Lisbon RECORD wants to temporarily suspend the sale of real estate to non-residents in Portugal

PAN proposes to temporarily suspend the sale of real estate to non-residents. According to IL, "there is no such thing as "good xenophobia", PAN says "it is illegal". The PAN defends itself - "for an exceptional situation, exceptional measures". "Let's stop ideological bias against each other and increase the supply [of housing]", IL defends.

The PAN in Lisbon municipality proposed on Tuesday to temporarily suspend the sale of real estate to non-residents in Portugal, which the PSD considers "illegal" and the Initiative Liberal (IL) warns there is "no good xenophobia".

"We are presenting today a resolution that reminds that the right to housing is a fundamental right and that this is not the case in modern Portugal," said Antonio Morgado Valente, the only deputy of the PAN (People-Animal-Nature) party in the Lisbon Municipality (AML).

In the resolution, the PAN notes:

• "the increase in tourism, gentrification, low wages in Portugal, speculation in the real estate market and, more recently, the rise in the Euribor rate have led to an increase in real estate prices, making it unaffordable for many people."

Regarding the temporary suspension of real estate sales to non-residents in Portugal, IL MP Angelique Da Teresa believes that such a proposal is "totally unacceptable" and warns that there is "no good xenophobia". "Let's stop the ideological bias against each other and increase the supply [of housing]", defends the IL MP.

From the PSD faction, Carlos Reis asked the assembly table about the acceptability of the motion, pointing out that it was "illegal" and suggested that the PAN withdraw it. "As a political will, it must be accepted," said PSD-PP MP Margarida Penedu.

In response to the warnings, the PAN MP said that "exceptional measures are needed for an exceptional situation," pointing out that Canada has taken such measures and believes that it could help address the problem of speculation in the real estate market. Nevertheless, Antonio Morgado Valente proposed that the resolution be referred to the AML's 5th Committee on Housing, Local Development and Municipal Works so that it could be reworked before voting, which was approved by a majority vote, with votes against from Shega and votes in favor from the others.

Among the PAN's proposed measures were:

• Reducing the tax burden on rents to stimulate housing supply,
• Increasing the amount allocated to youth rentals (Porta 65) and social grants for affordable or emergency rental housing,
• the creation of insurance policies to compensate for rent payments in case of non-fulfillment of obligations,
• exemption from income tax when selling permanent housing with proof of fiscal residency for at least five years.

According to the proposal from the PCF, the assembly approved the demand for the government to "take the necessary measures to address housing needs as outlined in the Local Housing Strategy of the municipality, using appropriate financial resources." Including the resolution "on effective measures to reduce rental costs and mortgage payments, ensuring the right to housing," this proposal was approved with votes against from the Shiga and PPM parties, abstentions from the SHDS and SDS-PP parties, and votes in favor from BE, Livre, PEV, PCF, PS, PAN, IL, MPT, Alliance, and two independent deputies elected by the PS/Livre coalition.

The other two points of the PCP resolution were rejected, including votes against from the PS and SDS, which involved reducing the cost of payments when purchasing one's own housing, so that banks would be held accountable for increasing interest rates, along with the introduction of a moratorium on the repayment of part of the principal and a reduction in rental costs with a cap on rent increases.

The resolution by the PEW regarding the need for the government to consider making public transport free for young people under 23, even if they are not studying; for students over 23, regardless of their type of education; for unemployed individuals; and for people over 65, was also rejected with votes against from the PS and SDS.