Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Nowadays, the real estate website is your agencys digital shop window , where potential clients have their first contact with your services and your property portfolio. Therefore, in order to have a successful agency, it is essential to work on your property website in order to attract more traffic to it. As you know, in the property market first impressions are very important and can dictate whether a client chooses you or a competing estate agency. So SUPERCASA Notícias gives you the best tips fo r increasing the number of visitors to your website and thus increasing the number of leads you receive. 1. Website accessibility Did you know that 92% of potential clients of a real estate agency use their mobile devices to carry out their searches during the process of buying a property? Because of this, Google has changed its algorithm to place websites that are compatible with the mobile version in the top positions. It is therefore essential to invest in a responsive website that is easily accessible on any device, as users have quickly abandoned sites that are difficult to navigate or have little functionality. In addition, you should check that all the buttons and links work , that the information is easy to find and that it is presented in a logical and easy-to-understand way. 2. Keywords To achieve the best positions in search engines, it is essential to apply SEO techniques such as using keywords in the title of your property website pages. Remember that this strategy must be used thoughtfully. The words should be placed intentionally and within the hierarchy of the content, i.e. keywords in titles have more relevance than in the text alone. So try to optimise the title of every page on your site with market search terms, namely the correct nomenclature for each real estate professional and the detailed terminology of your properties, as well as their type and location. An excellent way to use this resource is by creating exclusive pages that provide information on what its like to live in your area, something you can achieve with eGO Real Estate websites . This solution will not only enable your site to be found more easily, it will also allow you to publicise the area in which you work , show your knowledge of it, and have a differentiating element that will set you apart from your competition. 3. Blog A property website isnt just for displaying your property portfolio, as this tool can also be used to share different types of relevant content that will pique the interest of potential buyers . Creating content consistently will i ncrease your chances of appearing in the first results of Google searches and is an element that creates the need for users to return to your site. On this page, you can publish opinion pieces from the professionals and partners you work with, articles and news from the property market and customer satisfaction testimonials. If you dont have time, know that eGO Real Estates premium and personalised sites allow you to share current SUPERCASA Notícias stories with your clients. 4. Update your site frequently To increase the number of clicks on your website, it is essential that it is up-to-date and meets the needs of your target audience. As such, you should carry out a complete overhaul of your site on a regular basis , with the aim of eliminating outdated properties, confirming that the information provided is correct and up-to-date, and ensuring that all the information on your site is organised correctly and intuitively for your customers. Interested in giving it a try? Speak to one of eGO Real Estates experts and get a free consultation on your website.
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In recent years there has been an increase in the popularity of wooden houses . This trend is progressively establishing itself as an alternative to traditional methods , especially at a time of housing crisis and rising prices for building materials. Whether for a main residence or a holiday home, more and more homeowners are opting to use wood in their constructions, something that lends a rustic, warm beauty to the property. What are the advantages? Despite being a relatively recent trend, wooden houses are becoming very popular , with the aesthetic aspect being one of the biggest reasons for this, since this type of construction blends in perfectly with the surrounding nature, conveying a sense of calm and peace in a rustic and natural environment that you cant find in other types of property. However, there are several other advantages to choosing to build a wooden house, namely: - Easy-to-work-with material; - Excellent insulation to maintain a stable temperature; - More ecological houses, which use renewable, recyclable and biodegradable materials; - More energy-efficient constructions; - Possibility of modular and prefabricated construction; - Faster construction. How to build wooden houses? If youre looking to build a wooden house, there are two options open to you. If you have the means to do so, the first option is to follow the traditional process of building a house , using an architect to create a project and then creating a budget and applying for licences so that you can proceed with the work. This approach allows you to personalise your home according to your preferences , without being restricted by any prefabricated model. On the other hand, if youre looking for a quicker alternative, you can always choose to hire a company that specialises in building wooden houses . There are several companies available on the market that will present you with various models, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs. A trend in 2024? Wooden houses, especially prefabricated ones, are gaining prominence in the property market as a more economical and sustainable option for those looking for a safe and dynamic investment . In addition to the advantages mentioned above, one of the great advantages of wooden houses is their novelty, which attracts tourists and onlookers. It can therefore become a great long-term business opportunity for investors who are currently in the market, and may even be one of the big trends of 2024. From bungalows to country houses, wooden constructions are versatile due to their adaptability, guaranteeing comfort and safety in the hottest or coldest weather conditions. And then, due to their ease of mobility, they are an interesting option for any type of tourism or accommodation activity. Are you curious about this property trend? Well show you other equally appealing options that you can get to know in order to get a head start on next year and make the best investments: 3D printed houses: the future of the property market , Modular houses: everything you need to know
