Many of the measures announced to tackle the effects of the coronavirus in Portugal only apply to the mainland or hve different conditions in Portugal's islands. The governments of the Portuguese archipelagos are now in the process of launching several housing support programmes to combat the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government of the Azores, for example, recently presented the "+Habitação" programme, which aims to transform local housing units into long-term leases with affordable rent, a similar scheme to the one being implemented in Porto and Lisbon, as well as other municipalities in the country. In Madeira, the executive has announced that it will allocate 430 million euros to ensure "decent housing" on the island by 2030.
Affordable rent in the Azores
The +Habitação Programme in the Azores aims to "increase the public supply of affordable housing for families, converting registered properties into local accommodation for long-term leases," said the Secretary for Social Solidarity, Andreia Cardoso, at the presentation of the programme, as reported by the Portuguese news agency Lusa. The programme provides for families in need in order to allocate "a maximum of 30 percent of their income to rent".
The region foresees the signing of rental contracts for housing purposes with the owners, and the "entire responsibility" of the regional government is to "select" the sub-tenants. The price of the maximum monthly rent paid by the Regional Government to the owners will be the lower of two criteria: the typology and geographical area; or the area and "quality" of the property.
In the case of a family with a gross monthly income of 900 euros, for a T2 dwelling in Rosário, they may pay rent of 244.99 euros. In this example, the Regional Government would pay 399.40 euros of rent to the owner of the accommodation.
Andreia Cardoso also pointed out that, taking into account the "sudden reduction in the amount of local accommodation on the market", another consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme will also serve to "boost the rental market", ensuring a "fixed and secure income for local accommodation owners who wish to join the programme", which should be in force by the end of the year.
Madeira: 430 million euros for housing by 2030
The Madeiran government has drawn up an ambitious plan to support housing on the island. In 10 years, according to the news reported by Público, Madeira wants to meet all the archipelago's housing needs. The strategy is based on four vectors, namely building, acquiring, rehabilitating and upgrading.
The Regional Housing Strategy (ERH) will therefore, according to the regional secretary for Social Inclusion and Citizenship, Augusta Aguiar, be a fundamental tool in the regional government's objective. "It is difficult to achieve, but not impossible, to ensure decent housing for all", said the Secretary General while presenting the plan.
This scheme is said to be a combination of the various local and national strategies already in place, identifying the specific housing needs of the autonomous region. Among several things, the strategy also contemplates the contracting of leases in the private market for social subletting, transitional support in the payment of rent for families affected by unemployment and the creation of support complementary to national programmes.
The real cost of buying property in Portugal in 2025: a guide for foreigners
Are you considering moving to Portugal and buying a property in 2025? Whether you’re looking for a permanent home, a holiday retreat, or an investment opportunity, it’s essential to understand the full cost of buying property in Portugal — beyond just the asking price. From taxes and legal fees to mortgage conditions, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about property purchasing costs for foreigners in 2025. This is the real cost of buying property in Portugal.
Inside Nicole Kidman’s reported move to Portugal
Australian actress Nicole Kidman is reportedly leaving Hollywood for Portugal and has already applied for residency in the country.
What is TAEG in Portugal? Understanding mortgage costs for foreign buyers
If you’re planning to buy property in Portugal, you’ve likely come across the term TAEG while researching mortgages. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it important for you as a foreign buyer?
Getting a mortgage in Portugal as a foreigner: a complete guide
If you’re considering buying property in Portugal, understanding how to get a mortgage as a foreigner is crucial. Portugal’s appealing climate, affordable living costs, and attractive property market have made it a hotspot for expats and international buyers. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting a mortgage in Portugal as a non-resident, from eligibility requirements to the application process and associated costs.
IMI Portugal 2025: what foreign residents and homeowners need to know
The Municipal Property Tax (IMI) is an annual tax charged by Portuguese councils on property owners, including foreign residents who own property in Portugal. This tax is based on the property’s taxable value (VPT) and applies to both rural and urban properties. The amount paid helps to fund local services and infrastructure across the country.
Who’s who in the new Portuguese Government? From ministers to secretaries of state
The 16 ministers forming the 25th Constitutional Government led by Luís Montenegro were sworn in on Thursday, 5 June, during a ceremony presided over by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at the Palácio da Ajuda in Lisbon. However, the government’s full composition was only completed after the 43 Secretaries of State took office on Friday, 6 June. These are the key figures who will govern Portugal over the next four years.
Unprecedented power outage in Spain and Portugal: everything we know so far and what to do if it happens again
No electricity, no communication, and in some cases, no running water – that was the situation from around 11:30am yesterday in Portugal and Spain, following a widespread blackout. Many people were unable to work, countless businesses were forced to close due to the lack of power and internet, public transport and road traffic ground to a halt, and long queues formed at petrol stations and supermarkets. Power began to be restored in the early evening on both sides of the Iberian Peninsula, whi