Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Transforming an old house can seem complicated and expensive, especially if youve recently bought it and are looking to make the most of your investment. However, without having to have a huge budget, there are strategies that can completely change the look of your property and even bring it into line with the latest decorating trends. Renovating a house only requires two things: budget and creativity. So take note of the tips SUPERCASA Notícias has for you today and start preparing the outline of the change. 1. Invest in wallpaper One of the first steps in remodelling an old property is to start with the walls, which may need painting or an aesthetic change. To take advantage of the old look of your property and capture its vintage essence, you can choose wallpaper, a decorative element very typical of the 1960s, which will easily transform your property in the blink of an eye. And although it may seem like a difficult idea to conceive, applying this material isnt as complicated as you might think. However, if youre up for it, you can turn to a company that specialises in this service and see your home quickly transformed into a welcoming, modern space. 2. Look for antique or vintage furniture With these tips you dont need to spend a lot of money. Leave aside the investment in brand new furniture and set off to discover second-hand properties. These relics have the ability to completely transform the room in which they are placed, depending on their size, appearance and colour. You can visit flea markets, antique shops and personalise your home with furniture full of history. The fun part is that you can combine this type of piece with other items of furniture and contemporary decor, adding sophisticated and innovative touches that will bring a pleasant visual contrast. 3. Rethink your spaces This may be a difficult decision, but you may have to make the decision to demolish some rooms or parts that no longer make sense to the architecture of your house, depending on the purpose you have already thought of for each room. Generally, old houses have details that are no longer implemented in more recent and modern construction, and there may be certain spaces with dated features that no longer make sense today. So consider these logistics and rethink the spaces in your home as a whole. Large rooms can be divided, also through the decoration you put in them, and marquees can be transformed into interior gardens or leisure spaces. Like it? Get ready with more tips and read: Tips for remodelling your property without spending a lot of money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Despite the slight slowdown, house prices rose by 7.6 per cent between July and September 2023 when compared to the same period last year, Eurostat data released this Wednesday confirms. As a result, Portugal is in fourth place as one of the Eurozone countries with the highest price rises , and in fifth place among the other European Union (EU) countries. This year-on-year increase is the lowest since the first quarter of 2021, according to Eurostat data, with prices rising by 6 per cent in Portugal, a trend that has been slowing since the third quarter of 2022. However, as a whole, house prices rose by 1.8 per cent. Between July and September last year, seven Eurozone countries saw a drop in house prices , including Luxembourg with a 13.6 per cent drop, Germany with a 10.2 per cent drop, Finland with 7 per cent, Austria with 2.2 per cent and France with a 1.5 per cent drop. Outside the Euro Zone, the biggest year-on-year falls in house prices were seen in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, with falls of 3.5 per cent, 0.2 per cent, 4.2 per cent and 0.5 per cent respectively. Since 2010, house prices have risen by 48 per cent, according to the statistics office, outstripping the 22 per cent increase in rental prices, a trend seen in 18 of the 27 EU member states. Read more: EC admits overvaluation of house prices in Portugal , Lisbon: housing prices rise despite end of NHR and Increase in old rents to 2024 in line with inflation
Source: SUPERCASA Author: Redaction SUPERCASA makes the house-hunting process easier by presenting you with a selection of the weeks favourites. From the most luxurious flats to one-bedroom flats, check out the properties with the greatest investment potential and get in touch with the agencies that advertise them to arrange a viewing! And if you know someone whos looking for a home, you know theyll find it on SUPERCASA . Discover the best flats for sale in Portugal. 3 bedroom flat in Leiria - 199.500€ 1 bedroom flat in Lisbon - 319.900€ 2 bedroom duplex flat in Vila Nova de Gaia - 369.000€ 2 bedroom flat in Olhão - 385.000€ 1 bedroom flat in Setúbal - 440.000€ 1+1 bedroom flat in Quarteira - 550.000€ Read also: Luxury homes: the advantages of owning one , New year, new life: the most fashionable developments or Discover the 5 most popular domestic services in 2023
