf courses, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park in Cascais, 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. You could also see our article on finding a real estate agent in Lisbon if you’re curious about purchasing property in the area.
Get a full scope of the real estate market in Cascais to find your dream home with our all-in-one guide.
Why work with 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 or rental listed. 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 advocacy 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
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.
Finding a good real estate agent or a buyer’s agent will also give you access to local insights and an extensive real estate database of exclusive properties available in the area to give you the best chance of finding your ideal property.
Navigating legal and financial processes
Real estate services should also include and 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 can assist you with finalizing the legalities of the purchase, liaise with real estate lawyers and the seller, 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.
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. A good agent will also shortlist potential properties based on your requirements, making working with a business specializing in real estate services an excellent idea.
With the help of a real estate agency, you will easily have the option to visit the available properties and check them yourself instead of having to search online. Dealing with an experienced real estate agent in Cascais will cost you a little bit more than handling it yourself, but it will grant you greater efficiency and quality if you work with an experienced agency.
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 and provide peace of mind.
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, you can begin looking for affordable housing real estate agents in Cascais.
Searching for agents
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.
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 criteria for acquiring the service of a real estate agency
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.
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 company focusing on residential purchases in Cascais, Portugal. You can also create your own checklist to align with your individual needs.
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 Agents vs Buyer's Agents
A 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 of the fact that real estate agents 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 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 |
Goldcrest: Who we are and how we can help you
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 Finding a Real Estate Agent in Cascais
What does a real estate agent do?
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.
What are the services offered by Cascais estate agents?
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.
How do I find a real estate agent in Cascais?
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 local agents you will work with.
Is real estate expensive in Cascais?
The average asking price for property in Cascais is €5,835 per square. 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.
Why should I use real estate agents when buying property in Cascais?
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 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.
How to find the best real estate agent in Cascais?
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.
How do real estate agents in Cascais facilitate the buying process?
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.
What kind of commission do real estate agents in Cascais charge?
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.
Are real estate agents in Cascais familiar with working with international buyers?
Yes, you will find that most realtors are familiar with working with international buyers and will speak English very well.
How can a real estate agent help me buy a property in Cascais?
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.
What is the role of real estate agents in Cascais in facilitating a property inspection?
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.
How can real estate agents assist me with the legalities of buying property in Cascais?
It is worth working with a lawyer to ensure that everything is legitimate with the property, including the seller.
How can a real estate agent in Cascais help me assess the value of a property?
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.
Can a real estate agent in Cascais provide guidance on local laws and regulations related to property purchase and ownership?
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.
What is the first step to finding a real estate agent in Cascais?
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.
Are real estate agents in Cascais fluent in multiple languages to cater to international clients?
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.
What are Cascais real estate agent fees?
Real estate agent fees will vary depending on the real estate company you choose to work with. The best realtors 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, there is no conflict of interest as they work solely on behalf of the buyer.
Should I work with a real estate or buyer's agent?
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.
What is the most credible real estate agent license?
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.
How to verify an agent's credentials?
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.
Can US citizens buy real estate in Portugal?
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.
What is the average real estate price in Portugal?
The price of real estate in Portugal varies greatly depending on location. For example, in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, average prices are around €4,061 per square meter, but in Cascais, the average price of property rises to €5,835 per square meter. In contrast, real estate prices in the Alentejo region are significantly lower at around €2,685 per square meter.
What are some popular services for real estate agents?
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.
What are people saying about real estate agents services near Cascais?
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.
