Portugal's Penafiel and Paços de Ferreira launch new housing initiatives for families and young builders

In Penafiel, Portugal, 18 families (34 people) received keys to a new residential complex in Irivo, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan with an investment of about €2.5 million. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz, who praised the municipality as a national reference and announced a symbolic €1 urbanisation tax for new housing projects until 2027.

Meanwhile, the neighbouring municipality of Paços de Ferreira continues to offer a total exemption from municipal construction fees for residents up to 35 years old who build their own homes. The policy has already helped several hundred young people reduce the cost of constructing their own houses, supporting the local strategy to retain and attract younger populations.

Both initiatives form part of broader municipal efforts in Portugal to increase affordable housing, reduce construction costs and stimulate demographic stability.