Latest news and stories about real estate in legal in Portugal for expats and residents.
The government has submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament aimed at resolving issues with undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas). If approved, the law would allow a single heir, a spouse married under a community of property regime, or an executor to unlock the sale of inherited properties. The initiative is part of a broader effort to increase housing supply in the market.
The government approved reforms to succession law to prevent properties from being stuck in undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas). Under the new rules, a single heir can initiate a sale after a two-year deadlock, and the deadline to accept an inheritance will drop from ten years to two. Property owners and heirs should note these changes aim to increase housing supply by resolving long-standing family disputes.
The government is preparing changes to housing policy that would allow one heir to force the sale of an inherited property even if others disagree. The plan also includes measures to accelerate evictions for non-compliance to encourage more owners to put houses on the rental market. While the government is ending the previous policy of forced leasing (arrendamento forçado), critics argue the new “forced selling” measure is equally controversial. Property owners and heirs should be aware of these upcoming legal shifts.
Complaints regarding real estate mediation (mediação imobiliária) reached a historic high in 2025, driven by issues with property reservations and customer service. Many disputes involve the promissory purchase and sale agreement (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda or CPCV). Those seeking housing should be aware of their rights when dealing with agents and ensure all reservation payments are properly documented.
Correio da Manhã reports a real-estate businessman has been charged with 52 counts of qualified fraud, an allegation known in Portuguese as burla qualificada. The case is under criminal investigation and may affect buyers and partners connected to the developments involved. Those with ongoing transactions or contracts linked to the suspect should seek legal advice and monitor court filings for updates.
Qualified fraud (burla qualificada) is a more serious form of fraud under Portuguese law that involves aggravating factors like organized schemes, use of false documents or causing large financial losses. It carries heavier criminal penalties than simple fraud and is usually investigated by the Polícia Judiciária; victims can pursue criminal charges and civil compensation.
