Temporary suspension of building sales to non-residents in Portugal: a PAN initiative in Lisbon

The PAN representative in Lisbon's municipal assembly proposed on Tuesday a temporary suspension of the sale of real estate to non-residents of Portugal, which the PSD considers "illegal" and the Initiative Liberal Party (PL) warns of "unhealthy xenophobia". The proposal is contained in a resolution in which the PAN defends "housing as a fundamental social right" and proposes 13 measures, including "the temporary suspension of the sale of real estate to natural or legal persons who are not residents of Portugal, with the exception of immigrants with residence permits. "

"Today we are presenting a resolution that reminds us that the right to housing is a fundamental right, and in today's Portugal it is not a''questioned the admissibility of the motion, noting that it was "illegal" and suggested that the PAN withdraw it. "As a political will, it must be accepted," pointed out PAS MP Margarida Penedu.

In response to the warnings, the PAN MP said that "exceptional cases require exceptional measures," pointing out that Canada has adopted such measures and believing that it could help solve the problem of speculation in the real estate market.

Among those proposed'. 'PAN measures included:

• reduction of the tax burden on the rental sector in order to stimulate housing supply
• Increasing the amount available for youth rent (Porta 65) and social grants for affordable or emergency housing
• Creation of insurance policies to cover rent payments in cases of default
• exemption from income tax on the sale of your own permanent home with proof of tax residency for at least five years

On a motion by the CAT, the assembly approved a requirement for the government to 'take the necessary steps to implement the program to address housing need set out in the municipality's Local Housing Strategy,''payments. Also rejected with votes against the SP and the DUP was a ZEL resolution demanding that the government consider exempting youth under the age of 23, even if they are not studying; students over the age of 23, regardless of their form of education; the unemployed; and those over 65.