Case report · Portugal-Festland

Financing an apartment in Cascais – Living close to the coast with well-considered overall financing

A couple from Düsseldorf, both long-standing management consultants, were planning a permanent move to Portugal after their gradual withdrawal from working life. They were looking for a generous apartment with a sea view, a lift, a large terrace and a short distance to the town centre of Cascais.

Key figures

At a glance

  • Purchase price: 1.120.000 €
  • Renovation: 124.000 €
  • Financing required: 762.000 €
  • Equity: 538.000 €

Anonymised case figure · not a binding statement for other projects · §34i GewO

Typical, anonymised case. Names, places and individual financing figures have been adjusted to protect privacy. The process reflects a typical advisory situation for non-resident financing in Portugal.

Living permanently between the Atlantic and Lisbon

Cascais is one of the most sought-after places to live in Portugal. The combination of maritime flair, well-kept residential districts, an international environment and proximity to Lisbon makes the coastal town especially attractive for German-speaking buyers who want to move their centre of life permanently to Portugal. High-quality apartments are especially in focus.

Initial situation

A couple from Düsseldorf, both long-standing management consultants, were planning a permanent move to Portugal after their gradual withdrawal from working life. They were looking for a generous apartment with a sea view, a lift, a large terrace and a short distance to the town centre of Cascais. The chosen property was convincing for its location but was to be comprehensively modernised before moving in.

Financing overview

  • Purchase price: 1.120.000 €
  • Additional costs: 56.000 €
  • Renovation: 124.000 €
  • Total investment: 1.300.000 €
  • Equity: 538.000 €
  • Financing required: 762.000 €

The challenge

The buyers had liquid funds from the sale of their previous property. At the same time, they wanted to keep part of their assets invested in a broadly diversified portfolio. All modernisation measures were to be completed immediately after the acquisition so the apartment could be used permanently without a further building phase.

Analysis

In sought-after residential locations like Cascais in particular, the purchase price should not be considered alone. Only the inclusion of acquisition costs and modernisation measures conveys a realistic picture of the total investment.

With financing of around 68 % of the purchase price, a balanced structure emerged between equity and outside financing. At the same time, sufficient liquidity remained for the new chapter of life.

Financing solution

The financing took all planned measures into account:

  • installation of a high-quality kitchen
  • complete modernisation of both bathrooms
  • energy-efficient air conditioning
  • electric shading of the terrace areas
  • custom-made fitted wardrobes
  • intelligent control of lighting and air conditioning
  • modern network cabling for home office and media technology

All work was carried out immediately after the property acquisition.

Outcome

Once the modernisation was complete, the apartment could be occupied without further restrictions. The buyers moved their centre of life to Cascais as planned and enjoyed modern living comfort. At the same time, a considerable part of their assets remained flexibly available.

What other buyers can learn

Anyone moving permanently to Cascais should align the financing with the entire investment. Purchase price, additional costs and modernisation together form the economic basis of the acquisition. Complete planning creates transparency and reduces the risk of later additional costs.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can high-quality modernisation be co-financed directly?
Yes. If the measures are defined and realistically calculated before the purchase, they can often be part of the overall financing.
Why is financing used despite sufficient equity?
Many buyers do not want to tie up all their assets in a property and want to keep financial reserves for retirement or other investments.
Which modernisations are especially usual for apartments in Cascais?
Kitchens, bathrooms, air conditioning, shading, lighting, fitted wardrobes and digital infrastructure are frequently modernised.
Is Cascais suitable as a permanent residence?
Yes. Cascais offers excellent infrastructure, international schools, medical care, a wide range of shopping and a high quality of life throughout the year.

Conclusion

An apartment in Cascais combines exclusive living with proximity to the Atlantic and the Portuguese capital. Anyone who takes the purchase price, additional costs and all modernisation measures into account early in joint financing creates a robust basis for a long-term and relaxed new start in Portugal.

Your contact

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Anonymised individual case, not a binding statement for other projects · Siegfried Perini, BAFA-notified for the cross-border activity of the owner Olga Nikushkina · §34i GewO · no tax or legal advice · no financing commitment; conditions depend on creditworthiness, loan-to-value and bank