Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction The extraordinary tax applied to local accommodation owners has been officially eliminated. The measure, announced by the government, aims to ease the financial burden on property owners focused on tourism and encourage the maintenance and expansion of this sector. The extraordinary tax was introduced as a temporary measure to help address specific economic challenges. However, after a thorough review and consultations with stakeholders, it was decided that its removal would benefit the sustainability of the local accommodation market. The decision has been welcomed by local accommodation owners and industry associations, who argue that the elimination of the tax will help make the market more competitive and accessible, particularly at a time when many are facing economic pressures. Additionally, the government emphasizes that, with the end of this tax, it will be essential to monitor the markets impact and ensure that the quality of services provided to tourists remains a priority. The executive asserts its commitment to supporting the sector and ensuring that future measures are well-balanced to promote sustainable growth in local accommodation. Property owners should stay alert to new guidelines and regulations that may emerge to ensure compliance with current standards. The elimination of the extraordinary tax represents a significant step for the sector and an opportunity to revitalize the local accommodation market in Portugal.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction A lifetime lease is a rental contract in which the tenant has the right to live in the property for their entire life, providing long-term housing security and financial stability. The main difference from traditional leases is the absence of an end date: the contract only ends upon the tenants death, at which point the property returns to the owner. Benefits for the Tenant Among the key benefits for the tenant are the security of staying in the property for life, without the risk of eviction or renegotiations. This arrangement is particularly attractive for elderly individuals seeking peace of mind and financial predictability. Additionally, the rent amount tends to remain stable, protecting the tenant from excessive increases over time. Benefits for the Owner For the owner, a lifetime lease offers a steady and long-term income source. Since the contract lasts until the tenants death, there is less concern about tenant turnover, which also reduces administrative and maintenance costs associated with finding new tenants. In many cases, tenants who opt for this arrangement tend to take better care of the property, as it will be their residence for an extended period. Tenant and Owner Obligations Despite the benefits, both parties have responsibilities. The tenant must pay rent regularly and maintain the property in good condition, performing minor repairs. The owner, on the other hand, is responsible for major repairs and structural maintenance of the property. Additionally, the contract must be respected throughout the tenants lifetime, with no possibility of unjustified eviction. Important Considerations Before signing a lifetime lease, both tenant and owner should pay attention to the terms, such as rent adjustments and the possibility of selling the property. If the owner sells the property, the new owner must honor the contract terms until the tenants death. Another point to consider is that, unlike other assets, a lifetime lease is not transferable to heirs. This arrangement can be a beneficial solution for those seeking stability and guaranteed income but should be carefully considered to ensure that both parties are aware of their rights and obligations.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Lisbon ranks among the most profitable European capitals for property rental, according to new data from the real estate sector. With a growing number of investors opting for the Portuguese capital, rental yields have shown an upward trend, making the city a favorite for both foreign and domestic investors. According to a study released by several real estate consultancies, the combination of high selling prices with strong demand from tenants allows landlords in Lisbon to achieve significant profitability, especially when compared to other European capitals. Cities like Paris, London, or Berlin, where acquisition prices are substantially higher and rental regulations more restrictive, cannot offer the same level of return. Tourism, combined with the growth of short-term rental platforms, has boosted the rental market in Lisbon, particularly in historic and tourist areas. However, this phenomenon has raised concerns among local residents, as the increased demand from tourists and international investors has contributed to rising prices in the rental market, making housing access more difficult for the Portuguese population. Despite the challenges, industry experts forecast that Lisbon will continue to attract investors in the short and medium term, thanks to its strategic location, favorable climate, and quality of life. However, the sustainability of this growth may depend on public policies and potential regulatory measures for the rental market, currently under discussion in the national political landscape. Thus, while Lisbon establishes itself as one of the most profitable cities for property rental in Europe, the challenge will be to balance investor interests with the need to ensure affordable housing for all its residents.