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.

A new government proposal aims to reform inheritance laws by strengthening the power of testators to define how their assets are divided among heirs. The change would allow individuals to specify which specific properties or assets go to which heirs within the legitimate portion (legítima), a restriction that currently limits estate planning. Property owners should note that the reform also seeks to reduce the number of undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas) that often lead to legal deadlocks.

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.

The government is set to approve changes to tenancy laws (Lei do Arrendamento) this Thursday to expedite judicial decisions for non-payment of rent. The measures, led by Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz, aim to restore landlord confidence and bring thousands of vacant properties back to the market. Tenants should note that while the reform targets persistent non-payment, the government has stated it will include protections for vulnerable residents.

Update: New rules for undivided inheritances and evictions

The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) has approved three bills to resolve impasses in undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas) and speed up evictions for rent arrears. Minister of the Presidency (Ministro da Presidência) António Leitão Amaro explained that after two years of an inheritance being accepted, a single heir can now initiate a property sale to prevent one person from blocking the process. The government will consult Parliament next week, aiming to finalize the laws by the end of the month.

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.