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Owning a luxury property has become increasingly popular among investors and private owners . The luxury segment has become a real estate trend , giving notoriety to the agencies that work in this segment, and offering countless possibilities to those who intend to invest. Nowadays, a luxury property can be used for a variety of purposes and is not just associated with the holiday season. This is a market that has been growing through the sale of houses for own and permanent residence, both in the national and international investment markets. Luxury market has been growing since 2014 According to data from real estate consultancy Knight Frank, between 2014 and 2015, the global luxury and holiday property market grew by 28% , making it the fastest growing segment in the real estate sector worldwide. Highly sought after by foreign buyers looking to obtain a luxury residence in privileged and accessible locations, Portugal is one of the most popular destinations in this type of market, due to its accessibility, climate and coastline. But what are the advantages of owning a luxury home? SUPERCASA Notícias shows you the attributes most valued by owners of this type of property . 1. More comfortable lifestyle Associated with a higher purchasing power, owning a luxury home is certainly synonymous with a more comfortable lifestyle and those who are lucky enough or have the power to purchase a property of this type benefit from amenities that are not found in a traditional property. With access to state-of-the-art technologies, such as home automation or sustainable construction , investing in a luxury property means investing in sustainable solutions with advantages in terms of accessibility, services around the home and other leisure, sports or outdoor spaces, and this type of home is often part of developments prepared with the most varied solutions. 2. Permanent privacy and security Living in a luxury property means being protected from the most varied possibilities. You wont be disturbed as easily as you would if you lived in an ordinary building or villa, and youll be protected by security guards or video surveillance systems that make the difference if youre looking for a more secluded or protected life. Whats more, in luxury homes equipped with home automation systems, its possible to exercise greater control over the security of the property through remote control systems, which will guarantee you more privacy, security and control on a permanent and proactive basis. 3. Sustainable construction and modern finishes Luxury homes are unique houses, often designed by specialised architects, landscapers and builders using state-of-the-art technology , who think in detail about every room in the house and the surrounding areas. From the use of natural light to the type of finishes, owning a luxury property is a guarantee that you are in possession of a well-built property, made with noble materials and modern finishes, based on sustainable construction. In this type of property youll find materials such as granite, marble, copper or bronze, combined with unique and irreverent decorative elements that guarantee you a unique, exclusive and distinctive home. Are you interested in investing in this type of property? Take a look at the suggestions SUPERCASA has for you: New year, new life: the most fashionable developments and Living in a Penthouse: the most exclusive properties on the market
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The latest data from the Bank of Portugal (BdP) confirms new highs in the granting of housing loans to individuals , which reached 16-year highs in November, with 2,725 million euros being lent. This is 7.6% more than in October and 46% more than in November 2022, the highest figure since October 2007. Home loans contributed to this increase, as the 2,040 million euros in new home loans during November is the highest figure since the start of the Banco de Portugal series. This figure is 8.6% more than in October and 60% more than in November of the previous year. With regard to other types of credit, according to the data shared by the BdP, 459 million euros were granted in consumer credit , 2% more than in October and 12% more year-on-year. A further 226 million euros were allocated to loans for other purposes , 11% more than in October and 25% more than in November 2022. You were interested in this topic? Read on: Housing costs doubled 39.1% in 20 years , Housing loans: interest falls for the first time in almost two years or Portuguese spent an average of €200 in December
Source: SUPERCASA Author: Redaction The start of a new year is always a time for self-reflection, when new goals, objectives and important resolutions can be set. Moving house can be one of those changes, which involves not only finding the perfect property, but also knowing that your whole life will change in favor of the place you move to. Although it may seem like a lengthy process, SUPERCASA presents you with the most affordable new-build options on the market, set in modern and accessible developments , so that you can make your decision quickly and make your wishes come true right at the start of the year! Take a look at the options we have selected for you. 1.º de Maio development in Vila Nova de Gaia - prices from 169.000€ Arco dOlide development in Lisbon - prices from €450,000 Passadiço development - prices from 460.000€ Also find new construction in: - Alentejo - Algarve - Leiria