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction When it comes to rental agreements, there are always some important points to consider, especially if you are about to rent a home. In this article, we outline what you need to keep in mind so nothing gets overlooked. If you are looking for a rental home, you can do a quick and intuitive search on the SUPERCASA website and CASASAPO website, where you’ll find it easy to apply filters for price, type, location, and find your dream home. 1 - Before Signing the Contract Before moving forward with a rental agreement, there are some details to be aware of when signing the documents. Before the contract is even drafted, make sure you have all the necessary information on your side. Read everything carefully and add any details you consider important. Clearly define each partys obligations: who is responsible for paying water, electricity, gas, telecommunications, and other expenses. Also, verify the agreed terms for rent payments (e.g., if advance payments are allowed, if the landlord is required to issue an electronic receipt for the rent amount, etc.). 2 - Check for Additional Factors That Influence Your Choice Before signing anything, remember that other factors can affect your rental agreement, such as the location and furnishings of the property. For instance, if the home is in the city center, the cost of living will be higher. Always consider all daily expenses, like public transport passes, fuel if you own a car, and additional costs if the house is unfurnished. Be mindful that the total rental cost could be much higher when factoring in these expenses. Assess the financial impact on your budget and ensure the rental contract includes these details and others, such as whether you have permission from the landlord to make minor repairs or modifications, and which party is responsible for appliance maintenance and replacements. If the property requires urgent repairs that affect habitability, the tenant may be entitled to a rent reduction proportional to the period when the propertys use is compromised. As a last resort, consider the option of sharing the home with others if the financial burden is too high for you. Remember to talk to the landlord if you choose this option. 3 - Evaluate the Property and Check Everything Carefully inspect the property to ensure it matches what you saw in photos and virtual tours. Pay attention to everything, from checking the plumbing, electrical systems, doors, and windows to ensure they are in good condition. Examine all details, no matter how minor, and check that beds, sofas, furniture, doors, and sockets are in good condition if the home is furnished. Its important to have the opportunity to perform this check. All of this should be written into your rental agreement, so the landlord cannot later demand repairs for pre-existing damages. 4 - Documentation If you’ve gone through all the above steps and concluded everything is in order, the final stage is gathering the necessary documentation and ensuring it’s included in the rental agreement. Ensure the contract contains, at a minimum, the following information: identification of the landlord and tenant; rent amount, payment method, and due date; request for receipts; explicit indication of permission (or not) to make alterations; who handles repairs in case of malfunction; contract duration and termination notice period; date, location, time, and respective signatures; permission for pets; an annex with a list of items and their condition, if applicable. Knowing the rights and obligations within a rental contract is essential to avoid conflicts and ensure a fair relationship between landlord and tenant. If you are considering renting or are already a tenant, read your contract carefully, and consult a lawyer or legal advisor if needed to clarify any doubts. Being informed is the best way to ensure your rights are protected. Read more about: Mandatory Insurance for Landlords and Tenants: Find Out
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction House rents may increase by 2.6% as early as 2025 , according to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) released last Friday. According to INE, the values for the past year were around 2.16%, which is the base value for updating rents under the New Urban Lease Regime (NRAU). The final data will be released on September 11, as per information from the INE website, and will be published in the Official Gazette on October 30. Landlords can only implement this increase after giving tenants a 30-day notice. Read more about: Economy: Inflation Slowed Down in August , Porta 65: New Rules Took Effect on September 1 , Local Accommodation: Extraordinary Contribution Revoked.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction On August 22, the Council of Ministers approved a decree that ended the payment of the Extraordinary Contribution on Short-Term Rentals (CEAL) . Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa enacted this and other decrees last Sunday. Thus, the measures regarding the extraordinary contribution on short-term rentals and changes to the depreciation coefficient were revoked. In addition to this decree, the President of the Republic also enacted decrees related to other measures of the “More Housing” program and the RAL+ digital platform , where it will be possible to handle matters related to Family and Labor Mediation and Justices of the Peace. This is an online platform that serves as an alternative means of dispute resolution. Read more about: Home loans: new drop in Euribor rates , Porta 65: new rules came into effect on September 1 , ALP creates support service for landlords with old rents.