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction If you sold your house and only managed to invest its value in another home after the legal deadline to benefit from the IRS exemption on these amounts, you may be able to obtain an exemption on the capital gains of the value in question. To benefit from this exemption, you need to contact the Tax and Customs Authority (AT) from April 2024. This is because one of the laws of the Mais Habitação (More Housing) programme provides for the suspension of the deadline for reinvesting capital gains for two years from 1 January 2020 , which means that it starts counting from 2 January 2022. According to the AT, in order to benefit from the exemption, you must submit a replacement personal income tax return or file a complaint against the fact that the AT has assessed the personal income tax . You can also make a request for review of tax assessment acts within three years of the tax act, using serious or notorious injustice as a basis. Follow these and other topics in SUPERACASA Notícias
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction To build a successful business that can easily adapt to the constant changes in the real estate market, it is essential to work on your agencys brand so that it is easily recognised within the sector. Its essential to realise how important branding is to your business, and developing this aspect of your company will only be possible through marketing strategies that encompass all the elements you publicise and the way you publicise them, making them easily identifiable as yours. This type of strategy is known as branding and can significantly increase your agencys recognition in the property market. What are the advantages? Working on your brand correctly will allow you to publicise your company to potential clients, but this is not the only advantage. A well thought-out and applied brand will give your clients a sense of professionalism , which in turn will give them more confidence. The estate agents with the biggest brand and presence will always be the ones that potential clients think of first, hence the importance of building a good brand. How do you build a good property brand? 1. Visual appearance A companys visual identity is what distinguishes and represents it on the market. This element is characterised by the various visual components that must be congruent on all the platforms where it is found, be they physical or digital. A strong brand is easily recognisable through its image, but for this to happen, it is essential to carry out in-depth studies of colours, formats and nomenclature. 2. Focus on the consumer In order to win over your target audience, it is essential to have a customer-centred approach, which is a key element in creating a relationship of trust with your clients . The more attention you pay to users, the better their experience will be, which will have a positive return for your agency, either because the client decides to use your services again in the future or because they recommend them to friends and family. 3. Trends Keeping up with trends, not only in the market but also in the type of content that your company publishes, will enable you to stay up to date and relevant in the property market. So its important to keep up to date with whats new and apply it according to the needs of your audience. 4. Content Nowadays, information is valued by the vast majority of people, and there is a growing demand for relevant data, positive interactions and interesting content that will strengthen the relationship between your brand and the consumer. Try to create different types of content that are relevant to your potential customers, offering answers, ideas, suggestions and solutions . 5. Publicising Any strategy you decide to implement, however good it may be, will only work if it is equally well publicised. To do this, it is essential to know your target audience, understand their needs and meet them. 6. Social media Use social networks to share the content you create . As well as posting your property adverts, you can share different types of content with your target audience, from blog articles to photos and videos about your agency. 7. Track the results Once youve implemented branding strategies, its crucial to monitor their results. This is because only then will you be able to see whether your strategies are really working and what kind of changes you need to make to increase your presence in the market. This is also an important step in receiving feedback from your customers and potential customers , through comments they can leave on your content. A good evaluation can be the factor that leads more interested parties to choose your agency, as well as allowing you to show a little more of your knowledge of the property market Bear in mind that the results are not immediate and it may take a few months before you start to notice the effects of your strategies, so its essential to be patient . Did you like our suggestions? To help you build your brand, its essential that you also read: What cant be missing from a property consultants business card , How to get more traffic to your property website: 4 tips and Real estate agency: the importance of good positioning
