ARTICLE

Buying on the Silver Coast, Portugal

The Costa de Prata or Silver Coast is something of an undiscovered gem. It's relatively tourist free, which means that in its traditional fishing villages and small towns you get a slice of the real Portugal and a gentler lifestyle than you'll find in the busier south. Throw in stunning scenery and some of Europe's most impressive beaches and you have the perfect location for a holiday home or a new life...

This episode is from series 3.

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Buying on the Silver Coast, Portugal

Buyer's tips

  • New motorways in the central Silver Coast area provide easy access to Lisbon airport.
  • it's a buyer's market so it’s worth putting in an offer for older and resale properties.
  • Remember the tax payable when you buy – the rate is varied and relates to the final agreed price.
  • It's all about the view and a sea-front location can increase the price by up to £100,000.

The buyers: Bee and Simeon
Property developer Simeon's busy lifestyle means he rarely gets the chance to escape the rat race - and dance teacher Bee longs to get away from it all during the school holidays. Their plan is to buy a holiday home in Portugal and they’re focusing their search on the Central Silver Coast area around Obidos lagoon.

The couple, who married in Turkey about a year ago, already own a flat in Essex and a large house on the edge of London, so a pad on the Silver Coast will grow their property portfolio as well as giving them a great summer getaway. They're cash buyers with a maximum budget of £350,000.

Why the Silver Coast?
Running for 120 miles north from Lisbon, the sand dunes, cliffs and lagoons make the Silver Coast one of the most varied coastlines in Europe – and with the jetset mansions of Estoril and Cascais in the south and whitewashed fishing villages in the north, the property is just as diverse.

This part of Portugal is famous for the magnificent waves which lure surfers from all over the world, so it's a magnet for the young – and the young at heart - looking for an adrenaline fix.

Another popular local pastime is eating and being on the coast, that means seafood – the fresher the better. The town of Ericeira, just north of Lisbon, is known throughout the area for its live seafood shops.

A short boat trip from the mainland lie the Berlenga islands, part of a national marine park. They're also home to many nesting sea birds and the fort of St John the Baptist, built in 1502 and then used as a prison until the 1970s. If you've got a head for heights, it's a fascinating piece of history to have on your doorstep.

The estate agents
Property 1:
Top Casas
(Contact Richard Gomes)
Tel: +351 262 183 332

Property 2:
Imatico
(Contact Ana Rodrigues / Celeste)
Tel: +351 262 958 292 / +351 961 749911

Property 3:
Cenario Atlantico
(Contact Fatima Figueiredo)
Tel: +351 966 397 886 / +351 262 824 221

Property 4:
Beltico, Praia d'el Rey
(Contact Liz)
Tel: +351 262 905 010

For a millionaire moment…
Imatico
(Contact Ana Rodrigues / Celeste)
Tel: +351 262 958 292 / +351 961 749911

Top three details

  • Take a plunge and go surfing.
  • Try some of the wonderful seafood on offer.
  • Visit the romantic string of islands in the Berlengas Natural Reserve.

    Living the dream details
  • Take a romantic ride on a horse-drawn carriage.

    With thanks to
    Berlengas Natural Reserve
    Headlands International Property Specialists
    Portuguese property specialists Buy Portugal
    Viveiros Mariscos Cesar seafood restaurant

    • Related sections: Fantasy Homes By The Sea

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