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction The decree-law 42/2024 of July 2 , which extends access to the youth rental program, has been published in the Diário da República. Although young people aged between 18 and 35 can apply, the new changes now foresee that a candidate who turns 36 during the period in which they benefit from the support can also apply, as long as it is done consecutively. The application also extends to couples where one partner may be 37 years old , provided the other is 36, under the conditions mentioned above. Young people can now apply for the program to find out the amount of support they can receive and only then enter into the rental contract. Additionally, young people can also consult properties for rent, directly from property owners, on the website of the Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU). These changes came into effect in September, eliminating limits on the maximum rent, which means that a candidate who has found a house to rent for 401 euros may be eligible, as the maximum threshold of the municipality where they reside, 400 euros, will no longer affect eligibility for support. The requirement to present six payslips has also been removed, and a minimum of three payslips will suffice . The Government aims to help more young people with these new changes, estimating that in 2025, there will be an increase in support of 26 million euros. Read more at: Can you assess loan conditions? We tell you everything , Impact of rising interest rates on average mortgage payments , Understand the different types of interest rates: fixed, mixed, or variable.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Renting a furnished home can be advantageous or not, depending on your life goals and ideals, both in the short and long term . On the one hand, it offers the convenience of moving quickly, without the need to transport furniture, and can be a more economical option in the short term , however, the lack of customization of space and the possibility that the furniture is not in optimal condition are some of the drawbacks. To know which of the options is the most suitable according to your profile, and so make the right decision for you, we show you the ways and cons of renting a house, with or without furniture. Houses with furniture The advantages Furnishing a complete house can be quite expensive , requiring a general evaluation of the budget you have available before you can even move forward, given that, through the amount available, it may be more advantageous to rent the already furnished house. So, one of the advantages is saving your savings. It is also worth considering the period for which you will need the lease, because if it is for a short period perhaps the ideal is to opt for a house that is already furnished , because if there will be a change of space, you will have less things to transport, sell or find a place to store them. The speed of moving to the new house should also be taken into account , since if the house has furniture included, it will be ready to receive it as soon as the bureaucratic part is handled. The disadvantages Wear and tear is a natural thing, so you should consider that the idyllic idea of everything new may not be true if it is an old property with original furniture. You may eventually be lucky enough to rent a new property, with recent furniture, however, the most common are houses with old furniture, with much use, and therefore more worn. The limitation of choice is another point, and the large pieces already make the environment, which will force you to put your personal taste aside. You can naturally give your personal touch to the decor, but it will never be exactly as you idealized. Houses without furniture The advantages One of the advantages in renting unfurnished houses is the negotiating power that gains in the value of the rent, being able to claim that the landlord does not have the house ready to inhabit. This type of rental is ideal for longer leases, leaving you with creative freedom to choose the setting where you want to live and adapt it completely to your lifestyle , giving your personal taste to the space. The disadvantages The initial financial effort will be high, since furnishing a house is currently not cheap . So, you should look at your finances and realize what is the working fund that will be available for the purchase of furniture, as well as the value of rents. In addition, there is the question of what will do if you leave the house that you have furnished, which can entail large moving costs and mean other increased expenses. However, you can always try to come to an agreement with the landlord and propose to sell the furniture. Have you got an idea of which option is most advantageous for you? To help you with other questions, we suggest the following topics: Are you paying rent? Find out about saving strategies , Eviction action: understand how this situation works and What does the law say about landlords who do not pass receipts?