Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Lack of supply and rising prices worsen student housing crisis The crisis in the student housing sector in Portugal has reached worrying levels, with the growing shortage of beds and the sharp increase in prices affecting thousands of university students. The start of a new academic year has intensified the search for accommodation in the main cities of the country, but the supply has proven to be insufficient to meet the needs of students, especially those coming from other regions. Shortage of university housing According to recent data, the number of beds available in public and private residences falls far short of demand. It is estimated that only 15% of displaced students manage to secure a place in university residences, forcing the vast majority to turn to the private rental market. This, in turn, is facing a surge in prices, driven by high demand and a shortage of affordable alternatives. High prices in major academic cities In Lisbon and Porto, the main university hubs, average room prices have increased by around 20% compared to the previous year, reaching prices ranging from 450 to 600 euros per month. In some areas, prices are comparable to those in the regular housing market, pushing students from lower-income families away and exacerbating inequality in access to higher education. In addition to the high costs, many students report difficulties in finding suitable living conditions. The supply is limited, and when we find a place, the conditions are often precarious or the prices are exorbitant, says Mariana Costa, an engineering student at the university of Porto. Insufficient government responses Authorities acknowledge the problem, but the solutions implemented have been insufficient. The national programme for higher education housing, which planned to create thousands of new beds in university residences, is still facing delays in the construction of new units. Budgetary constraints and bureaucratic hurdles are also cited as obstacles to quickly resolving the issue. Students and academic associations have been pressuring the government for urgent measures, such as rent control and increased public investment in residences. However, so far, the responses have been considered insufficient. Meanwhile, the student housing crisis continues to be one of the biggest challenges in accessing higher education in Portugal.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Portugal attracts millions of tourists every year with its rich cultural and historical heritage, reflected in its iconic monuments. Among the ten most visited monuments in the country are: Belem Tower - This emblematic monument in Lisbon is a symbol of Portugals maritime past. Jerónimos Monastery - Located in Lisbon, it is a remarkable example of Manueline architecture. Pena Palace - Situated in Sintra, it is known for its romantic style and vibrant colors. São Jorge Castle - Overlooking Lisbon, it offers a panoramic view of the city and its history. Porto Cathedral - This cathedral in Porto is an impressive example of medieval architecture. Batalha Monastery - A Gothic landmark in Batalha, celebrated for its grandeur and intricate details. Roman Temple of Évora - Also known as the Temple of Diana, it is one of the best examples of Roman architecture in Portugal. Convent of Christ - Located in Tomar, it is an important historical site of the Knights Templar. Mafra National Palace - A Baroque palace with a vast library and convent. Chapel of Bones - In Évora, known for its walls lined with human bones, offering a unique perspective on history and art. These monuments not only attract tourists from around the world but also serve as a testament to Portugals rich cultural and historical heritage.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction In recent years, digitalization has transformed many aspects of citizens daily lives, and document management is no exception. Now, driving licenses and other personal documents, such as the citizens card and the single vehicle document (DUA), can be accessed via an official mobile application, making it easier to use and present them in everyday situations. But how does this technology work and what are its advantages? The id.gov.pt application The main tool for accessing digital documents in Portugal is the id.gov.pt app, available free of charge for iOS and Android devices. The app was developed by the Portuguese government and allows you to digitally store and consult various documents, such as the driving license, the citizens card and the DUA, among others. The aim is to simplify citizens lives by offering a practical and secure alternative to physical documents. How does it work? After installing the app, the user needs to authenticate with their digital mobile key (CMD) credentials or their citizens card. This authentication guarantees secure access to the documents, since the CMD requires verification via a PIN code and, optionally, mobile device biometrics (such as fingerprints or facial recognition). Once the documents have been added to the application, they are displayed via a dynamic QR code. This code can be shown to authorities, police officers or other entities, who, by reading the QR, can validate the authenticity of the document. This means that citizens no longer need to carry physical versions of documents with them. Advantages Digitizing documents brings a number of benefits: - Practicality: There is no need to carry around several wallets or folders with physical documents. The user has everything available on their cell phone. - Security: The application is protected by a strong authentication system, which makes it difficult to use digital documents fraudulently. - Automatic updates: Any change in the documents data (such as the renewal of a driving license) is automatically reflected in the application, avoiding the need for manual updates. - Compatibility with inspections: The authorities are equipped to validate digital documents, facilitating the verification process in road inspections, for example. Limitations