Algorithm for choosing a place of residence to buy an apartment in the suburbs of Lisbon
The most popular request when searching for a first apartment in Portugal sounds like “a resale property that is not run-down for up to 100 thousand (or better yet 70) euros, half the amount (or 2/3) on a mortgage, not far from the ocean, not in a village, with heating at least via an air conditioner.” In addition to the budget, the choice is also influenced by the importance or unimportance of having a school and other infrastructure nearby, and the means of transport (car or public transport). Let's figure out which areas Russian-speaking migrants choose, taking into account their individual capabilities and needs.
Cascais and Carcavelos: everything at once, but expensive
The fundamental difference between these small towns and the others is the combination of all possible factors at once: proximity to the capital (up to half an hour's drive), walking distance to the ocean, the presence of schools (including international ones) and other infrastructure (hospitals, shopping centres). Given the prestige of these places, a pleasant bonus will be fitness centres, running and cycling tracks along the ocean, golf courses, and so on. Prices are significantly higher than in the rest of Portugal and comparable to the centre of Lisbon, are launching from 150-200 thousand euros for a T1-T2, depending on the location and condition of the property.
By the ocean, but cheaper: popular villages within an hour's drive of the capital
If the prices of Lisbon and Cascais are too high for you, but you are interested in a reasonably large town.
Part of the area is within walking distance of the ocean Kapariki. T1 is here from 150 thousand, T2 from 170. If you’re travelling by bike or car, you can explore the whole area between Costa da Caparica, Caparica, Amora and Aroeira.
Also a beach town is Sesimbra (40 km, 45 minutes from Lisbon, 52 thousand residents). 1-bedroom apartments are sold here from 110 thousand, T2 from 130.
Proximity to the sea does not significantly reduce property prices as one moves further north from the capital. If we look at the “surfer” villages of Ericeira (50 km and 40 minutes to Lisbon, 12 thousand residents) and Peniche (100 km and an hour's drive to the capital, 15 thousand residents), prices here are just as high due to their proximity to the ocean and tourist appeal, but a 2-bedroom flat for 200 thousand it will already be a new build and possibly even with a sea view. Furthermore, such property has good potential for short-term letting and a quick sale.
Lowering the budget: towns within a 100 km radius (an hour's drive)
If capital and beach prices are too high for you, but you need a fairly large settlement with infrastructure, let us consider the nearest towns popular among Russian-speaking expats. The distance to the centre of Lisbon is indicated in brackets.
Almada (12 km, 20 minutes, 100,000 residents), a small town on the opposite side of the river from Lisbon. One-bedroom apartments are for sale from 90 thousand. It can be considered a suburb of the capital; a ferry runs from here every 15 minutes – it takes 12 minutes to reach the city centre, and many people commute to work this way. An overground metro service runs along the Almada.
Barreiro (40 km, 40 minutes, 63 thousand residents) is also on the south bank of the Tagus and also has a ferry terminal, with departures to the capital every half an hour. Getting there by ferry is twice as fast as by car: the journey takes 20 minutes. There are several schools and a well-developed infrastructure here, with a large selection of flats. up to 100 thousand.
Setúbal (50 km, 40 minutes, 90,000 residents), a fishing town with one of the most famous fish markets in the world. Promising and actively developing. A 15-minute drive away are the snow-white beaches of the Arrábida Natural Park. There are several schools in the town (including one of the best international), sports clubs, parks, and there is a cultural life. Here the cost of 1-room apartments (T1) starts from 85 thousand euros, in the São Sebastião suburbs T1-T2 start from 70 thousand.
Torres Vedras (50 km, 45 minutes, 25 thousand population), the centre of the municipality, which is also home to many “compatriots”. Buses to Lisbon run every 7 minutes. To the beach Santa Cruz and several neighbouring ones are 20 minutes away by car. Here, T1 starts from 90 thousand, T2 from 130,000 euros.
Caldas da Rainha (90 km, 60 minutes, 30 thousand population), a town with public and private schools, sports clubs. Buses (an hour and fifteen minutes) and trains (two hours) run to Lisbon. To beach 15 minutes by car. T1-T2 are located here from 80 thousand euros.
Can I get it even cheaper? How do I find a flat for under 70 thousand?
If you are looking for the most affordable options in the capital's suburbs, the first place to look is the aforementioned Barreiro. Here you can find, for instance, the cheapest 1-bedroom flats for 65 thousand or T2 for 66 thousand and for 70 thousand.
Newcomer bonus in Portugal: where in Lisbon are the beach and the ocean?
On train Lisboners go to the beaches Carcavelos (27 minutes), Estoril (37 minutes) and Cascais (41 minutes). These are large beaches with a few cafes, showers and toilets.
On car Capital residents also travel to Carcavelos (since there is a huge free car park) and further on, or across the bridge to the beaches Costa da Caparica, where along the 15-kilometre coastline there are plenty of stunning, wide beaches and dozens of cafés. Both places are a 20-minute drive from the city centre.
Where shall I start?
Before starting the selection process, it should be borne in mind that:
- There is a housing shortage on the market. Good options go within a week, so it makes sense to start your search with the deposit amount in a Portuguese bank account.
- Prices are constantly rising, so it is better not to delay the purchase and to build a small correction into your future plans.
- Mortgage loan It is better to apply to several banks in advance, having only a rough idea of the cost and location of the apartment. With pre-approval from the bank, you can begin the search.