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Buying a house on plan (or under construction) is an increasingly common option, especially in urban areas. This is a very advantageous business opportunity for developers, since by obtaining buyers at an early stage, they get a return on the financing they have already made and can use it to fund part of the project. And for those looking to buy, is this an advantageous option? Properties under construction can be more affordable options for families wallets, but there are some precautions you should take. SUPERCASA Notícias shows you all the advantages and disadvantages of entering into this type of business. Advantages Buying fractions of a new development can be a way of ensuring that you can choose the property best suited to your needs , without having to restrict yourself to what is available on the market, but there are several other advantages. 1. Savings A property in the early stages of design or under construction is usually more affordable than one that has already been completed , and there may be more scope to negotiate the value of the property. This means that you can buy a property for less than it will cost when construction is finished. 2. Buy new If you opt for this type of property, you can always be sure that you are buying a 100% new property . This also means that you are more likely to have the latest materials and technologies in its construction . The great advantage of buying a house on plan is that, in the event of a defect in its construction, it is covered by law under the guarantee. 3. Adjust to your needs If youre looking for a house, youre certainly looking for the perfect property that suits all your needs. Flat-plan homes give you greater freedom to choose your dream home, on the floor you want or with more or less sun exposure, for example. At this stage you can also choose the type of finishes that best suit your tastes , such as the colour of the walls or the type of flooring. 4. Phased payments At an early stage of the purchase you must pay the deposit to reserve the property and then sign the promissory contract of sale (CPCV). At this point, all the payments that must be made as the work progresses will be defined, giving you the possibility of making phased payments. 5. Planning Moving house is always a process that requires a lot of planning. By making this type of investment, since the house will still take some time to be ready, you will have time to plan all the details of your move, including the furniture you want to buy, where you will put it and what type of decoration you will apply . Disadvantages 1. Unfinished work The biggest fear of those who buy a house on plan is that it will never be completed due to financial difficulties on the part of the construction company or the developer. Although this is a common fear, its not something that happens all the time. However, if you want to be sure that youre not taking any risks when buying your new property, you can find out about the solidity of the construction company by looking at its work history. 2. Delays When you buy a house youll be given a date for the project to be completed , and its always annoying when the date arrives and the project still isnt finished, especially if youve already planned your whole life to make the move at that point. To ensure your rights, you should make sure that the CPCV provides for this type of situation , and you can ask for a clause guaranteeing you the right to compensation for failure to meet deadlines. 3. Final result Its time to get the keys to your new home and make all the necessary changes, but when you arrive at the property, it doesnt meet your expectations. This is a common fear for those making this type of investment, so you should make sure you understand all the information on the floor plan, such as the location of all the doors and windows and all the areas of the house. If you have any doubts, you should seek clarification from the professionals before committing to buying the house. Read more: Wooden buildings: trend for 2024? , Building a house: what are the specifications?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Some companies are allowing their employees to telecommute this Christmas season in order to spend more time with their families. Thats why Selectra , a specialist in energy tariffs, sent SUPERCASA Notícias data showing how much teleworking can increase energy bills and some tips for mitigating this increase. The best option is to use a laptop. It will only consume €4.48 or €4.18, depending on whether you have a simple or bi-hourly tariff on the free market. In the regulated market, the figures will be €4.76 and €4.22, respectively. On the other hand, the fixed computer tower alone will consume 110% more. If you add an LED monitor, the increase will be 195%. Doing the math, if you use a stationary computer, the weekly cost of 8 hours of work will be €13.22 or €12.31 on the free market and €14.04 or €12.43 on the regulated market, depending on whether you have a contract with a single or two-hour tariff. Tips for saving on your bill: Position your desk next to a window and take advantage of the natural light . This will reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day and save electricity when teleworking. Use energy-saving LED light bulbs instead of incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Set your computer to automatically go into energy-saving mode when its not in use , such as during your lunch hour or breaks. Unplug your computer at the end of the day. Stick to your working hours and avoid overworking . As well as protecting your well-being, youll also be avoiding increased energy consumption due to prolonged operation of electronic devices. Choose the right time cycle for you . There are several electricity companies that offer tariffs whose prices vary according to the time you consume. Take advantage of the discounts associated with signing up to direct debit and electronic billing . These discounts are only available from free market suppliers. Opt for fixed tariffs to have the security of a constant price throughout the contract . Variable tariffs can reflect market fluctuations, as is the case with indexed tariffs. Follow this and other topics in SUPERCASA News .
