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 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
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Although it was already in force last year, the tax authorities have now announced new rules on tax payments , so if you are having difficulties paying your taxes, you should know that it is possible to pay them in installments , through the scheme created by the Tax Authority (AT) to ease the difficulties experienced by households. There is now a pre-enforcement phase applied to most taxes , in which it is possible to benefit from a period between the end of the voluntary payment date and the start of tax enforcement proceedings , as well as automatic installment plans for small debts. For larger debts, the AT allows you to apply for an installment payment plan , which must be made on the Tax Office Portal within 15 days of the original payment deadline. To make this request, you will need to provide your identification details, the origin of the debt and the number of installments you wish to pay in. This installment scheme obliges you to pay the first installment by the end of the month following the month in which you request the payment plan, and each payment is subject to interest on arrears calculated on the respective amount , backdated to the voluntary payment deadline, up to the month of the respective settlement. The installment payment scheme in the pre-enforcement phase applies to IRS, IRC, IUC, VAT and IMT taxes , with the latter two only being eligible when the assessment is made ex officio by the tax authorities. Are you clear? We have other news you might like: Increase in old rents to 2024 in line with inflation , Find out how to benefit from buying a gas cylinder or What are the implications of the rise in the minimum wage?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In large cities, a major problem has arisen related to the lack of space to build new infrastructures, which affects their growth and drives citizens away from large urban centres. It is in this context that the Retrofit concept arises, a solution that allows existing properties to be rehabilitated for residential and commercial purposes. This alternative first appeared in Europe , but has become popular all over the world as a revitalisation process that increases the useful life of buildings while preserving their form. What is Retrofit and what is it used for? Retrofit has emerged as a solution to the lack of space for new construction, resolving obstacles in outdated structures or those in inadequate condition, making improvements to the property while preserving the buildings history and structure. This process is especially beneficial for heritage sites whose legislation does not allow the architectural structure to be replaced or modified , thus making it possible to carry out a sustainable restoration that adapts the structure according to new technologies and without losing the original elements. Retrofit can therefore be used in buildings and equipment, for example through the installation of air conditioning, outdated or dilapidated electrical, plumbing or sanitary installations, and fire protection. What are the main advantages? The Retrofit refurbishment process makes it possible to maintain historical heritage and combine it with sustainability, innovation and conservation in large urban areas. In addition, this process makes it possible to increase the value of the property on the real estate market by modernising the facilities, while always complying with safety standards and rules. Retrofit is also a solution that can reduce the propertys maintenance costs, since the structural elements remain the same and only need to be restored rather than rebuilt. This process also extends the useful life of the property, resolving any structural problems that may exist and thus making the property more attractive and more valuable on the property market. How can you apply Retrofit to your property? To apply this process of property restoration, you should always opt for professionals specialised in the area, such as architects or engineers, who can better understand what can be done at a structural and technological level in the building. Care should always be taken to reduce the impacts of the work by analysing the intervention measures in a structured and planned way. When starting the process, these are some of the steps that should be carefully considered: - Impacts of the work; - Project development; - Planning the work; - Creating controlled demolition processes, monitoring the structure of the building; - Adapting the electrical, sanitary and plumbing systems; - Finishes and coatings; - Façade and landscaping. This is a trend that is expected to grow exponentially over the years and is a solution that is increasingly valued by the property market , especially in large urban centres, due to the need to revitalise cities and reuse existing spaces. Did you like this topic? We suggest you read: Want to rehabilitate a property? Check out SUPERCASAs findings or Building a house: what are the specifications?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction With the entry into force of Mais Habitação (More Housing), owners of active Local Accommodation (LA) registrations have two months until December 7 to submit proof of their activity. In Lisbon , around 75% of active local accommodation licences are at risk of cancellation, while in Porto the figure is 43% of establishments. If the required documentation is not submitted, the city councils will automatically cancel the licences. According to the new rules published by Mais Habitação , all active licences subject to cancellation are prevented from being validated until at least 31 December 2030 , since new local accommodation licences are suspended until then, with the exception of hostels, guest houses and local accommodation operating in the interior of the country and in the Autonomous Regions of Madeira and the Azores. While renting for more than 120 days a year is prevented, local accommodation in the homes where the owner lives is still in operation and outside the suspension. However, the licences that remain active expire on 31 December 2030 and can be renewed every five years. Proof of activity must be submitted on the Balcão Único Eletrônico (e-balcão) platform, and the last periodic VAT return equivalent to the local accommodation operating activity, or the last income declaration for IRS or IRC purposes , will be validated. If the LA activity has been declared with the tax authorities , it must be presented by the holder together with the VAT declaration or the declaration of commencement of activity , if the former is not available, and if more than one licence is still active, the procedure must be repeated for each registration, sending the same tax document for all processes. Find out more in SUPERCASA Notícias : New rules in LA: EU seeks to create more transparency
