Among the new measures is, for example, the elimination of the extraordinary contribution and the creation of a new mediator role.
Here is what is changing:
The Executive's objective, according to the words of the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, is to ensure the “balance of various interests, between property owners, investors in local accommodation, condominium owners, and those seeking housing”, highlighting as “essential principles” of the new measures, “decentralising the decision and regulation” on AL activity and “revoking the mistakes of the previous Government, which punished an investment that was important for our cities and for the national territory”.
The Minister acknowledges that “it is necessary, in many territories, to regulate local accommodation”, noting, however, that this regulation “must be differentiated” and “locally based”, respecting the “compromise between the various interests”.
Changes in Local Accommodation
Revocation of the extraordinary contribution
The diploma revokes the extraordinary contribution of 15% on local accommodation properties, one of the most contested measures of the Mais Habitação package, approved by the previous socialist Government. The measure will have retroactive effect to December 31, 2023.
Repeal of the setting of the ageing coefficient
The setting of the ageing coefficient applicable to local accommodation establishments for the purposes of paying the Municipal Property Tax (IMI) is also repealed.
Condominiums lose powers and councils decide again
Condominiums continue to be able to oppose local accommodation, but they must base this opposition on “repeated and proven acts that disturb the normal use of the building, as well as acts that cause inconvenience and affect the rest of the condominium owners”.
At the same time, condominiums, which currently can, with two-thirds of the percentage (corresponding to the number of condominium owners), refuse local accommodation in residential buildings, will now have to request “a decision from the president of the territorially competent municipal council”.
At the same time, the mayor may not immediately order the cancellation of the local accommodation registration and “invite the parties to reach an agreement”.
In practice, the local authorities will once again be responsible for the decision to put an end to local accommodation in residential buildings.
Creation of a mediator for local accommodation
The idea is that municipal regulations may provide for the appointment of a mediator to support the municipality in managing disputes between residents, owners of AL establishments and condominium owners, and that a report with proposed measures and solutions to be adopted should be produced from this negotiation.
The Portuguese Association of Condominium Management and Administration Companies (APEGAC) agrees with the creation of a mediator for local accommodation but considers that this should be mandatory and not optional in municipalities with greater activity.
“I think the creation of mediation is positive, although ideally it would not only be recommended, but mandatory for municipalities with a certain number of homes,” says the president of APEGAC, Vítor Amaral, in statements to Lusa.
The same legislation will facilitate the exemption from IRS of capital gains generated by the sale of a house and reinvested in the purchase of a permanent home. In addition, workers who move more than 100 km away will be able to deduct the cost of the new rent from the property income obtained.
Absolute positive and right move.
By Doron Matmor from Madeira on 27 Aug 2024, 10:00
"Condominiums continue to be able to oppose local accommodation, but they must base this opposition on “repeated and proven acts that disturb the normal use of the building, as well as acts that cause inconvenience and affect the rest of the condominium owners”.
This seems to be very biased against the people who actually live in the condominium.
Are we supposed to walk around with cameras and document bad behavior?
All this talk about eliminating bad behavior seems to be worthless.
The people who live here are making the greatest contributions to their communities, yet the gov't does not seem to support us.
Albufeira last holiday season had no holiday lights.
All the money was used for the New Years eve celebration..
Why do we need the biggest celebration?
Aren't their better ways to spend that money?
People come watch the show and leave.
Maybe some restaurants and bars have increased receipts, but no real money is being brought in.
Just stroking the politicians egos.
By j from Algarve on 27 Aug 2024, 10:54