Portugal’s coastal allure beckons property seekers with its picturesque beaches which charming seaside towns, and for those in search of affordable beachfront investments Also Porto de Mós, Leiria stands out as the cheapest location to buy a property by the sea, starting from just €854 per square meter.

Why Invest in a Property by the Beach in Portugal

High Demand

Then Portugal’s stunning coastline and beautiful beaches attract millions of tourists each year. Finally Investing in a beachfront property can provide you with a steady stream of rental income from vacationers seeking a coastal retreat, which especially during peak tourist seasons.

Potential for Capital Appreciation

Over time, beachfront properties in popular locations tend to appreciate in value, offering the potential for a profitable resale in the future. And the continue demand for coastal real estate can drive property prices upward.

Attractive Lifestyle

Finally awning a beachfront property allows you to enjoy a relax and pleasant lifestyle by the sea. You can enjoy stunning ocean views, the sound of waves, and easy access to various water-based activities.

Diverse Rental Market

Portugal’s coastal regions appeal to a wide range of travelers, including families, couples, surfers, and retirees. This diversity in the rental market can increase your property’s rental potential and reduce the risk of vacancy.

Tourism Growth

Next Portugal’s tourism industry has  growing steadily in recent years. The government’s efforts to promote the country as a tourist destination, which combines with its affordable and attractive coastal areas, contribute to the continuous growth of the rental market.

Nazaré Beach

Cheapest Locations to Buy Property by the Beach in Portugal

According to Idealista’s selling price advertisement from June 2023, Porto de Mós in the district of Leria is recognized as the most affordable location in Portugal to purchase a property by the beach, with a price per square meter of €854. This implies that a house with an area of 120m2 would cost €102,480.

The remaining two positions of the top three cheapest locations are as follows: Marinha Grande, with an average price of €995 per square meter, and Ovar, situated in the center of Portugal, with a rate of €1,459 per square meter. 

Here is the cheapest places sort by the lowest price per square meter:

          Location       Nearest Beach  Price /m2House w/ 120 m2
Porto de MósNazaré beach           854€             102,480€
Marinha GrandeSão Pedro de Moel beach           995€             119,400€
OvarFuradouro beach         1,459€             175,080€
Figueira da FozFigueira da Foz beach         1,642€             197,040€
Santiago do CacémAreão beach         1,656€             198,720€
PenichePeniche beach         1,734€             208,080€

Porto de Mós

Porto de Mós is a municipality in the Leiria District of Portugal. It is locate on the Atlantic coast, about 75 kilometers north of Lisbon. This municipality has a population of about 25,000 people.

Lifestyle in Porto de Mós is relax and laid-back. The pace of life is slower than in the big cities, and there is a strong sense of community. Also the town is surrounded by beautiful beaches and countryside, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing, hiking, and biking.

Furthermore the distance between Porto de Mós and Nazaré beach is about 12 kilometers. And the drive takes about 20 minutes. Nazaré is a popular surfing destination, and is known for its giant waves.

Marinha Grande

Marinha Grande is also part of the Leiria District and the city has a population of about 32,000 people.

Also this Marinha Grande is known for its industrial heritage, particularly in the glass industry, which has shaped the town’s history and culture. This presence of industrial activities might give it a different vibe compare to other more tourist-orient coastal towns in Portugal.

The distance between Marinha Grande and São Pedro de Moel beach is about 8 kilometers. Also the drive takes about 10 minutes. São Pedro de Moel is a popular beach resort, and is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters.

Ovar

Ovar is a municipality locate in the Aveiro District of Portugal, in the central region of the country with 55,000 inhabitants. It is situate on the Atlantic coast, approximately 30 kilometers (around 18 miles) south of the city of Porto.

Also Ovar is influence by its coastal location, with fishing and maritime activities playing a significant role in the town’s history and culture. And the region also celebrates various festivals and events that reflect its maritime traditions.

This distance from Ovar to Furadouro beach can cover by car in approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the specific location within Ovar and the traffic conditions at the time of travel. Furadouro’s beach is a popular beach known for its sandy shoreline and surf-friendly waves, making it a favorite destination for both locals and tourists.

Figueira da Foz

Figueira da Foz is a coastal city locate in the Coimbra District of Portugal with a population of around 62,000 inhabitants. It is situated on the Atlantic coast, at the mouth of the Mondego River, approximately 40 kilometers (around 25 miles) west of Coimbra, one of Portugal’s major cities.

Being a coastal city, which is known for its beautiful beaches, lively promenades, and various water sports and recreational activities. The city’s waterfront area, with its numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues, attracts people looking for leisure and relaxation. 

During the summer months, Figueira da Foz becomes particularly bustling, with many visitors enjoying its beaches and cultural events.

Santiago do Cacém

Santiago do Cacém belongs to Setúbal District of Portugal, in the Alentejo region. It is situate inland, approximately 15 kilometers (around 9 miles) from the Atlantic coast.

Furthermore, with 30,000 people living in Santiago do Cacém, the city offers a more rural and laid-back lifestyle typical of many towns in the Alentejo region. 

Residents often enjoy a slower-pace life, with a focus on local traditions and cultural events. And the surrounding countryside provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and nature exploration.

