Property rights news in Portugal

Six men identified for illegally occupying a dwelling in Faro

Suspects of Spanish nationality and Moroccan origin have been identified.

Getting to know the territory

Lack of funding may compromise essential work.

Abusive temporary confiscation of assets in criminal proceedings

For nearly twenty years, Decree-Law no. 11/2007 has allowed criminal police authorities to provisionally use assets seized during criminal or administrative offence proceedings. Vehicles, computers, and other goods can be used from the moment of seizure until a final decision on forfeiture or restitution is made, provided they are declared to have 'operational utility'. The author argues that this practice violates property rights, as the state is essentially using assets that do not belong to it, often leading to wear, tear, and devaluation. The process lacks sufficient oversight, as the entity benefiting from the asset is the same one deciding on its utility. The article calls for the repeal of this law, asserting that the state's duty should be to preserve seized assets rather than exploit them for operational needs before a final court ruling.

Report: Ultra-wealthy encroach on Portugal's coastline despite law guaranteeing public beaches

An investigative report highlights how the ultra-rich are occupying coastal areas in Portugal, challenging legal protections that ensure public access to beaches.

RFI15 Aug

After all, what is going to change in inheritance law?

Lawyer Raquel Caniço explains the changes in the succession law reform, such as the new role of the executor and how it will be possible for an heir to force the sale of a house, among other new features.

Braga City Council ordered to pay one million euros for reduction of building capacity on estate

The Braga Administrative and Fiscal Court highlights that most of the land was converted into a green area 'with practically zero building capacity, and even what is permitted is widely restricted'.

MAI: "Disorganized territory" increases hectares burned

Luís Neves states that the country has had difficulties in land management due to property reservation rights. Measures are needed to resolve these issues.

BE questions Government regarding company action in park

The Left Bloc (BE) wants to know the Government's position on a lawsuit filed by the company Palácio da Comenda, which is claiming ownership of the Comenda Picnic Park.

Can a beach be private? There is a case in Arrábida that could set a precedent

Five beaches in Arrábida are at the centre of a dispute between the owners of Herdade da Comenda and the State. A court decision made almost a decade ago has now regained importance in the proceedings.

The beach is not for sale

There is a gate on the path to the beach. Beyond it, someone claims a title to the sand. But there are things that go beyond titles, and the beach is one of them. A security guard notes the license plate, asks where we are going, and only lifts the barrier after the right word is spoken. On the other side lies the sand. Public, by law. Fenced off, in practice.

The beach has no owner

It is the old temptation to turn what belongs to everyone into the backyard of a few.

The usufructuaries

How many Albanians will visit the Albanian island that Ivanka Trump bought?

Herdade da Comenda goes to court and wants to prove it owns beaches

The lawsuit was filed in 2025. The arguments are dismissed by the Public Prosecutor's Office, which cites “inaccuracies”.

The beach is (still) the most democratic place in the world

In the case currently before the Setúbal District Court, more is at stake than just access to those five beaches in Arrábida. It is the defence of a right that we collectively must not give up. Opinion by Pedro Adão e Silva

Government says it does not force the division of inheritances, it 'only encourages' sharing

According to the government official, 'a single heir can block the sale of houses and land for too long', causing 'frustration among the other heirs', which is why the new law aims to 'create incentives to avoid the courts'.

23h Herdade da Comenda: owners claim ownership of 5 beaches in court

The owners of the Herdade da Comenda estate are taking legal action to claim ownership of five beaches located on the property.

“Something isn’t right” in way Portugal’s AD government is railroading people's lives in favour of foreign big business

"They are not for sale to serve a handful of millionaires": BE denounces attempt to "privatise" five beaches in Setúbal

According to a statement from the Setúbal branch of the BE, the issue concerns a legal process (4833/25.7T8STB) currently before the Setúbal District Court, in which the owners of Herdade da Comenda intend to alter the property boundaries to include the sand of five beaches up to the waterline.

Has Liga Portugal not yet set the schedule for the 31st matchday, scheduled for next weekend? - Polígrafo

A fact-check by Polígrafo regarding the delay in announcing the match times for the 31st round of the Portuguese football league.

Polígrafo17 Apr

Government proposes that spouses of heirs may also force the sale of undivided properties

A single heir will be able to force the sale process of an inherited property if, after two years from the allocation of the inheritance, there is no agreement between the heirs. This is the main novelty that may be introduced into the law if the Government's proposal for the creation of a new process is approved.

"I'll grab a chair, sit here, and let's see who tears this down": people against the demolition of houses in Aveiro

The construction of the Aveiro-Águeda road axis requires the demolition of six houses, three of which are inhabited. Owners criticise the low compensation offered. Municipalities guarantee that the project will proceed.

“We have to endure all this”: couple complains about low compensation regarding the construction of the Aveiro-Águeda axis

Second part of the 'Investigação CM' from this Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

“What are we going to do with our lives?”: Eirol resident to lose part of his home to the new expressway

First part of 'Investigação CM' this Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Building in Alcântara to be demolished due to Lisbon Metro line expansion. Residents outraged by compensation

Lisbon Metro proposed a value of 110,000 euros to the residents.

Alarm clock: Government wants a single heir to be able to unlock undivided inheritances

The government is proposing legislation that would allow one individual heir to unlock assets from an undivided estate.

Chega, IL and CDS question expropriations of new regime for reconstruction after the storms

The government assured that respect for property rights “is absolute.”

The problem isn't "signing without a lawyer". It's the lack of safeguards in a market where harm is predictable

Laws exist to protect people who lack the means, time or knowledge to monitor what the State and the market ought to oversee. If protection always depends on hiring a lawyer, housing becomes even more of a product for those who can already afford the extra cost of security.