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction After 11 months without an increase, the stock of housing loans rose from 25.9 million euros in November to 99.1 billion euros , as announced by the Bank of Portugal this Tuesday, January 2nd. The trend, which seemed to have been in contraction since January last year, has now been reversed , both by the increase in interest rates, which has weakened demand for credit, and by the anticipation of several repayments to the bank, two factors that have helped the fall in the housing loan portfolio. Thus, despite the recovery seen in November, the stock of this type of loan fell by one billion euros for the first time in 11 months. On the other hand, as far as consumer loans are concerned , this portfolio reached 21.1 billion euros in November, having increased by 100 million compared to October. Loans to companies fell during the month of November, according to the Bank of Portugal, dropping 100 million euros to 72.4 billion and, between January and November, showing a drop of 1 billion euros. Read also: Euribor rates renew lows below 4% , Housing costs double 39.1% in 20 years and Housing loans: interest falls for the first time in almost two years
Source: SUPERCASA Author: Redaction The beginning of the year may present you with new professional challenges. You can start your own business or be the leader of a company that needs an expansion in your workspace. Thus, to find the perfect office and start this new phase of your career, SUPERCASA has prepared the best options in the market , so that you make an informed and intelligent decision, based on the offer that best suits your needs. Discover the best offices for sale. Office in Avenidas Novas - 320.000€ Office in Santo António - 525.000€ Office in Avenidas Novas - 770.000€ Office Building in São Brás de Alportel - 795.000€ It may also interest you: Duplex houses: see the most coveted properties on the market or Want to rehabilitate a property? See the findings of SUPERCASA
Source: SUPERCASA Author: Redaction With the year drawing to a close, there are many resolutions that you may or may not have already made. One of them, especially for those who live alone or with their partner, may be to move house. Are you looking for the most suitable option for your needs? SUPERCASA has found the perfect properties for those who dont need a lot of space or want to move to a smaller house, studio apartment or studio! Discover them. Studio flat in Lisbon - 190.000€ Studio flat in Cascais - 299.500€ 1 bedroom flat in Olhão - 365.000€ Studio flat in Lisbon - 425.000€ House 0 bedrooms in Torres Novas - 450.000€ Continue reading: Home automation: get to know this smart technology , Duplex houses: check out the most coveted properties on the market or Are you buying a house on plan? Advantages and disadvantages
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction For many people, technological evolution is still a topic that generates mistrust. However, there are more and more fans of innovation, ready to implement technological solutions in their lives that will positively change the way they access information. Home automation is an example of a new technology that is generating increasing interest in the property sector , as it has the potential to transform their daily lives, particularly in the way they relate to their homes . What is home automation? Simply put, home automation is a branch of robotics adapted to the residential environment . This technology allows you to have an intelligent home easily and at a moderate cost. Automating your home is possible through a central, integrated system that controls various aspects , such as lighting, air conditioning and even some household appliances, allowing you to control everything remotely. Different types of installation If you want to simplify and automate the way you live at home, home automation can help you with everyday tasks through different levels that can be implemented depending on your objective. Discover them. 1. Simple home automation The most basic level of home automation involves installing a system through which you can control individual appliances and equipment, such as a remote control to control electrical sockets or the lighting in the house 2. Small home automation solutions You can also opt for a set of devices that work as a whole. This solution implies that there are different devices in each room of the house, capable of communicating with each other to execute small commands given by you. 3. Integrated home automation The most advanced level presupposes that all the solutions are interconnected and communicate with each other, such as lighting, blinds, air conditioning and the security system. The aim at this level is for everything to be controlled and personalised remotely, via an interface such as your mobile phone. To include these solutions in your home, there are simpler systems that require concrete action, and more advanced systems that include sensors capable of interpreting data and reacting autonomously in real time. There are many situations in which home automation can help you, such as: - Air conditioning; - Automating small household appliances such as coffee makers, hoovers, etc; - Lighting - Sound system; - Security - Communication. Are you interested in this type of technology? Discover the smartest homes on the market at SUPERCASA !