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Balcão Único do Prédio (BUPi) is a platform aimed at owners of rustic and mixed properties, with the aim of mapping, understanding and valorising Portuguese territory . So far, BUPi already has 1.94 million registrations , and the Ministry of Justice expects to end the year with two million geo-references. It is therefore hoped that by the end of the month the owners of 30 per cent of the geographical area without a land registry will be known. In other words, by adding this data to that already acquired, 90 per cent of the area will be known in terms of use, occupation and ownership , according to the Secretary of State for Justice. Registering properties on BUPi will make it possible to know their boundaries, as well as their owners, something that is essential due to the high number of outdated information due to inheritances or unregistered sales. In 2020, the platform started using a simplified cadastre to facilitate this process. Although this process was prolonged because of the pandemic, in 2023 there were twice as many registrations, with parishes across the country already fully registered, said Pedro Tavares. The georeferenced area of the 153 municipalities without a land registry is expected to reach 50% in 2024 and 70% in 2025, when the simplified registry, funded under the Recovery and Resilience Programme, will be completed. Read also: Topographical survey: how important is it? or What factors influence the value of a property?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction On Monday 4 December, an earthquake with a magnitude of 2.1 on the Richter scale was felt on Terceira Island . This was one of several seismic events that occur frequently throughout the Azores archipelago , which led the Court of Auditors to carry out an audit which found that, in the territory of the Azores, there are no restrictions on the construction of buildings in areas of high seismic risk. As such, the Court of Auditors is asking for studies to be carried out on seismic risk in the Azores, so that property development strategies can be drawn up that take this factor into account. Between 2010 and 2018, several studies were carried out in this area, however, there is no known municipal spatial planning plan that has carried out an assessment of buildings and activities located in areas of seismic, volcanic, geotechnical and flood risk , with a view to the possible relocation of buildings and uses and the adoption of technical criteria that minimise risks to people and property , says the adviser responsible for the Court of Auditors report, Cristina Flora. This has a major impact on the region, since the construction sector does not have land-use planning instruments that allow it to be aware of the seismic risk associated with the site when carrying out new construction, except in the municipalities of Praia da Vitoria and Horta . Following the audit, the Court of Auditors recommended that the municipalities and regional government of the Azores draw up land-use plans by island, which should be finalised within the next three years and include the risks associated with each zone. In addition to the Azores, the recommendations also extend to the country as a whole, as it is located in a geographical area with a high seismic risk. Suggested reading: Wooden buildings: trend for 2024? or Public Works Barometer: Promoted tenders increase by 73 per cent
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Christmas season is always a time when demand and supply increase exponentially . Although the property sector sees a slowdown in the market during the month of December, it is essential to take advantage of these times of greater consumer bustle to implement new methods and boost your business. So, get into the festive spirit in the best possible way, start planning your business communication and be the first to be remembered by your clients and potential clients. To succeed in this task, SUPERCASA Notícias offers you some tips for revamping your estate agencys marketing this Christmas. 1. Planning and management This is the ideal time to adjust your communication and marketing plan to your current needs . Carry out some research to better understand market trends and the types of content that are being used and get the best return. A good option for facilitating the processes of planning and managing your marketing strategy is to use a property management CRM such as eGO Real Estate . With this software you can record all your contacts and contact requests in one place, plan and create communication campaigns, track your clients preferences and analyse the results of all your work . 