Source: Pexels Author: Redaction Last Friday, 20 January, the National Housing Programme (NHP) was approved in parliament, in the 2022-2026 timeframe. This is a Government bill that foresees 22 measures for the housing sector, in which 2,377 million euros are foreseen for the reinforcement of the public housing stock, 183 million euros for incentives to the private and social supply of affordable renting and 167 million euros for emergency responses. The NHP arises in the scope of the serious housing crisis and the total absence of instruments and measures of public housing policy that the country currently lacks, created to meet a response and guarantee of global access to housing. It is, therefore, a pragmatic instrument of national housing policy which establishes, in a pluriannual perspective, its objectives, priorities, programmes and measures, replacing, in these terms, the National Housing Strategy (ENH) . This programme is to be revised every five years, or even less if necessary, and covers the entire national territory. Its materialisation is ensured through public financing, using national and European funds, and the Government is responsible for the accompaniment and execution of the measures in question, namely through the IHRU (Housing and Urban Rehabilitation Institute). The 22 measures foreseen for the National Housing Programme, according to Draft Law 46/XV/1, are the following: Axis 1 - Strengthen and qualify the public housing stock, as a permanent response Programme 1.º Direito - Programa de Apoio ao Acesso à Habitação; Creation of a State housing stock; Execution of the public housing park rehabilitation plan; Acquisition process of real estate; Axis 2 - Guarantee emergency responses for situations of risk and social emergency National Urgent and Temporary Accommodation Stock Exchange - BNAUT Entrance Door Programme Axis 3 - Encourage private renting at affordable costs Rental Support Programme (PAA) Porta 65 Programme - Young People Rehabilitate for rent - Affordable Housing Controlled cost housing Axis 4 - To reinforce stability and trust in the housing market Promotion of long-term contracts The Real Right to Long-Term Housing Protection of Tenants Lease Supervision Study of International Models of Housing Market Regulation Axis 5 - To qualify residential areas and promote greater territorial cohesion From Housing to Habitat Housing mobility programmes IFRRU 2030 - Financial Instrument for Urban Rehabilitation and Revitalisation Monitoring of the regular operation of housing policy instruments with municipalities Axis 6 - To promote the sustainability and innovation of housing solutions Promotion of new cooperative and collaborative housing models Innovation and sustainability - Pilot project on public housing Codification of the technical construction standards
Source: Unsplash Author: Redaction António Costa spoke to journalists on Tuesday, at the end of a ceremony in Carnaxide, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) , disclosing details about a new legislation for the housing sector that will be presented soon. This new legislation aims at the need for more urban soils so that there can be more construction , according to the Prime Minister, and to put back in the housing market dwellings that are withdrawn from the market (...) . For this, tax measures should be adopted to encourage more owners to put houses up for rent. The Head of State also stresses that the RRP is being implemented at full speed , highlighting the great commitment of the municipalities, and states that the major objective is the construction of 26,000 new homes for 26,000 families that live in need and do not have access to decent housing. The reinforcement of affordable housing, both for young people and families, is one of the focuses of the RRP, which is committed to meeting the countrys greatest needs. António Costa says: we have to complement the activity of the RRP, the execution of these works, with other policy measures and I have been working with the Minister of Housing to soon present a law that responds to several needs . The Minister of Housing, Marina Gonçalves , spoke at this ceremony and reinforced the importance of the RRP applied throughout the country as an opportunity for the housing sector, and stated: we will only be able to give answers to the families if we reinforce the public housing stock . See more news in SUPERCASA Notícias or in Affordable Rent Programme opened applications in Lisbon
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction We often think of summer holidays when we hear the name of this Algarve town, but Tavira can be much more than that. It may, in fact, be one of the best places to live, and whose housing offer unites local architecture with current renovations. Although this is a destination sought after by thousands of tourists every year, Tavira is a fairly quiet town. Besides being a very sunny town, and a privilege for beach lovers, this town in the southern region of Portugal is like a little paradise, whether for holidays, retirement or settling your family. You can try the campsite , if you fancy an outdoor adventure, or visit the towns museums , such as the Casa Museu da Misericórdia, the Museu Municipal de Tavira or the Núcleo Museológico da Pesca do Atum, to find out about the history and traditions of this region so strongly influenced by maritime trade. If you prefer something more dynamic, there are the trails of Ilha de Tavira , which will certainly leave you impressed by the natural beauty of its landscapes with sea views. As for gastronomy , unsurprisingly linked to the sea, fish, shellfish and seafood , such as octopus, tuna or grilled fish, are typical. You can taste the typical puff pastries of Tavira, the Dons Rodrigos , as well as several delicacies made from the typical fruits of the region, such as almond, gila, carob or figs. Tavira may well become the location of your next home if you want a permanent holiday feeling. For this, take a look at the suggestions selected with you in mind, in the latest properties of the last 48h.