and challenges Despite the numerous advantages, the adoption of digital documents still faces some challenges. One of the main ones is the need to access the internet on certain occasions to validate the authenticity of documents. In addition, although this solution is becoming increasingly common, not all public or private entities are prepared to accept the digital version of documents, which can force citizens to carry a physical copy with them in specific situations. Another critical point is the dependence on the mobile device. If the cell phone is lost, stolen or runs out of battery, access to documents can be compromised. However, security measures such as the Digital Mobile Key help to reduce the risk of misuse. The future of digital identity The transition to digital documents is a clear sign of the modernization of public services in Portugal. With a growing number of people embracing this solution, it is foreseeable that, in the near future, physical documents will be progressively replaced by their digital versions, creating a more efficient and less paper-dependent ecosystem. In short, the application that integrates driving licenses and other digital documents is a practical and innovative solution, making the management of personal documents simpler, more accessible and safer for citizens.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction The Government, specifically the Ministry of Youth and Modernization, will launch on September 30 a program offering free psychology and nutrition consultations for higher education students (public and private) who meet the requirements. Each student will have access to 12 vouchers, equivalent to 12 consultations with a psychologist. During this academic year (2024-2025), the psychologist voucher will be awarded to 100,000 students ; the nutritionist voucher will be awarded to 50,000 students. The availability of psychologists and nutritionists is evenly distributed across the country, and the number of vouchers will be reviewed at the end of this semester to adjust supply to demand. With anxiety being one of the major issues faced by many students, the aim of this measure is to facilitate access to psychological services and serve as a complementary response to the National Health Service. The voucher request can be made at the respective university through the Social Action Services. Subsequently, students can choose a professional from the list that will be published on the e-Portugal website. The support is intended for young students in public and private higher education who need it. The requirements are as follows: university students who have recurrent episodes of anxiety or depression; who have relational difficulties, grief, anxiety due to moving cities, the end of a relationship, divorce; doubts or issues related to vocation and career; and physical and chronic illnesses that affect mental health. However, this measure does not apply to higher education students who have had mental health problems for more than a year and a half; who use substances or have problems arising from it; have been diagnosed with psychotic, bipolar, or personality disorders; have attempted suicide; or need special education. Regarding the nutritionist voucher, it is known that one of the current major problems is the consumption of sugar and alcohol, so this measure is intended to complement the lack of response from the NHS. Each student can use 6 vouchers. Read more about: Higher education: Government strengthens support for accommodation.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction In this article, SUPERCASA News shows you a different way of doing marketing that can be just as effective in influencing the decision to buy a property: Sensory Marketing . This type of marketing explores the five senses: taste, sight, touch, smell, and hearing . The goal is to stand out and spark interest in your potential client by appealing to the five senses and emotions. When a potential client visits a property, they have no connection with the space. Creating a link between the buyer and the property is one of the most important tasks of the real estate agent , and it’s crucial to work on each room to capture the client’s interest and activate positive emotions. The decision to buy or sell a house can be an excellent opportunity to appeal to emotions and build trust through sensory marketing strategies in your work as a real estate consultant. Here are some strategies you can use during property visits: 1 - Taste One way to stand out is by being creative and offering potential clients a small snack, coffee, tea, water, or some homemade cookies during property visits. To go the extra mile, you can also have some products from the local region. This small gesture creates empathy and leaves a good impression of the house and your work. Additionally, its a perfect strategy to break the ice during those awkward moments of waiting or silence. You can also offer your business card with a small edible treat at the end of the visit. This way, you’ll be remembered fondly, increasing your chances of closing deals. 2 - Smell Olfactory sensory marketing is a crucial step when preparing any property for sale, especially if the owners are smokers or have pets. Using this strategy, focus on eliminating unpleasant odors such as dampness, plumbing issues, lack of ventilation, and smoke. You can use aromatic diffusers to create your “brand.” This strategy will help clients start associating you with a specific scent. Be sure to know your potential client and choose subtle aromas that create a pleasant atmosphere and provoke the best sensations in visitors without being overpowering. 3 - Touch There’s nothing better than allowing clients to touch the walls, furniture, and other objects while visiting the property. Let them feel as if the house is already theirs, creating a unique sensory experience. Allow them to appreciate the comfort and coziness of the home. Real contact makes a big difference, providing a unique sensory experience. You can also hand them a Comparative Market Analysis of the property with similar listings, offering a personalized document that adds value. Showcasing quality work and professionalism always counts. 