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The extraordinary support of 16.2 million euros for the public passenger transport sector will once again be allocated by the government, in order to alleviate the consequences of the increase in fuel prices. The payment will be made until 31 March 2024, with the source of funding being the State Budget. The support was approved by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, along the same lines as applied in the first six months of the year. It is again calculated on the basis of ten cents per litre for vehicles using fossil fuels other than natural gas and 30 cents per litre for heavy vehicles using natural gas, assuming consumption of 2,100 litres per month per bus . Given that the previous support came into force until 30 June, and the call previously made by the National Association of Heavy Passenger Road Transport (ANTROP) for urgent fuel compensation, the reference now dates from 1 July to 21 December. Operated by the Environmental Fund , with funds from the State Budget, the support is paid in full until 31 March 2024, with 1,260 euros being paid for each heavy passenger vehicle licensed for public transport in categories M2 and M3 or equivalent and using fossil fuels other than natural gas and 3,780 euros for each heavy passenger vehicle licensed for public transport in categories M2 and M3 or equivalent and using natural gas, says an official source from the ministry led by Duarte Cordeiro. The period for mainland companies to submit applications is still pending publication of the resolution in the Diário da República. Read more: Find out how to benefit from buying a gas cylinder
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The old rents are aimed at a group of people over 70 years old, with contracts signed before November 1990 and incomes up to the third IRS bracket, in which, according to an official source from the Ministry of Housing, for tenants the only possible increase will be the one resulting from the application of the update coefficient scheduled for 2024. According to the government, from the second half of the year , a solution will be introduced that is lower than that already demanded by landlords, compensating landlords for this increase. However, despite being approved by the Council of Ministers , more details about this compensation measure are still unknown, only that it will be limited to 1/15th of the taxable value of the property . According to data published by the Housing and Urban Rehabilitation Institute (IHRU) in a study, more than 80 per cent of the tenants holding these contracts are over 70 years old , and 70 per cent have incomes up to the third IRS bracket (based on the 2020 tables), with an annual salary of up to 15,992 euros. With regard to the table of landlords accounted for, 18.7 per cent have annual incomes equivalent to the sixth IRS bracket (incomes already between 26,356 and 38,632 per year). Discover other topics that may interest you in SUPERCASA Notícias : The Rent to Sublet Programme has already received 1,054 application s, House rent deduction increases in 2024 or IRS rate limit for housing rents approved
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Working in the property sector requires professionals to be constantly aware of market fluctuations and the actions of their competitors . The market is constantly changing, whether due to the fluctuations in supply and demand for property, the slowdown in the economy or even the large number of estate agents competing with each other to win the best deals. Despite the climate of competition in the sector, finding ways to collaborate is essential to doing more business and having a successful company. This is where the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) comes in. Its a property collaboration system whose aim is to bring together the listings of various estate agents and promote properties in a single network of professionals . MLS allows property professionals to share their properties with other members and quickly find the ideal client . The aim is to realise a pooling of resources between two entities : Professionals who have clients , but dont have a property portfolio that matches their needs, find in this system a list of properties from other agencies that they can present to their clients and make a sale ; Professionals who have a large property portfolio find it easier to find buyers through the list of contacts from other agencies . What are the advantages of the MLS? Working with an MLS system promotes the efficiency of the property professional, increasing the chances of success in a competitive industry where it is sometimes difficult to obtain results. These are the advantages you can enjoy by joining an MLS system like eGO MLS Portugal: 1. Information sharing Get to know the property portfolios of other professionals and share your properties to find clients quickly ; 2. Simplicity The process of buying and selling property is made simple r by centralising property listings; 3. Detailed information Usually, each listing includes all the essential information about the property , such as location , price and relevant contact details ; 4. Database The large number of properties available creates a database that estate agents can consult, not only to find out which properties are available, but also to get the most accurate market value ; 5. Commissions This system is based on the principle of sharing , with the commissions from the sale being shared equally between the two parties involved in the deal; 6. Collaboration There is an ethical partnership between property professionals which allows them to work in co-operation and collaboration with greater confidence ; 7. Recruitment With MLS you can increase your property portfolio and extend your list of contacts without having to increase your human resources; 8. Greater exposure Achieve greater visibility with your clients and partners . Do you want to be part of the largest national property-sharing network among real estate agents? Get to know eGO MLS Portugal and start working with the best property partners, increasing the profitability of your business. Read also: Attract more foreign clients: tips for attracting them