How Irish Expat Dee Lee Helps Expats Build a Life They Love

You’ve lived in seven countries. What brought you to Portugal?

I’m Dee, originally from the west of Ireland, and I’ve called seven countries home. After six years in London, life took me to Amsterdam, where I met my husband John on my second day! We came to Portugal to start a new chapter with our three children in beautiful Cascais.

What makes the Cascais and Estoril area so special for expats?

For me, it’s the community. There’s a kind of magic here that’s hard to explain. The international community is strong and welcoming. Neighbours become friends. School gates become social hubs. And it’s all held together by the warmth of the Portuguese people. Cascais wraps around you with an energy that’s joyful, safe, and full of heart.

What’s your perfect day in Cascais?

It starts with the school run, then tennis for a bit of friendly competition! I’ll often squeeze in a sea swim with my husband, the refreshing Atlantic waves set me up for the day. Then it’s lunch at Moinho Dom Quixote in Azoia, with its breathtaking views. In between some house viewings and a quick after-school visit to the beach with our kids, we’ll often wrap up with dinner at Polo 1921, which is relaxed, rustic, and perfect for our 3 little adventurers to roam.

What do you offer at Cascais Compass that’s different?

When I first moved here, I was genuinely surprised by how little price transparency exists in the local property market. Asking prices often have no real connection to what homes actually sell for. That gap costs time and money, but equally, it can ruin the magic of buying a house.  I want to bring joy and transparency into the journey of buying a home, so that expats moving here can enjoy the process, trust the numbers, and feel at home from day one.

“When clients come to me, we talk about lifestyle first, homes second. Because the right home is more than bricks and mortar, it’s your new beginning.”

How did your journey from banking and tech lead to real estate?

My career began in investment banking in London, but it was co-founding CultureMee – a platform to help people navigate cultural differences that really shaped me. It taught me that moving countries isn’t just a logistical process; it’s deeply emotional. You’re not just looking for a house, you’re searching for a sense of belonging. In the past, when moving abroad, I’ve been the one looking for trust, for clarity, for someone who gets it. Now I get to be that person for others.

What sets you apart as a real estate agent in Cascais?

I’ve lived this journey myself. As a mum of three, I know the ins and outs of life here, from schools to healthcare. I understand the questions families have because I’ve asked them too. My goal is to make the move not just smooth, but genuinely exciting.

What’s your biggest piece of advice for those relocating to Cascais?

Don’t just look at square metres and sea views. Think about your rhythm, your school run, your Saturdays, the people around you.

Cascais Compass
WA +351 965 565 104
E dee@cascaiscompass.com
www.cascaiscompass.com