Praia do Areão is roughly around 15 to 20 kilometers (approximately 9 to 12 miles) west of Santiago do Cacém. The beach is easily accessible by car, and the travel time from Santiago do Cacém to Areão beach can generally covers in approximately 20 minutes.

Peniche

Peniche is a coastal town in the Leiria District with around 28,000 inhabitants in the central-western part of the country. And it is situated on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 90 kilometers (around 56 miles) north of Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal.

The town of Peniche popular destination for tourists and surfers from around the world, which means it may have a higher percentage of foreigners compared to other inland towns. 

One of the most famous beaches in Peniche is Supertubos, which is known for its excellent waves, attracting surfers from various parts of the globe. 

This beach at Baleal is another popular spot, offering great conditions for surfing and sunbathing.

The Most Expensive Locations to Buy Beachfront Property in Portugal

In opposition, Portugal boasts several exclusive and high-end locations for property purchases by the beach, where prices can range from €4,451 in Vilamoura to €8,084 in Vale do Lobo, both locations in the Algarve. 

Finally, here are some of the most sought-after areas:

Drawbacks of Buying Property by the Beach in Portugal

Buying near the beach in Portugal is exciting, but it does come with a few considerations. Coastal homes tend to face higher maintenance costs because salt air and strong winds can wear down paint, metal, and wood much faster than inland. It’s something owners usually feel over time through more frequent repairs.

Tourism is another factor. Summer brings great rental demand but also bigger crowds, more noise, and a very different pace of life. If you prefer a calm environment year-round, the peak season can feel overwhelming.

Accessibility can also vary. Some seaside towns have limited public transport or fewer everyday services, which can make commuting or running errands a bit less convenient.

And finally, coastal areas usually fall under stricter environmental rules. These regulations protect dunes and marine ecosystems, but they can also restrict renovation plans or future expansions.

Buying a Beachfront Property in Portugal as a Foreigner

Foreigners are allowed to buy property in Portugal, and the process is relatively straightforward. However, there are some regulations and requirements that you should aware of before you begin the process. 

Tax Number (NIF) in Portugal

As a foreigner, you’ll need to obtain a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF) in order to buy a property in Portugal. Next this can be obtained from the Portuguese tax office (Finanças).

Portuguese Bank Account

You’ll need to have a Portuguese bank account in order to purchase a property in Portugal. This is where you’ll transfer the funds for the purchase, pay the taxes and fees, and receive any rental income.

Legal Representation

It’s highly recommended to work with a Portuguese lawyer who is experienced in real estate transactions. They can help you navigate the legal aspects of the purchase and ensure that everything is in order.

Home Insurance

Again known as property insurance, its mandatory in Portugal and provides coverage for damage to your property and personal belongings, as well as liability coverage if someone is injured on your property.

Further it can also provide coverage for natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods, which can be common in Portugal.

beachfront view

Costs of Buying Property by the Beach in Portugal

Property transfer tax (IMT)

Property taxes in Portugal is something that you can’t escape. IMT tax is base on the purchase price of the property and can range from 0% to 6% for residential properties. 

Stamp duty

The term Stamp duty is charges for all documents and arrangements in respect of real estate, including deeds, contracts and mortgages. Also this tax is base on the purchase price of the property and is typically 0.8% for residential properties.

Legal fees

It’s important to hire a Portuguese real estate lawyer to review the purchase contract and ensure that all legal requirements are met. Finally, legal fees can range from 1% to 2% of the purchase price.

Notary and Registration fees

Notary fees are charge for the services of a notary public, who is responsible for verifying the legality of the transaction and they can range from 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price. From other side the registration fees are between 0.02% to 0.5% of the purchase price.

Real estate agent fees

If you work with a Portuguese buyer’s agent to help you find a property, it’s likely you won’t pay much—or anything at all—directly to them. In Portugal, the agent’s commission is normally paid by the seller, so buyers often get professional support without taking on extra fees.

Why Work With Us

Local Expertise

We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information. 

Holistic Approach

One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle. 

Transparent Service

We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.

Simple Process

Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Portugal allows foreigners, including non-EU citizens, to buy property by the beach. The process is straightforward and follows similar regulations as for Portuguese citizens.

And besides the property price, buyers should consider additional costs, including property transfer tax (IMT), notary and registration fees, legal fees, and potential real estate agent commissions.

Portugal offers the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) program, which grants tax benefits to certain foreign residents, including reduced income tax rates for ten years.

Yes, it is possible for foreign buyers to obtain a mortgage in Portugal. Many banks offer mortgage options for non-residents, but terms may vary.

While it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to hire a local buyers agent or a qualified lawyer to assist with the legal aspects of the transaction, next ensuring a smooth and secure purchase.

Moreover, he buying process typically takes 4-6 weeks, but it can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the transaction and obtaining necessary documents.

Yes, many buyers choose to rent out their beach properties as vacation homes to generate additional income. And portugal’s tourism industry makes it an appealing option for short-term rentals.

There might be some restrictions and regulations on property renovations and new constructions, especially in protected or coastal areas. Also, it’s essential to check with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before making any changes.