APPII supports Portuguese urban leasing reform

The Portuguese Association of Property Developers and Investors (APPII) has expressed support for a government proposal to revise the urban leasing regime. The association views the reform as an essential step toward increasing the housing supply and creating conditions for a new construction market dedicated to rentals.

APPII leadership argues that increasing supply is the primary way to stabilize prices in the long term. CEO Manuel Maria Gonçalves urged political parties to avoid turning housing reform into an “ideological trench” and instead focus on the potential for increased housing availability.

The proposed changes involve updates to the New Urban Leasing Regime (NRAU), the Civil Code, and the Code of Civil Procedure. Key measures include strengthening contractual freedom regarding lease terms, renewals, security deposits, and advance rents, as well as allowing for electronic communications and faster mechanisms to address non-compliance.