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Landlords with rents prior to 1990 will be able to access the help service created by the Lisbonense Association of Owners (ALP) for the request for compensation of the Tax Asset Value. The purpose of this service is to respond to the difficulty and complexity of the process , especially for landlords who, for the most part, are over 70. The process is extremely complex and difficult and we are talking about a fringe of owners over 70 with little or no digital literacy , says Diana Ralha, Director of APL. In this situation, there are thousands of landlords without the resources or knowledge to apply alone , aggravating the difficulty of the procedures and requirements established for the process. Among the requirements is, for example, the presentation of proof of IBAN with digital signature or certified by a notary, but also the requirement of the property certificate dated December 28, when the property certificates withdrawn now in July have the date of July and not what is required . There is also the issue of small print , as Diana Ralha points out, which focus particularly on the fact that compensation has to be claimed annually, and the years of annual rent increases, under the legislation, require communication within 30 days . Other topics that may interest you: Reduced mobility: Lisbon approves measures to improve access , Rents for municipal housing in Lisbon will not rise this year and What does the law say about landlords who do not pass receipts?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction People with reduced mobility will have better access in the city of Lisbon , having been approved a set of measures that focus on the guarantee and improvement of access , namely to wheelchairs, in the housing stock, being also planned, the implementation of a special reduced mobility service for public transport. The measures were presented by the Citizens councillors for Lisbon, and approved by the Executive in a private meeting, aiming to respond to the extreme shortage of housing in Lisbon adequate to the specific needs of people with limited mobility, explained the municipality, adding that the overwhelming majority of houses in the capital do not have this type of access , because they are prior to 2006. It should be noted that accessibility conditions are currently required in new constructions. 69% of the classic family dwellings of habitual residence existing in Lisbon do not even have access to a wheelchair , warned the Citizens Council in Lisbon, mentioning that, according to the Municipal Regulation of the Right to Housing, the possibility for the municipality to apply specific access, preferential or positive discrimination requirements for segments seeking affordable and supported rental housing. In this way, 15% of the municipal fires put to tenders in supported lease system launched from now on in all territories of the city of Lisbon will have as a condition of specific access household with person(s) with conditioned mobility , indicating at least 10% of municipal fires put out to tender for allocation of affordable housing. According to the proposal, the properties will be distributed by typologies T1 to T4 according to the monitored dynamics of demand throughout the successive tenders . In addition to these criteria in public tenders, a special reduced mobility service for Carris transport will also be created, whose objective is to invest effectively in accessibility in Lisbon , in its various forms, revitalizing the team and projects of the Pedestrian Accessibility Plan, ensuring working conditions and respective investment . Also follow: New housing must ensure electric charging stations and Minister of Infrastructure and Housing defends high speed
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction In Portugal, an eviction action is a judicial proceeding aimed at ending a lease, forcing the tenant to vacate the property, and it is an action that can only be initiated in specific situations, provided for in the law, so it is important that you know the appropriate legal procedures and protect yourself if you are a tenant of a rented property. According to Article 1083 of the Civil Code, this situation can be carried out by landlords in the following contexts: • Because there was no rent payment; • Non-compliance with the rules of good neighborhood, quiet or hygiene, having been violated the rules of the condominium regulation; • Illegal use of the building for a purpose that undermines good customs or public order; • Use of the building for a purpose other than that for which it is intended; • Do not use the house for more than 12 months; • Total or partial, temporary or permanent and onerous or free assignment of the enjoyment of the building, when ineffective, illegal or invalid with the landlord. Thus, if a tenant is in arrears with the payment of rents, the landlord can initiate an eviction action after the 3rd month of delay, without the need for notice, but also if other clauses of the lease have been breached or violated, particularly through damages caused to the property, subletting the property without authorization of the landlord or situations that put the security of the building at risk. In the case of the termination of the lease agreement, in some situations, automatically, there is no need for judicial intervention , because it is a cession situation, however , if there is resistance on the part of the tenant to leave the property, the landlord can ask the court to order the eviction of the tenant . It is important to note that, even before resorting to the judicial route, a landlord must try the extrajudicial route, seeking a negotiated solution. How does the extrajudicial eviction process work? First, it will be necessary to execute an extrajudicial notice, which is the notification to the tenant in writing, informing him of the reason for the eviction and granting him a deadline to regularize the situation, in case of non-compliance for more than 3 months. This notification may also be through a legal representative, namely a solicitor, lawyer or execution agent, through registered letter and with acknowledgement of receipt. Once the notification is sent, the tenant has 1 month to settle the payments . However, if the default is maintained or