2. Social Media Digital marketing is increasingly becoming an ally for attracting more clients and more properties. As such, you can use social media to create Christmas campaigns , create and promote partnerships and use your creativity to develop different content that will set you apart from your competition. Using social media will expand the reach of your business, allowing you to gain greater credibility with your target audience and attract more customers. 3. Festive communication There are various means you can use to communicate with your customers and potential customers , including: - Newsletter; - Email; - Messages. Make use of all the means at your disposal to send your contacts Happy Holidays messages , and you can also take the opportunity to create campaigns that correspond to their interests. In this way, youll be able to show your audience that your agency prioritises the relationship it establishes with its clients , increasing the chances of retaining their loyalty. Take advantage of the Christmas season to renew your agencys strategies! This is an opportune moment not only to strengthen the relationships you have with your clients, but also to attract new potential clients. And for more tips, keep following SUPERCASA Notícias !
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The JLL Christmas market was held at the consultancys headquarters in Lisbon, according to the press release sent to SUPERCASA Notícias . This charitable initiative brought together various social organisations, providing a unique experience for the companys employees, friends, clients and partners to buy Christmas presents and contribute to various organisations with which JLL does ongoing work throughout the year. With the active collaboration of all the participants who visited the market, the initiativ e raised around €4,000, which will go entirely to the various organisations that took part . JLL provides the space and amenities, and the associations bring their products or services. Its part of our DNA to get involved with the community and contribute to various causes with which we identify, especially in a challenging climate such as that experienced by many families in Portugal. Following on from the success we had last year, it was imperative for us to repeat another edition, at this time of year which is so conducive to consumption, and can be an excellent option for channelling support to these associations. Its the perfect window for fundraising - people need to buy Christmas presents, and the associations need to sell to continue their work, explains Patrícia Araújo, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at JLL . This is the second year that JLL has organised this event and it has once again embraced the mission of supporting non-profit organisations , giving them the opportunity to raise funds for their causes . Several brands took part in this market, such as Thirst Project Portugal, Capiti, MatitiBag, SOUMA, Dona Ajuda, Semear, Café Joyeux and Reshape Ceramics. In this way, the consultancy shows once again that these kinds of events are always very well received and that it is possible to help energise associations by giving them the chance to sell their products and the resources they need to continue developing their essential work in the community where they operate. We would like to thank everyone who visited the JLL Christmas solidarity market and contributed to the growth of these organisations. The spirit shown by everyone is truly inspiring and reflects JLLs commitment to maintaining a positive role in the community, concludes Patrícia Araújo, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at JLL. JLL aims to make this solidarity initiative an annual tradition, reinforcing its commitment to making a difference and promoting the Christmas spirit through sharing and solidarity. If youre already in the Christmas spirit, SUPERCASA Notícias recommends: Buying a house at Christmas time: the cheapest properties or Christmas markets: discover the biggest in Portugal
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction 1,610 new homes are to be built in Porto , an increase in the housing stock of around 12.5% , as announced by the municipality. Currently, the housing stock has 13,062 dwellings, a figure that will rise once the eight projects currently underway have been completed. Of these eight, two will be developed in partnership with private entities. The aim is not only to increase the number of homes on a rent-supported basis , but also to increase the number of homes available on the market at affordable prices . In the same context, Porto City Council will be launching a new edition of the rent support program - Porto Solidário. The 13,062 homes will be located in Lordelo do Ouro, Monte Pedral, Monte da Bela, Ilha da Lomba, Eirinhas, Bairro do Leal and Farias Guimarães, distributed for affordable rent and supported housing. In addition to these, 433 vacant dwellings are also highlighted for rehabilitation, promoted by municipal companies, which the municipality points out are not plans, but ongoing projects . Follow up: IHRU aims to rehabilitate 4,000 homes next year , Teachers relocated to Lisbon and the Algarve will receive support or State coffers have already disbursed 138M€ for housing support