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction Moving house is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process, as it involves packing up all your belongings and transporting them to your new home, as well as all the necessary paperwork, such as signing new contracts and changing your address on all the important documents . Precisely because its a process that demands a lot of your time and attention, many people turn to a removal company to speed up the process. So if youre thinking of moving house and using one of these services, SUPERCASA Notícias gives you a list of everything you need to know before making the decision to hire a company to help you through the process. 1. Define the type of service you need If you want to start contacting companies to hire their services, its important that you first define what your main needs are . You could hire a service that just takes care of moving your personal belongings from your old house to your new home, or you might need a more comprehensive service that includes packing, transporting and unpacking your belongings. So, to be more assertive when hiring a removal service and make sure youre only paying for what you need, try to define exactly what your needs and budget are . 2. Collect references If youre not sure which service is best for you, do some market research to find the best company that matches your budget. One of the best ways to find the ideal company for you may be through recommendations from family and friends, as they have already used the service and are reliable sources of its usefulness and ability to provide services. If you dont know anyone who has already hired this type of company, you can always do an online search , both on social networks and on search engines, since most companies have an online presence and there are pages dedicated to receiving comments and feedback on each users experience. This way, you can check whether other customers have had positive experiences and discard any options if you find recurring comments about bad experiences. 3. Legal requirements and company policy Even if youve received a good recommendation, you should always check on the companys website what kind of services they offer and whether they fulfil all legal requirements , through the terms and conditions of service and the licence number. Remember that freight forwarding can only be carried out by commercial companies duly licensed by the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT). When you use a removal company, your main aim is for all your belongings to arrive at your new home intact, but even if the company you choose is the best, there is always the chance of an accident. As such, you should find out from the company what their policies are regarding accidents, loss or delays in delivery. In this vein, we also advise you to ask about the possibility of taking out additional insurance so that you are protected in the event of something unforeseen. 4. Budget As well as finding a legitimate company, its also essential to find a company that fits within your budget. For companies to be able to give you an accurate quote, you should prepare an inventory of all your possessions , as quotes are usually influenced by the volume and weight of items, as well as the distance to be travelled. Remember, all quotes must be formalised in writing. 5. Contract Finally, when hiring the services of a company, dont forget to read all the clauses of the service contract, as this will protect you if anything goes wrong. If necessary, you can also renegotiate any points before signing the contract. Related topic: Moving house? Find out how to save money
Source: Freepik Author: Redaction The end of Golden Visas and the Non-Habitual Resident Regime has not been giving a respite to property prices in the big cities. In recent years, Portugal has been the target of widespread investment by foreigners with purchasing power , becoming one of the preferred destinations for its incentives and quality of life. However, this demand has created a more serious problem for regular residents, who have seen a sharp rise in house prices . It is in Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Funchal that these increases are most significant and, according to Paulo Silva, head of Savills Portugal , there simply arent enough houses to meet demand, even with the slowdown in sales . After the measures to keep foreigners out came into force, and even with the slowdown in investment , there has been no stabilization in property values, which have, on the contrary, risen, a trend caused by the attractiveness offered by Portugal , which continues to offer incentives and alternatives to foreigners looking to live in Portuguese territory. Despite these changes, we have seen an increase in the number of inquiries from our foreign clients , says the head of real estate consultancy Savills. In Lisbon, for example, there have been sharp rises in house prices , with a record in November, with the cost of a house in Lisbon increasing by 5.8% compared to the previous year, to a maximum of 5,426 euros per square meter. Americans invest most in luxury real estate According to the latest study by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices , Americans have invested heavily in Portuguese luxury real estate , very attracted by the lifestyle. Last year, Portugal was even voted the best country for retired foreigners, and these factors, as well as its location and good cuisine, have represented a huge attraction for this type of investor. Gold visas have not put an end to foreign investment , with investors continuing to buy real estate because they want to invest and make some money, and these aspects, combined with high purchasing power, have allowed American investors to buy some of the best properties in our country , concludes Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Regarding the alternatives found by this type of investor, Michael Vicent, CEO of the real estate company, points out that for many foreign buyers, gold visas have never been Portugals main attraction. Many are second home buyers who like to stay in Portugal for just a few days a year. Others, who intend to stay for more than three months at a time, have opted, for example, to buy a non-real estate fund based in Portugal or to obtain a D7 visa. On this subject, read: Real estate investments: Lisbon is one of the most attractive cities