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction The city of Caldas da Rainha , located in the central region of the country, will benefit from more affordable energy with the creation of a Solar Neighbourhood. This installation is in charge of EDP Comercial, which estimates an annual energy production of around 70% for small businesses located in the municipality. This initiative is being managed by EDP Comercial in partnership with AIRO - Business Association of the Western Region , which will install a solar plant with a power of about 1MWp, in addition to more than 1800 solar panels on the municipalitys land. Thus, through this installation, the creation of a Solar Neighbourhood is expected to be an important contribution to hundreds of companies and families, benefiting from discounts that can range from 35% to 50% in monthly energy bills . In order to make access to this solar energy fair, around 35 vulnerable families living in Caldas da Rainha will be identified to be part of the project, and anyone interested in being part of this Energy Community for Self-Consumption - of which there are already 150 neighbours - should register with AIRO. EDP is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the infrastructures and for the investment, and expects the Bairro Solar to start operations this year. Currently, and in various stages of development, there are more than 1,500 Solar Neighbourhoods spread across the country. More news on Efacec makes a new bet on photovoltaic power plant or Sustainable construction: A trend that is here to stay
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction This Tuesday, 24 January, the Portuguese Confederation for Construction and Real Estate (CPCI) showed concerns regarding the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), which will have an impact on construction. The alert is left following the current state of implementation of the plan, which aims to support the sector. Ricardo Gomes, CPCIs vice-president, underlines that, for him, it is impossible to analyse all the projects under the RRP due to the lack of information. There are projects whose status is still unknown, which causes quite a bit of concern, and states: the general situation, in terms of amounts, is the one that is there (...) with execution that, given the timeframe for the execution of the RRP, which we all know, worries us a lot. For CPCI, it is the inadequate cost of the applications that is making the execution of projects financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan difficult, and it advocates integrated planning by companies. The vice-president of CPCI adds that the general message is that, in fact, in everything that has to do with the most relevant RRP projects with an impact on construction, we are actually at a rather low point of execution. The latest operational state of play of the RRP shows that, by 18 January, beneficiaries had received 9% of the total amount and, in relation to approvals, on the same date, they were over 11,564 million euros, or 69%.