4 - Hearing Auditory sensory experience plays an important role and can be a great way to create a deep connection with potential clients visiting the property. You can choose soft background music or even bird sounds or flowing water, depending on your client’s preferences . If your client enjoys meditation and nature sounds, you can create a relaxing environment that makes them feel at home. If your client prefers conversation over background noise, you can adapt and enrich the experience with storytelling. After all, who hasn’t enjoyed listening to a captivating story? It’s all about knowing your potential client and adapting this strategy accordingly. 5 - Vision This is perhaps the most important strategy of all: the one that stands out the most for a potential client, as they will remember everything. If well applied, it can be extremely effective! Always ensure the property is tidy and well-presented. Home staging can be very useful , as it’s a technique that aims to enhance a property for sale or rent, making it more attractive and appealing to potential buyers or tenants by improving the presentation and decoration. Home staging doesn’t necessarily involve major renovations or investments. Small interventions in decor and organization can suffice. However, it’s important to hire qualified professionals who know market trends and can highlight each propertys strengths. Some key points to consider are cleanliness, depersonalization, appropriate decoration, and lighting. Another way to stand out with sensory marketing is through virtual tours , allowing potential clients to have a realistic experience before and after the physical visit. This way, your guided tour remains memorable, and the virtual visit will remind the client of all they saw and heard. Thanks to technological advancements, you can easily have virtual tours for all properties at an affordable price, even without a 360º camera—just use your smartphone. Simply photograph each room and send them to an app on your smartphone. A team will create the virtual tour for you within 24 hours. Easy and simple, right?
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Last Monday, the Government announced that it will launch a tender for more than 4.68 million euros in European funds by August 2025, with the aim of speeding up the implementation of the Annual Notice Plan of Portugal 2030. The goal of these tenders is to attract investments focused more on people and companies, promoting an inclusive approach to entrepreneurship and innovation, centered on individuals and businesses. To achieve this plan, notices have been published in line with the Annual Plan . So far, 376 notices have been scheduled between September this year and August next year, showing the distribution across various regions of the country and the areas to be funded. The intention is for this notice plan to be updated every four months, promoting transparency in the process and providing important information on who can apply, in which region of the country, the date of the notices release, how and in what modalities to submit applications, and the type of project and its identification. Read more about: Economy: inflation slowed down in August , Renegotiating Contracts and Loans: 5 Tips.
Fonte: Adobe Stock Autor: Redação Lead generation is a fundamental aspect of any business, and real estate is no exception. These opportunities can shorten your path to closing a sale. It’s important to note that some leads are more qualified than others, meaning they are more likely to convert, and these are the ones you should aim to attract. The difference is between getting a client who is highly interested and ready to buy or sell, versus a client who generated a lead out of detached curiosity. Here’s how to enhance your lead generation by attracting more qualified leads: Common Leads vs. Qualified Leads A qualified lead is generated by someone with a real and concrete interest in your product or service, fitting your ideal target profile and actively seeking a solution. Conversely, a common lead may have shown interest merely out of curiosity, lacks the appropriate profile, or doesnt have the financial capacity to proceed with any business. How to Attract More Qualified Leads? First, create relevant and personalized content, such as blogs and articles, e-books, or tailored communication for your database. By implementing this strategy, you address potential clients questions, showcase your property listings and services, and facilitate the exchange of contact information like email and phone number. Second, evaluate your website and ask yourself: does it rank at the top of search results? To achieve this, your site needs to be optimized for SEO with relevant keywords, a complete profile that attracts local clients, and integration with your social media channels. To have a website like this, which you can customize to your needs, there are market options that can help you achieve good results without a significant investment, and can even integrate with your CRM . Learn more about them here. Building Relationships, Optimizing, and Capturing Leads To be successful in your strategies and generate the highest number of qualified leads possible, target your content effectively to your ideal audience. Therefore, having a strong understanding of the market is crucial. Participate in industry events, such as training sessions and workshops, to gain intensive and lasting knowledge and useful information for your professional life and strategy. Also, ensure your client relationships are personalized and high-quality to enhance your company’s reputation and recognition. Remember: lead generation is an ongoing process that requires dedication, patience, and strategy. Seek new ways to innovate in your business and stand out with valuable partnerships! Explore all the options available to you at this link and start discovering more qualified leads.
