Portugal’s 2026 housing reforms: what buyers, investors and foreigners need to know
Portugal’s housing market has undergone significant change over the past decade.
Housing tax package: what changes for tenants and landlords?
The new housing tax package approved by the Government aims, in broad terms, to respond to the housing and access-to-housing crisis currently affecting the country. There is an urgent need to increase the supply of homes on the market at prices that most people can afford, both to buy and to rent.
Municipal Property Transfer Tax (IMT) in Portugal for foreigners
Buying property in Portugal involves more than agreeing on a purchase price.
Housing package explained by lawyers: guide to the new tax rules
In this Q&A guide prepared for idealista/news, tax lawyers André Areias and Beatriz Vale Rêgo of Cuatrecasas explain what changes with the housing package, who can benefit from the new rules and the main tax points to consider in real estate transactions.
How much does it cost to maintain a house?
Buying or renting a place of your own is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Living alone brings plenty of upsides, like freedom and privacy, but it also comes with responsibilities that are easy to underestimate.We’re talking about the monthly and annual costs of maintaining a home.
Land registration free until September and RGG now required in deeds
The government has approved a decree amending the legal framework governing the simplified cadastral information system and the Single Building Service Desk (BUPi).
Selling a house: common mistakes to avoid if you want the best price
Selling a house in Portugal might look straightforward at the moment. The property market is performing at record levels, with prices continuing to climb — reaching €6,059 per m² in Lisbon and €4,060 per m² in Porto in February 2026.
Capital gains tax in Portugal: how property sales are taxed and who is exempt
Few issues create as much confusion and stress as the capital gains tax when selling a house. Understanding whether you need to pay capital gains tax, and how much, is essential before completing a property sale. In simple terms, capital gains refer to the profit made on the sale of a property.
Key documents you need to file your tax return in Portugal
For most residents who file their tax return in Portugal, the Tax Authority already holds much of the information needed for the automatic IRS return, based on invoices and data reported by employers, banks and other entities. However, some types of income and deductions are not filled in autom
Pros and cons of buying property in Portugal
The pros and cons of buying property in Portugal have been on the radar of British and international buyers for years now.
Is it better to sell your house or buy first in Portugal?
Buying and selling a house in Portugal involves a fair bit of strategy.
Checklist for buying property in Portugal: steps for a safe purchase
If you’ve been scanning listings in the Algarve, eyeing up townhouses in Lisbon, or thinking about a slower pace in the Alentejo, having a clear checklist for buying property in Portugal makes the whole process far less daunting. The system for buying a house in Portugal isn’t especially compli
Changes to inheritance law: more freedom and fewer disputes over assets
The government has approved a decree aimed at resolving the long-standing issue of undivided inheritances, where legal deadlock between heirs often leaves properties empty and tied up for years. Under the new rules, one or more heirs will be able to start the sale of a property after two years,
The real cost of buying property in Portugal in 2026: a guide for foreigners
Are you thinking about moving to Portugal or investing in Portuguese property in 2026? Whether your goal is a permanent home, a holiday villa, or a buy-to-let investment, understanding the full cost of buying property in Portugal is crucial.
Portugal raises property transfer tax for non-resident buyers under new tax plan
Portugal has moved from headline announcements to concrete legislation on higher property taxes for non‑resident buyers.
Stamp duty in Portugal: a comprehensive guide
Understanding Stamp Duty in Portugal, known locally as "Imposto do Selo," is essential for anyone involved in property transactions or legal acts within Portugal.
Inheritance and divorce returns: what are they and how are they applied?
When settling accounts in the division of assets in divorce and inheritance proceedings, "tornas" or returns are paid by a party to compensate another.
Returns follow legal procedures that are crucial to understand when it comes to sharing assets.
Euribor: what is it and how does it affect mortgage payments?
A rise in interest rates on mortgages is a scenario that is on the table, and the European Central Bank (ECB) has already admitted the possibility of increasing the key interest rate in 2022.
Buying a house in Portugal - everything you need to know
Buying a property in Portugal - be it a flat, a house, a farm, or a plot of land - is a rather complex process and implies compliance with several legal requirements.
Home exchange in Portugal: everything you need to know about property swaps
The exchange of real estate, also known as a house swap, has been gaining more and more importance in the real estate market in Portugal, where this process is called "permuta".
IMI Portugal 2021: The complete guide to deadlines and payment options
Buying a property in Portugal also means paying a series of taxes. One of the taxes that is due very year is the Municipal Property Tax (IMI).
IMI tax Portugal in 2021: how it is calculated and payment deadlines
First things first, what is IMI property tax in Portugal? IMI is a Municipal Property Tax which is updated and must be paid annually by the owners of properties or land in Portugal. In technical terms, IMI is levied on the Taxable Asset Value (VPT), i.e.
IMI Municipal Property Tax: nearly half of Portuguese residents will pay less in 2021
84 municipalities in Portugal have decided to reduce Municipal Property Tax (IMI) rates for homeowners in 2021, in respect of the properties they owned on 31st December 2020.
IRS income tax rebates are already being processed by the Portuguese tax authorities
The tax authorities have begun processing the first IRS income tax returns in Portugal despite no promises from the government, with taxpayers already receiving their refunds.
Municipal property tax: find out the new rates in Portugal for 2020
Every year, municipalities have to determine and communicate to the Finance Department by December 31st, the amount of Municipal Property Tax (IMI) for real estate they intend to charge owners in their respective municipalities.