Alternative Dispute Resolution In the event of a dispute, the consumer may use a Consumer Dispute Resolution body:Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo de Lisboahttp://www.centroarbitragemlisboa.ptCentro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo do Vale do Ave/Tribunal Arbitralhttp://www.triave.ptCIAB – Centro de Informação, Mediação e Arbitragem de Consumo (Tribunal Arbitral de...

Decentralisation of authority over Local Accommodation (AL) to Town Halls Town halls and local accommodation have a new relationship. On 23 October, a new decree-law published by the government gave municipalities more powers in the area of Local Accommodation (AL). In this decree-law, new powers in the ‘attribution, regulation, supervision and promotion of intervention processes in Local...

Wooden Houses: A Complete Analysis of the Pros and Cons Wooden houses are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their many advantages. However, like any building material, wood also presents some challenges. Let's analyse the main points to consider before investing in a wooden house: Pros of Wooden Houses: Sustainability: Wood is a renewable and biodegradable material, which reduces the...

29 August Bath - Algarve 2024 Bath 29 August is always a highlight in the Algarve. 2024 is no exception. Find out the origin and what you can expect this year. Where did it come from? In a mixture of folk tradition and ritual that spans generations, popular belief has it that a bath on the night of August 29 is worth 29 baths. It is believed that, during the day, the Devil is on the loose and...

"You Have a Future in Portugal" programme for young people What is it? In May 2024, the Portuguese government announced a plan of measures to support young people under the age of 35 buying their first permanent home.These measures include exemption from Municipal Property Transfer Tax (IMT), Stamp Duty and emoluments, as well as government funding of up to 15 per cent (helping to obtain 100 per...

Can Money be Eco-Friendly? In an attempt to meet environmental targets, the Bank of Portugal is proposing to do just that. How is this possible and what does it involve?Go "further in its targets than the Climate Law itself," according to the vice-governor of the Bank of Portugal.With this objective in mind, Banco de Portugal is focussed on respecting the cash strategy. A strategy that the central...

PORTO OFFERS THE ULTIMATE GASTRO EXPERIENCE AND AFFORDABLE CHARACTER PROPERTIES In recent years, the historic city of Porto on Portugal’s northwest coast has been gaining recognition as a gastronomic centre for fine dining and some remarkable cooking, but without the pretension that a diner might experience in top restaurants in other parts of the world. In Porto and other towns across the country,...

The new ‘More Housing Bill’ intended to speed up housebuilding in Portugal Both property journalists and real estate professionals in Portugal have identified problems with the country’s planning processes and granting of licences for building new homes. The bureaucratic systems and long-winded timeline have caused delays for investors and developers in securing planning approval.So, news that...

Portugal Property Predictions 2024 Now that we're at the start of a new year, what are the predictions for the property market in Portugal? Is it worth investing or waiting? Are buyers confident enough to go ahead with new deals? Will prices fall or continue to rise? Find out the answer before you make a mistake with your business Portugal’s potential for property investment in 2024 Despite...

Unlike in the UK, but similar to many other European countries, the Portuguese celebrate Christmas on the evening of the 24 th December and Christmas Day is far quieter – more like our Boxing Day. On the 24 th December, it is traditional for all the generation of a family to share a late evening meal and eat Bacalhau (codfish), followed by their Christmas cake called Bolo Rei or King cake.This festive...