Fonte: Adobe Stock Autor: Redação Satisfied customer recommendations are among the most valuable assets a real estate agency or consultant can have. Not only do they bring in new business, but they also strengthen the company’s reputation and credibility. To turn your clients into your biggest promoters, follow these six tips: 1. Provide an Exceptional Experience By personalizing the service you offer your clients, you will more quickly understand their needs and expectations, leading to more genuine and lasting connections. Nurture this relationship by providing clear and transparent information about each step of the process and always being available to answer questions or offer assistance. Continuing to follow up with your client after the sale will yield good results. 2. Build Authentic Relationships It is important to have empathy and understand the client’s emotions, concerns, or any other feelings they may have. To show that you are willing to help, be honest and transparent in all interactions and show genuine interest in their life and goals. Over time, you will see the benefits of this relationship. 3. Encourage Feedback You can do this through satisfaction surveys, for example, which you can send after each transaction. This will not only collect your clients opinions about your services but also give you the opportunity to identify areas for improvement. Actions based on this feedback will demonstrate that you value your clients opinions and help you implement necessary changes. Additionally, if feedback is positive, you can share it publicly on your online platforms, helping to build trust with new clients and encourage them to contact you. 4. Offer Differentiated Service By staying updated on market trends and business opportunities, you can provide customized and creative solutions for each client. This way, you can exceed expectations and offer extra services such as advisory or assistance with renovations or financing. 5. Utilize Digital Tools Manage client relationships effectively by using a reliable CRM that integrates marketing, administrative processes, financial management, and property management. For instance, the eGO Real Estate CRM provides access to all these aspects, allowing you to track client interactions and create relevant, informative content to attract new business. Additionally, eGO helps centralize daily real estate mediation tasks, including scheduling visits, creating analysis reports, managing sales funnels, centralizing leads, and other essential functions. 6. Ask for Recommendations Publicly thank your clients for their recommendations and share them on your digital platforms. You might also create cards or emails with links to online reviews. This will facilitate the process by going directly to the source, and you can offer incentives to make clients feel rewarded for their recommendations, such as discounts on future services. By following these tips, you will build a strong base of satisfied clients and significantly increase your chances of receiving recommendations. Remember that the key to success lies in providing an exceptional experience and building lasting relationships.
Fonte: Adobe Stock Autor: Redação A real estate safari is an increasingly common initiative in the real estate market, consisting of several guided tours of a selected set of properties available for sale or rent, organized by real estate agencies. The main goal of these expeditions is to provide real estate agents with in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of the companys property portfolio, equipping them with information that will certainly be very useful in negotiations. What Does It Involve? During a real estate safari, agents tour various properties, often accompanied by a more experienced professional or the property owner themselves. During this journey, they have the opportunity to view the properties up close, identify the features of each one, share information, and strengthen teamwork. It effectively becomes an in loco visit to the properties they will be working with, allowing them to assess the physical characteristics of the property and identify its strengths and weaknesses for better negotiation during the sales process. Additionally, safaris are a great time for agents to exchange information about the properties, the real estate market, and sales strategies, functioning almost like a networking event. The Main Benefits of a Real Estate Safari Are: Increased knowledge about the properties. Improved quality of service provided to prospective buyers. Increased sales opportunities. Strengthened brand. How Can These Visits Be Applied? Safaris are an excellent opportunity to introduce new agents to the property portfolio and integrate them into the team. They can be conducted periodically to keep staff updated on market developments and available properties. Furthermore, a real estate safari allows you to present new developments to agents and create positive expectations, keeping them motivated and engaged in making sales. This makes it a great team-building tool as well as a means to develop negotiation skills. Therefore, a real estate safari is a valuable tool for agencies looking to increase productivity. If you’ve never heard of this concept but run an agency, you should start implementing this practice to strengthen teamwork! By investing in initiatives like this, real estate agencies demonstrate their commitment to the success of their agents and, above all, to the satisfaction of their clients. Learn more here