Source: Castelhana Real Estate Author: Redaction Castelhana Real Estate started the exclusive marketing of Criterion Portugals new residential project Alma Gardens at the end of last year, a development built from scratch that promises to mark the landscape of Miraflores, according to a statement sent to SUPERCASA Notícias . Alma Gardens comprises 126 flats distributed over 4 buildings of only 4 floors each, with extensive rooftops that combine a green architecture with the surroundings, each building serving with exclusive swimming pools and private living and leisure areas. Alma Gardens is already a reference project, showing a record performance, with more than 100 flats sold and reserved in the first two months of marketing, exclusively by the Castelhana agency. For Patrícia Clímaco, partner of Castelhana Real Estate , Alma Gardens is a safe investment in a quiet area of Miraflores, distinguished by its exclusivity, by offering the residents of each building a swimming pool for adults, a swimming pool for children and a rooftop gym, parking with pre-installation for electric charging and storage rooms. Castelhanas CEO also adds that this project is designed for families who wish to live close to the centre of Lisbon, surrounded by nature and enjoy all the comfort and convenience of being close to the best schools, in an area well served by transport, accesses and services. A product for the most demanding customers. Alma Gardens is now opening its sales stand to better serve its customers. During next February, any new sale will revert with a contribution of 5,000 euros in favour of SOS Villages, more precisely the SOS Village of Bicesse and the Centre for Family Support and Parental Counselling of Oeiras. The project is signed by the Quadrante architecture studio and architect João Tiago Aguiar, and is located between Jamor and Monsanto Park, in an elevated and unobstructed area of Miraflores, with views of the Tagus River and the sea. All the flats have large balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows that surround all the façades, with a rhythm of steps forward and backward that mirror the cadence of the sea, with flower boxes all around. For Darija Zivni Aziz, from Criterion Portugal, in the statement to which SUPERCASA Notícias had access: Alma Gardens flats are filled with natural materials and light that provide a peaceful haven for relaxation, with views over the city and the river. The sleek, modern interiors communicate with generous balconies through large glazed sliding doors, providing the perfect connection between the interior and exterior of the flats. Sustainability is a key factor in the project. Each flat is designed to be energy efficient with air source heat pumps for water heating, common solar thermal panels on the roof and with charging infrastructure for electric cars. The project offers attractive payment terms to buyers, allowing clients to pay 80% of the value of the flats at the time of deed. At this moment the Portuguese represent 95% of the buyer clients. Alma Gardens represents an investment of 80 million euros for the construction of these 4 residential buildings that should be completed in the first quarter of 2025. You can check the Alma Gardens advertisement here, or through SUPERCASA .
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction The applications for the 16th and 17th competitions of the Affordable Rent Programme (PRA) in the district of Lisbon have already opened, as announced by the municipality last Monday, 23 January. These two tenders make available 52 and 64 residences, from studios to three bedrooms respectively. For the 17th tender, applications opened yesterday, Monday, and will run until 5pm on 17 February. There will be an extraordinary competition, the 26th, ending on March 24 until 5pm. All residents in national territory with proof of income and in which no member of the household is owner, usufructuary or holder of another title of urban building or autonomous fraction of urban building for housing located in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon can apply, according to the Lisbon City Council. Lisbon with less housing offer According to the guardianship, there are different access conditions and different types of income in each contest, something that an evaluation is recommended before applying. Once this step has been taken, still according to the Lisbon City Hall, the allocation of dwellings to the candidates drawn is carried out by computer, respecting the order of the draw and the preferences of the dwellings indicated by each candidate. To submit applications you must access the Lisbon City Hall website. Read more at Lisbon with less housing offer or National Housing Programme already approved
