Housing

Porto mayor plans to increase IMI property tax on empty homes in the historic center by 10 times

The Mayor of Porto announced a proposal to increase the Municipal Property Tax (IMI) for vacant or derelict properties within the city's historic center to 10 times the current rate, starting next year. The measure aims to encourage owners to place these properties on the rental market, noting that these homes cannot be converted into Local Accommodation (AL) due to existing containment zone restrictions.

Why it matters

If you are a property owner in Porto's historic center, you may face a significant tax increase on empty units from 2026, intended to push these homes onto the market.

Correio da Manhã· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Over 200 students protest in Coimbra against tuition fee increases

More than 200 students marched in Coimbra on Wednesday, 28 October, to oppose the government's proposal to unfreeze tuition fees and to demand increased social support for higher education. Protesters also highlighted broader systemic issues affecting students, including high costs of living, housing shortages, and difficulties in obtaining scholarships.

Correio da Manhã· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Housing

The State Budget debate in pocket version

The State Budget proposal passed its initial parliamentary vote with the abstention of the Socialist Party (PS) and the support of the ruling coalition. While the debate focused heavily on housing and recent police actions at demonstrations, the budget now moves to the specialty stage, where potential amendments regarding rent laws and social support remain the primary points of contention.

Observador· 1h agoRead original ↗

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Housing

Housing protest camp: "I withdraw the word 'relentless' with complete ease," says Pedro Duarte

Porto Mayor Pedro Duarte stated he retracts his use of the word "relentless" regarding police intervention at the housing protest camp in Praça D. João I, but maintained that the law must be enforced without exceptions for unauthorized occupations. He distinguished the current protest from other events, noting that the city authorizes manifestations when organizers coordinate with the local government, as he cited happened with a PCP-led protest on 25 October.

Diário de Notícias· 2h agoRead original ↗

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Practical alerts

Media-reported alerts

easyJet strike announced in Portugal for December · The Portugal News · 7h ago
CP strike scheduled for this Friday has been called off · Observador · 10h ago
Police take to streets for better pay and working conditions · Portugal Resident · 1d ago
IP3 closed at night next week for construction works · Observador · 5d ago

Live official alerts

Yellow rain warning for the Azores starting Wednesday, until Thursday.
yellow warningIPMA· Azores· until 09:00
The CP strike on Friday 30 October is cancelled and trains run normally.
CP· Centre +2· on Fri 30 Oct

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