Autor: Redação Fonte: Adobe Stock Excessivehumidity at home is not only uncomfortable but can also lead tohealth issues and structural damage. However, the solution to thisproblem might be closer than you think: it could be right in yourhome with the right plants. Many plant species have the ability toabsorb moisture from the air and contribute to a drier and healthierenvironment. Here, we explore some of the best plants to combathumidity and transform your home into an oasis of freshness. One of the most effective options is the Peace Lily( Spathiphyllum ). Besides its captivating beauty, the PeaceLily is known for its ability to absorb moisture from theenvironment. It also helps purify the air, making it an excellentchoice for enclosed spaces. Another ally in the fight againsthumidity is the Boston Fern ( Nephrolepis exaltata ). Thisplant is particularly efficient at absorbing moisture, and its lushfoliage adds a vibrant touch of green to your indoor space. The Dracaena ( Dracaena deremensis ), with its broad andresilient leaves, also helps control humidity while contributing toair purification. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant thatalso helps keep the environment dry, the Snake Plant ( Sansevieriatrifasciata ) is an excellent choice. Known for its upright andrigid leaves, the Snake Plant can absorb moisture and improve airquality. To maximize the effect of these plants in your home, it’simportant to position them strategically in rooms most affected byhumidity. Remember, in addition to using plants to combat humidity,maintaining good ventilation and avoiding sources of excessivemoisture are key practices for keeping a healthy environment.Incorporating these plants into your decor will not only help controlhumidity but also bring a touch of nature and vitality to your home,creating a more pleasant and balanced living space.
Source: Author Author: Jorge Garcia, Real Estate Specialist August is also a month of anniversaries. Twenty years have passed since the conclusion of Euro 2004, with €1.035 billion of public funds spent, yet some of the stadiums and their surrounding infrastructures remain underutilised and are a financial burden on municipalities. Thirty-eight years ago, a fire destroyed the buildings in Chiado, marking a turning point in the history of Lisbon’s heritage. These were significant moments in the history of the country and its capital. Have we learned anything regarding transparency in the use of public financial resources and land management? In Portugal, over a dozen municipalities already charge a tourist tax, and in Lisbon, this will soon double. The economic benefits of tourism are well recognised; in 2024, we are expected to reach 70 million overnight stays and €27 billion in revenue, but this also brings significant pressure on cities. The funds paid by tourists should be directed towards the rehabilitation of areas directly affected by this economic activity, such as mobility, hygiene, and safety, but they should also bring direct benefits to the residents. These benefits must be tangible and perceived by those who live and work in these cities. Lisbon receives tens of millions of euros in tourist tax. It is essential to have full transparency regarding where these funds are allocated so that these decisions can be scrutinised. We know that events like the Web Summit or the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, and projects like the Royal Treasure Museum and Pilar 7, have benefited from this funding. There are plenty of studies on urban hygiene, safety, and tourist flows. In Lisbon, as in other cities, we need coordinated strategies involving all relevant entities, such as security forces, business associations, public and tourist transport companies, municipal councils, and parish councils. It is necessary to create new centralities and spread tourists throughout the cities. We must not only implement these strategies but also communicate them effectively. For example, in Lisbon, tourist attractions are concentrated in four of the twenty-four parishes: Belém, Misericórdia, Santo António, and Santa Maria Maior. What contributions to this decentralisation have been made by investments in Pilar 7 and the Royal Treasure Museum? What investments should be directed to fulfil this objective? An example of poor public management and neglect is the Lisbon Metro. Many of the lifts and escalators are permanently or temporarily out of service, causing disruptions to urban mobility and inconvenience for users, especially those with reduced mobility. Private entities should also participate in the enhancement of our heritage with social responsibility. New hotels that attract the quality tourism we seek should pay special attention to preserving historic shops, thereby valuing our historical and cultural heritage. And what about the local authorities? Shouldn’t the tourist tax reinforce the Municipal Fund for Historic Shops? In addition to the growth of tourism revenue, only the qualification, career prospects, remuneration, and satisfaction of those working in this industry will make Portugal a destination that continues to offer a warm welcome. Tourism boosts the “SuperBrand” Portugal. The export of other products and services, as well as our real estate offerings, will benefit from its value. Management, territorial qualification, professionalisation, and heritage protection, as sources of identity and cohesion, can be differentiating factors in the face of competition. Did you find this article interesting? Discover others on SUPERCASA News .
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