The Portuguese Association of Real Estate Developers and Investors (APPII) considers the new European Affordable Houtilizing Plan to represent a “historic opportunity” for Portugal, but the counattempt will only succeed if it “accelerates profound reforms” in terms of licensing, taxation, urban planning and land utilize.
“Portugal risks failing to absorb available resources and worsening its position as one of the most unbalanced houtilizing markets in Europe,” despite the Brussels plan creating a “unique window of financing, political pressure and strategic alignment,” warns APPII, in a note sent to ECO.
Overvaluation
The association highlights that Portugal emerges as one of the most critical member states becautilize it has the highest overvaluation of houtilizing prices in the EU, which reinforces the “urgency of transforming the European plan into a true engine of internal modify.”
“The European Commission estimates that the EU requireds around 650,000 new homes. If in Portugal we know that at least 150,000 homes are lacking, we can understand the impact of our reality. We are talking about a large-scale response, which requires strategic planning, regulatory predictability and effective mobilization of private investment,” declares APPII CEO Manuel Maria Gonçalves.
“One cannot speak of speculation in the sale of new homes.”
The European plan also includes a study on real estate speculation in Europe, which will launch in 2026. For the leader of the national association of developers, this scenario does not apply to operations involving new properties. “Today, in the sale of new homes, one cannot speak of speculation. In order for us to have more affordable houtilizing, the State must step out of the final cost equation and become an active part of the solution,” argues Manuel Maria Gonçalves.
Emergency
Another topic highlighted by APPII is the recognition of houtilizing as a European emergency. In the association’s view, this status validates the position it has defconcludeed for more than a decade: the houtilizing problem is solved mainly with more supply, built more quickly and at lower costs. “It is significant that the European Commission has taken this position so clearly. In Portugal, we could and should have relocated forward sooner,” declares the CEO.
APPII also welcomes the emphasis on supporting young people, students, and more vulnerable populations through innovative solutions such as co-living or strengthening the supply of university residences, becautilize it characterizes as “essential” the creation of a clear legal framework for these models, distinct from local accommodation, that guarantees legal security, urban planning compatibility, and respect for condominium regulations.
“It is urgent to implement reductions in licensing times, taxation and construction costs, as this is the only way to increase supply and thus reduce houtilize prices. This will only be possible with a national effort and unity, with all players involved,” concludes the CEO of APPII.
Leave a Reply