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The Mais Habitação Program came into force last October, with a wide range of measures to promote and support access to housing in Portugal , with affordable prices and a regulated housing market. However, it is necessary to monitor the implementation of the measure , which Marina Gonçalves, Minister of Housing, confirms can be done mainly through the registration of contracts with the tax office. For the Minister, the law is clear, pointing out that there are two dimensions with regard to rent rises: there is the dimension of new contracts , which is the measure that is in Mais Habitação (More Housing) and that, in fact, what it says is that a lease that existed, whose contract ends, and a new contract is made on the same house, that rent is limited to the rent that existed - regardless of the application of the coefficients, obviously - to a limit of 2% , she explains. As for the second dimension , Marina Gonçalves says that these are the existing contracts indexed to what is the legal term (...) indexed to inflation, which next year is around 6.94% . The figures indicated include the new offer that exists and that, for the first time, is being placed on the market , belonging to the free market that operates on its own . It also points out that, in relation to the projects founded by the government, including, for example, affordable rent, it is talking about new supply and not supply that is already on the market . With regard to monitoring compliance with the law, Marina Gonçalves leaves no room for doubt, pointing to the registration of contracts with the tax office as the greatest form of monitoring , since they are subject to stamp duty and are therefore registered on the tax office portal, and assures that this has been strengthened. Read also: Late capital gains investments may be exempt
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction According to an official source from the Ministry of Housing, almost 27% of the municipalities have already received the advance of the total amount contemplated in the 1st Right Program for support in access to housing , which corresponds to about 36.9 million euros transferred from the state coffers. The total amounts to 138 million euros, which will be distributed among the localities. The management of this allocation is made by the Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU), although it is the municipalities that implement the measures, having been, until November 23, transferred to the municipalities about 138 million euros under the 1st Right as the ministry led by Marina Gonçalves advanced. The amount distributed as an advance was made due to applications made in May , by municipalities, municipal companies, private institutions of social solidarity or mercy, who are entitled to the early allocation of 25% of the planned investment, as with the other beneficiaries of the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan). Other current news: Justice and Housing provide 23 homes for affordable housing
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction December is a month of celebration, family togetherness and magic, concepts that can be associated with the house where these feelings and emotions are shared. Buying a house in the middle of the Christmas season is unthinkable for many people, due to the hustle and bustle typical of the season, but it can be advantageous on several levels , and SUPERCASA shows you why. The fact that there are usually fewer buyers available at the end of the year offers greater flexibility in prices, which can fall and favour those who take a chance on an investment. In addition, taking out a mortgage is also more affordable if your financial institution hasnt met its targets for the year. Another advantage is the availability that many families now have during this period, with more time to visit and deal with their bank accounts, as well as to analyse their tax situation. If youre ready to take this step and want to invest in a property just in time for the end of the year, take a look at the properties SUPERCASA has chosen for you, all under €300,000, and make your Christmas wish come true! 1 bedroom flat in the Algarve - 173.000€ Flat 3 bedrooms in Aveiro - 215.000€ 3 bedroom flat in Leiria - 260.000€ 3 bedroom flat in Matosinhos - 299.000€ 1 bedroom flat in Lisbon - 299.900€ SUPERCASA Notícias wishes you Happy Holidays! In the meantime, you can follow other topics like: Christmas markets: discover the biggest in Portugal , Prepare for Christmas: 5 gift ideas for your friends homes or Tips for saving on gifts this Christmas