Government presents housing package

According to the government, the objective of the new legislation on housing is to respond to the various needs identified by the population, and António Costa spoke to journalists today, after having met in the Council of Ministers for the approval of this package. The prime minister stated: "housing issues are now a transversal concern in Portuguese society, as they concern all families", which is a problem that affects everyone, including "young people and middle-class families".

These measures, which have been under discussion for many weeks, were approved and presented today, but will only be published within a month, subject to public discussion "so that they can be definitively approved, some by the Government, others as a proposal of law to the Assembly of the Republic, in the Council of Ministers of March 16".

There are six dimensions that cover the housing problem, and for each of them, the following measures were taken:

To increase the supply of residential properties
Convert the use of commercial properties or services to residential use
Make state properties available under the CDH regime
To simplify licensing processes
Licensing with a term of responsibility of the designers
Interest on arrears for non-compliance with licensing deadlines
To increase the number of homes on the rental market
Reinforce landlord confidence
The State leases to sublease
The State guarantees payment after three months of non-compliance, proceeding with collection, support or eviction
To raise the public offering
Apply capital gains exemption on real estate sales to the state.
To promote affordable renting
Financing for municipalities to carry out coercive works
Incentive to transfer housing from houses in local accommodation to housing
Mandatory lease of vacant houses
Affordable lease tax exemption
To combat speculation
End of golden visas
Fair income guarantee on new contracts
To protect families
Exemption from capital gains for the amortization of housing loans for the owner and descendants
In mortgage loans, apply the obligation for banks to offer a fixed rate and protection against interest rate increases in the value of rents

Source: SuperCasa