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction It is increasingly difficult to buy a house in Lisbon and the same difficulty is beginning to affect those trying to rent. Prices are skyrocketing and the huge demand from foreign tourists is making the situation even worse, creating an unequal market that is increasingly difficult for the capitals inhabitants to cope with. António Machado, secretary-general of the Lisbon Tenants Association (AIL) , explains that the supply is increasingly insufficient , explaining that part of the stock has been diverted to tourism, and the other to non-regular residents, such as foreign investors with greater purchasing power than the Portuguese, and gold visas. Rents in Lisbon have never been the most affordable, however, there has been an increasingly exacerbated increase in prices, with rents unaffordable for low-income families. The search for a house by young people is becoming more and more challenging, something that the president of the Lisbon Landlords Association (ALP), Luís Menezes Leitão , refers to as a new reality , and explains: in the past, young people only left home when they got married. Today, many want to leave not to get married, but to live alone. And that means doubling the number of homes, we have to bear that in mind [...] it means increasing housing. The president of AIL also warns of a new reality that is forming in the capital, such as the unclassified clandestine lease. He states that (...) the mirror image of this was the sudden disappearance of student rooms. The thousands of rooms that existed for this purpose have all disappeared from the offer (...). With all these obstacles it is increasingly difficult to buy or sell a house, depriving many people of access to housing in the Portuguese capital. Read more news in National Housing Programme already approved
Source: Unsplash Author: Redaction The National Park of Peneda-Gerês is already an ex-libris of Portugal, known for its natural landscapes, hiking trails and pure springs. There are various activities you can do here, from the most extreme sports to the most common, which include hiking, and it is for this very reason that the Peneda-Gerês has gained an international reputation, with one of the scenarios that most contributes to the practice of this outdoor sport. According to a study by Costwold Outdoor, a British company specialised in outdoor equipment, which analysed more than 80 European parks, t he National Park Peneda-Gerês won its place in the top 10 as the best in Europe for hiking, and to reach the announced results, factors such as popularity, difficulty and activities/accommodations were evaluated, something in which Peneda-Gerês wins points. Situated between Braga and Viana do Castelo , the Peneda-Gerês National Park was considered the ninth best in terms of walking trails, holding one of the most popular, and comes seventh in terms of activities and amenities on offer, which include viewpoints and camping fields. If you want to plan a trip around Europes best parks, see below for a list of the top ten ranked in the most popular hiking trail category: Teide National Park in Spain Lake Distric National Park in the United Kingdom Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia New Forest National Park, in the United Kingdom Carpathian National Nature Park in Ukraine Krka National Park in Croatia Triglav National Park in Slovenia Killarney National Park in Ireland Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal Rondane National Park in Norway Read more in SUPERCASA Notícias
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction Based on the information collected in the survey on the Situation of the Sector for the 3rd quarter of 2022, and sent to SUPERCASA Notícias , 68% of the companies indicated that their global levels of activity remained stable , which translates as an increase of 6 percentage points (p.p.) in relation to the previous quarter. The companies reporting an increase in activity decreased 7 p.p. to 19%, and there was also a slight increase in the companies reporting a decrease in activity from 12% to 13%. In the Public Works segment, the lack of skilled labour was indicated by 75% of the companies and the increase in prices of raw materials, energy and construction materials was indicated by 73% of the companies as the main difficulties they face. These percentages correspond to increases of 9 p.p. and 2 p.p., respectively, in relation to the previous quarter. The scarcity of raw materials and construction materials, identified by 43% of the companies, remains the third most frequently mentioned factor. In the Private Works segment, the increase in prices of raw materials, energy and construction materials remains the main constraint, as reported by 83% of the companies (82% in the previous quarter), followed by the lack of skilled labour, identified by 82% (79% in the first quarter). Finally, and similarly to what happens in public works, the shortage of raw materials and construction materials is also the third most pointed out problem, with 46% of the companies highlighting this difficulty. Source: AICCOPN
Source: APIMA Author: Redaction The Portuguese House Sector starts 2023 with a new prominent presence in one of the worlds largest furniture and interior design fairs, according to the information sent in a communiqué to SUPERCASA Notícias . In total, 44 companies from Portugal will show their value proposals and unique designs to the main agents of the different sectors at Maison & Objet, which will take place from 19 to 23 January in Paris. Taking into account the current social, economic and political transformations, the fair in the French capital presents the inspirational theme Take Care! , which mirrors in the products on show the growing need for comfort, respect for heritage and environmental awareness that users seek. This edition reconnects the French prescribers and buyers to a strong national contingent, which intends to express the modernity and rejuvenation of the high quality standard of its offer, as it was possible to find out by SUPERCASA Notícias . In view of the significant national presence at the fair, Joaquim Carneiro, President of APIMA (Portuguese Association of Furniture and Related Industries), who is leading the Portuguese participation, said that in the face of the prolongation of a troubled scenario, in which the conflict in