the values are not refunded, the lease is automatically terminated, and the tenant has to return the property to the landlord . If still refuse to do so, the tenant can be evicted, putting into action the special eviction procedure . What is a special eviction action? In this situation, the eviction is carried out through a procedural means for the realization of the termination of the lease, applicable when the tenant refuses to leave the property on the date provided for by law or as a result of the agreement between the parties. In Portugal, the special eviction action takes place, first, through the communication of the termination of the contract, based on the non-payment of rent for more than 3 months or for a delay of more than 8 days in the payment of the amounts, for more than four times, followed or interpolated, in the period of 1 year, being made the revocation of the contract, which ends up expiring by the term. It may also expire, as opposed to renewal, or by denunciation for housing of the landlord or family members of the landlord, by free denunciation, profound works or even by denunciation of the tenant. To perform a special eviction action, the landlord can resort to the Tenant and Landlord’s Desk (BAS) before going to the courts, but can only be used if stamp duty has been settled and rents have been declared by the landlord . The steps of the dump shall be: • Notification to the tenant, either electronically from the BAS or on paper, by completing a form. Alternatively, notification may be made by a legal representative; • Inquilino has 15 days to vacate the property or, if applicable, to pay the rent due; • If there is opposition from the tenant to the eviction, this power requires the deferral of the occupation of the property . From here, there are two alternatives 1. If there is no opposition on the part of the tenant , the title of eviction of the property is issued and the landlord can effect the eviction immediately, giving the tenant 30 days to remove all his property. If this period is exceeded, the goods will be considered abandoned. On the other hand, if the tenant refuses to leave, the landlord will have to appeal to the court through a court order. 2. If the tenant objects to the eviction on grounds of unfounded, a judge must intervene through special and urgent judicial proceedings. In this case, and for the opposition to move forward, it is mandatory that the payments of the security deposit, justice fee and deposit of the past due rents are ensured. Can there be no eviction? The answer depends on whether, in addition to the opposition, the deferral of the vacancy has been submitted, for compelling social reasons. In this situation, deferral is decided in court, taking into account the arguments provided by the tenant and the landlord, in particular whether or not the tenant has other housing, the number of persons constituting the household to live in the rented property, their age, state of health and, in general, the economic situation of all parties. If you are facing an eviction action, it is important to seek expert help. And remember that the Portuguese legislation on urban rental is complex and may change, so we recommend reading all the documentation provided by the competent bodies and consulting a specialized professional for advice and updated information appropriate to your specific situation. Inquire about other topics: What is the exchange of a house? Understand this concept , What is the gift in fulfillment? Discover this concept and What is personal insolvency and how to order?
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction On Tuesday, July 2, the decree-law that revokes the forced lease of the vacant properties was advanced to Diário da República , in order, according to the Government, to ensure the right to private property, provided for in Article 62 of the Portuguese Constitution. This was one of the measures that generated the most controversy in the More Housing Program , created by the previous Government, and now losing effect in the face of the alarmism created in the market , which, according to the Portuguese Association of Developers and Real Estate Investors, removed confidence to small, medium and large investors . On the other hand, the National Association of Homeowners, at the time of the approval of the measure by the previous Government, had been critical regarding the maintenance of the aggravated rate of the Municipal Property Tax (IMI) on discarded real estate , considering it a spoliative tax which did not contemplate the reason for the uninhabitable or degraded state in which most of the 700,000 sites considered vacant are found . Still, the measure has been repealed and the current Government of Luís Montenegro has already announced that it will create a legal regime for the semi-automatic injection of discarded properties public in the market, intended for housing or other relevant public purposes . Under this regime, municipalities may, voluntarily , identify existing discarded or underused public properties and present, through the capital company Estamo, of the State, a project of use for a public end that fits within the attributions of the municipality and can be put to fruition by the people , as indicated by the information at the time of the announcement of the creation of the regime in May. Keep up with topics like this with SUPERCASA Notícias : Government has already asked for the 5th PRR check to Brussels , IMT exemption in house purchase will come into force in August and APPII advocates reduction of the tax burden in construction
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