Buying property on Portugal's Silver Coast: How Michael found "home"
- Portugal the Simple Life
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Buying property on Portugal’s Silver Coast is a unique investment. It's like finding a vintage leather jacket in a thrift store. It fits perfectly, smells like history, and makes you feel instantly cooler.
But for Michael Tweedie, it was deeper than that. It was like finding a place that felt like “home” after years of searching different countries.
Michael’s experience of buying property in Portugal was recently featured on Portugal The Simple Life Podcast. In this episode of "My Home in Portugal", he speaks to Dylan about his family roots in South Africa, and later moving to the UK, Switzerland, Denmark and Germany.
After years of living abroad, it was his mother’s Portuguese heritage that reignited something deeper. That personal connection led him to Portugal and ultimately inspired his search for a place he could truly call “home”.
This is his story...
Overcoming the fear of buying real estate in Portugal
Let's be honest. Buying a house in a foreign country where you don't speak the language is scary. Buying a "piece of dirt" without visiting it sounds absolutely bonkers!
Most people fear:
Being stuck with a property they can't sell.
Getting lost in Portuguese bureaucracy.
Dealing with developers who don't deliver.
Not being able to turn on the electricity or water.
Michael’s journey started in a similar way to many others: he booked a simple Zoom call to get answers. But what he received was much more. Besides 3D renders and real drone footage, Dylan shared his experience of the areas where Portugal Realty specializes in selling property to foreign clients.
Michael also found something even more important: a partner he could trust, and a full-service solution to his needs. He saw that the "wow view" he craved was not only possible, but simple, through the Simple Life Home Buyer services.
It wasn’t just about buying a gorgeous sea view apartment. It was about securing peace of mind, professional guidance and a safe investment.
“I felt like I knew what I was going to get before I actually stepped here”, Michael says. The transparency of the buying process removed the distance between where he was living at the time and his new home in Portugal.
When Michael finally stood on the balcony of his new build apartment in Nazaré, he knew he had made the right decision.
“My mother was born and raised in a Portuguese environment. That's where the seed started, a long time ago. I was brought up with a bit of the culture infused into my life, and also the food. Meals always had a reminder of Portugal even though I had not been there or spoke the language myself. And that's why I always dreamed: I will own property in Portugal.”
The “lump in the throat” moment happened. The apartment wasn't just an asset; it was a beautiful home to enjoy the Portuguese lifestyle. He found a place that immediately felt like “home”.
Why the Silver Coast?
When people start their search for a home abroad, they often look at maps. They see the busy streets of Lisbon or the crowded beaches of the Algarve. However, Michael zoomed into a specific spot on the map: Portugal's Silver Coast.
Michael didn’t choose Portugal’s Silver Coast by chance. He chose it with intention.
Having researched different parts of the country, he found that the Silver Coast offered something truly rare: a sense of authenticity.
Unlike other mass tourism areas like Lisbon or the Algarve, the Silver Coast towns of Nazaré, São Martinho do Porto, and Foz do Arelho offer untouched natural beauty and villages that have kept local traditions and the Portuguese lifestyle.
This region, known locally as the Costa de Prata or “the real Portugal”, offers something others don't. It provides a real connection to a more authentic Portugal.
He was drawn to its earthy vibe, calm atmosphere, and the down-to-earth spirit of its people.
Michael also had a clear vision: he wanted to live by the Atlantic, and it had to come with a “wow view.”
As someone who had never set foot in Portugal before investing, that might sound risky. But for Michael, the Silver Coast simply looked and felt right, even through a computer screen.
His gut instinct was confirmed the moment he stood on the plot for the first time, overlooking the historic fishing village and stunning beach of Nazaré.
Beyond the emotional pull, the Silver Coast also checked all the practical boxes. The balance of good infrastructure with a slower pace of life offered a rare kind of peace. “You feel like you can breathe again”, Michael said.
Surrounded by pine trees, coastal cliffs, and warm, welcoming locals, he found not just a property, but a lifestyle that aligned with his values.
Watch Michael’s full interview here:
Frequently Asked Questions: Buying Property on the Silver Coast
Can I buy property in Portugal remotely without visiting in person?
Yes. As Michael’s story shows, you can purchase property in Portugal virtually.
By working with a trusted partner like Portugal Realty, you can experience high-quality video tours, handle local due diligence, and use a Power of Attorney so your lawyer can sign the deed on your behalf.
Is it safe for foreigners to buy real estate in Portugal?
Absolutely. Portugal is a very popular destination for foreigners due to its safety, climate, and transparent legal system.
You will need a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF) and a local bank account, both of which our sponsors from Portugal Accounting can help you set up from abroad.
Why choose the Silver Coast over the Algarve or Lisbon?
Many buyers, like Michael, prefer the Silver Coast because it offers a more authentic Portuguese lifestyle, less crowded beaches, and better value for money.
Portugal's Silver Coast also has a "wilder" coastline and a sense of community that is often harder to find in the highly commercialised tourist hubs.
Do I need a local real estate agent to buy in Portugal?
While not legally required, having a local expert like Dylan Herholdt and the Portugal Realty team is highly recommended. Especially for international clients who are buying property in Portugal for the first time.
Certified property specialists with local offices protect your interests throughout the entire journey.
Ready to stop the "fast-forward" life and hit the "play" button in Portugal?
You don't have to do it alone! Like Michael, you can find a place to call “home” on Portugal’s Silver Coast.
Click below to schedule your free call today:
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