Guide to the Silver Coast

Introduction to the Silver Coast

Portugal has been one of the most popular destinations for Britons to buy overseas property for many years, well before the term ‘emerging markets’ was ever coined. Nevertheless, even in the face of competition from the newer EU entrants and more exotic locations across the world, the investment potential of buying a property in Portugal has endured. Just a couple of years ago, A Place in the Sun declared Portugal to be one of the best investment locations for a home overseas.

While the Algarve has remained the most obvious spot for a sunshine escape, more people are now being drawn to the Silver Coast for the property, lifestyle and natural beauty to be discovered.

The region

Extending from Castelo de Paiva in the north to Arruda dos Vinhos in the south, the Silver Coast is characterised by the many fishing harbours that line the rugged coastline. The real attraction is the fact that the towns and villages are combined with stunning sandy beaches giving direct access to the impressive expanse of the Atlantic Ocean.

Chief amongst these oceanside towns are Nazaré and Coimbra, the ancient capital of the country. These towns are typical of the region, featuring narrow streets and quaint townhouses, and are also some of the favourite holiday destinations for the well-heeled Portuguese. The ancient city of Leiria, not far from Lisbon, was previously a summer retreat for the Portuguese Royal Family.

Other attractions to consider are Aveiro in the north, previously a great sea port and now more well-known for the charms of its canals, and Figueira da Foz, with its vast beaches and famous casino.

The real attraction of the Silver Coast is the combination of wide, sandy beaches on the spectacular coastline, and the quaint traditionalism of the towns and villages.

Silver Coast Climate

The Silver Coast has the typical warm summers and mild winters of most of the Iberian peninsular, though its position on the Atlantic Coast means the area is a bit wetter and wilder than the more southerly extremities of the country.

Getting there

Flights from the UK to Porto are available through a number of scheduled carriers, including British Airways and TAP (the Portuguese national airline). Should you prefer to drive and have your car available during your stay, consider taking the ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao or from Plymouth to Santander and then make your way down into Portugal. The largest motorway in the country, the A1, runs from north to south through the Silver Coast region.

Property on the Silver Coast

The increasing popularity of buying property in the Silver Coast has lead to more new developments in the area, as well as more interest in buying property in the towns and villages along the coast. Finally, there are properties available for those who prefer to buy further inland for a little more isolation.

The purpose built resort developments to be found along the coast are the easiest solution for those people looking for a first step in living overseas. On-site facilities such as swimming pools and supermarkets are available for the use of residents. Often these developments are in clifftop locations outside of the major towns, meaning that residents will need to be mobile to enjoy the full extent of the coastline.

On the other hand, townhouses in the region can be found along the coast in varying states of habitation. This option is perfect for those buyers looking to integrate more into local life, and though many locals will speak an amount of English, an effort to speak Portuguese will go a long way to gaining trust and respect in the community.

There are an increasing number of properties available further inland. Although ideal for an adventurous investor looking to make their own mark on a property, you will need to be confident in dealing with local trades and to be keen to make connections in the local community.

The long-term market stability and developed system for foreign buyers mean that buying on the Silver Coast is one of the best investments available in Portugal. Investors looking for a quick turnaround will find that properties on resort developments in this area will increase in value quicker than properties in established communities, though the eventual return on investment for property in Portuguese towns may more impressive in the long-term.

Local life

The locally-caught seafood is one of Portugal’s most vaunted attributes for both the property buyer and the foreign tourist, though this is by no means the only gastronomical treat to be found. Grilled pork kebabs from Barraida, as well as the kid "chanfana" from Coimbra are an ideal complement to the local wines.

Conclusion

Though it may not have the hot temperatures and endless supply of golf courses that can be found on the Algarve, the Silver Coast can be the ideal solution for a buyer who is already familiar with the country, or for the buyer who is looking for the more ‘authentic’ Portugal experience.

Related Articles

• Portugal: An Overview
• Buying a Property in Portugal
• Mortgages in Portugal