Ukraine and the increase in the cost of raw materials are reaffirmed as the main challenges, the resilience shown by the dozens of Portuguese companies that are present in this new edition of Maison & Objet, continuing to seek new opportunities and customers in an unparalleled conjuncture is to be praised. The significance of this fair is clearly proven by the data that the French market presents for our country: an export volume that exceeded 500 million euros in 2022 and a market share that continues to represent about a third of total national sales abroad. Maintaining the growing trajectory of exports to this and other markets, in a sustained manner and increasingly supported by added value, is the great challenge of the decade for Portugal, reinforces the President of APIMA. The Portuguese cottage industry is thus preparing for the first year after the pandemic of total normality in international exhibitions, seeking to continue to grow in traditional markets and to stimulate sales in some high potential countries. This promotion will not be carried out exclusively out of doors , with the 3rd edition of Portugal Home Week, at Alfândega do Porto, scheduled for 15 and 16 June. Follow more news in Home Loans: Interest rates reach a record high
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction The Ministry of Housing has already released the data regarding the Financial Instrument for Urban Rehabilitation and Revitalisation (IFRRU) , which will have broken an investment record in urban rehabilitation, with 361 million euros. This figure surpassed pre-pandemic levels, in which investment was 307 million euros. According to the Ministry, (...) the year 2022 ended with an accumulated total of 440 contracts signed, corresponding to an investment of 1,428 million euros for the full rehabilitation of buildings and improvement of their energy performance . The rehabilitation of 210 buildings for residential use, 213 for economic activities and 17 for equipment for collective use is planned. The Ministry of Housing also foresees that these will include public and social cultural equipment, besides student residences. There are already 157 rehabilitated buildings and, in the same note, the Ministry of Housing states that the projects being executed are located in the Urban Rehabilitation Areas, outlined by the respective municipalities, thus ensuring their alignment with local urban policy, and there are already 90 municipalities in the various regions of the country with IFRRU 2020 funding . Also follow Resolutions for a 2023 turning point in the real estate sector or SUPERCASA with a surprising strategy
Source: Pexels Author: Redaction In a press release sent to SUPERCASA Notícias , real estate consulting firm JLL presented its annual study Market 360º, in which it takes stock of the performance of the Portuguese real estate market in 2022 and forecasts its evolution for 2023. The multinational company that in Portugal will exceed 100 million euros in turnover in 2022, with a growth of 7% compared to 2021, driven by the three pillars of business: commercial real estate, residential and design+build. In its annual analysis, it predicts a dynamic year for national real estate, in line with the average rates of take-up, occupancy, investment and values of the last five years, especially in offices and housing. The solidity already shown by market indicators in a context of uncertainty, Portugals consolidation as an international real estate destination and the imbalance between strong demand and reduced supply underpin the consultancys expectations in a year of uncertainty and macroeconomic challenges. JLL anticipates a natural slowdown in the dynamics of demand, both for occupation and investment, in comparison to last year, due to the double circumstance of facing worsening economic conditions and record levels of activity. However, it does not anticipate disruptive falls in terms of amounts transacted and take-up, and it also predicts that prices and rents may maintain a positive, but softer, trajectory. The low capacity of supply replacement, which remains scarce in all segments, is one of the explanations for this behaviour. Pedro Lancastre, CEO of JLL, states that we are looking at 2023 with good eyes, as Portuguese real estate has already proven its capacity to resist external shocks and to adapt quickly in contexts of uncertainty. This was the case with the global financial crisis, the pandemic, the climate of war in Europe and, more recently, the economic turmoil we are experiencing with inflation and rising interest rates. But, in general, we are very confident that we will maintain good levels of activity in 2023, in line with the market dynamics over the last five years. On the one hand, the base of unmet real estate demand is very large and is also diversified in its motivations, financial capacity and origin, argues Pedro Lancastre. On the other hand, even if this demand were to come to a complete halt, which is not expected, the existing stock would still be clearly insufficient to satisfy it. There is a structural lack of product that will not be resolved this year. On the contrary. The pace of real estate production should slow down, because even if developers and investors do not anticipate significant drops in demand, there will be greater difficulty in accessing finance for new projects, in a context in which construction costs are stabilising and licensing is very slow. It is normal to rethink strategies and reposition projects, warns JLLs CEO, in the statement to which SUPERCASA Notícias had access.