U C HOMES

One of the biggest misunderstandings expats have about renting in Portugal is the idea of early termination . Many people believe that as long as they “give notice”, they can leave whenever they want. That is not how Portuguese tenancy law works . Here is the key rule you need to understand: 👉 Early termination is only possible after one third (1/3) of the initial contract term has elapsed. 👉 The notice period only starts counting after that point. These are two separate steps — and both are mandatory. How this works in practice 🔹 2-year contract Total term: 24 months 1/3 of the term: 8 months Legal notice period: 120 days (~4 months) ➡️ Earliest penalty-free exit: around 12 months after the contract start. This does not mean the contract is “one year”. It means the law allows a limited early-exit window under strict conditions. 🔹 1-year contract Total term: 12 months 1/3 of the term: 4 months Notice period: 120 days (~4 months) ➡️ Earliest p...

 For expats planning their move to Portugal This is a friendly—but very real—market reality check. Over the past few years, rents in Braga have risen steadily . At the same time, expectations among incoming expats have also risen. Unfortunately, budgets often haven’t . Here’s the key point many couples (especially retirees) only realise too late: 👉 Finding a good apartment above a T1 for under €1,000/month in Braga is now the exception, not the rule. For T2 and T3 units, the market median is already above €1,000 , and in well-located, well-maintained properties, often well above that. The mismatch I see every week Many retired couples: want space (T2 or T3) want central or “walkable” locations want quiet, light, comfort, sometimes parking but don’t want—or simply can’t—go above €900–€1,000 There’s nothing wrong with that budget. What is risky is entering the market without understanding how tight and fast it really is . Timing matters more than most people think O...

Where to live, what to expect & how much it costs Braga is compact, walkable and surprisingly diverse. But for newcomers, neighbourhood names can be confusing — especially when locals use references that don’t exist on Google Maps. Here’s a clear and practical guide to how expats usually describe Braga, matched with real locations, lifestyle and rental ranges. 🏛️ 1) CENTRAL CITY Best for: walkability, cafés, services, daily life without a car Includes: • Avenida Central • Praça da República / Arcada • Parts of São Vítor • São José de São Lázaro & São João do Souto Vibe: Urban, lively, convenient. Everything within walking distance — cafés, shops, gyms, schools, culture. Typical rent (long-term): • T1: €650 – €850 • T2: €900 – €1,150 🏰 2) OLD CITY (Historic Centre) Best for: charm, history, character, short walks everywhere Includes: • Sé de Braga • Rua do Souto • Largo do Paço • Arco da Porta Nova • Cividade Vibe: Stone streets, renovated buildin...

  Legal Framework, Procedural Requirements, Rights & Obligations for Foreign Tenants (Prepared by Ulisses Carvalho for international residents relocating to Portugal) 1. Legal Framework Residential lease agreements in Portugal are governed by: Civil Code – Articles 1022 to 1113 NRAU – Novo Regime do Arrendamento Urbano (Urban Lease Regime) Lei n.º 6/2006 and subsequent amendments Portaria n.º 98-A/2015 (Contract registration rules) Municipal regulations regarding habitation licenses (Licença de Utilização) All lease agreements — whether involving Portuguese or foreign tenants — must comply with the same legal standards. 2. Who Can Rent Property in Portugal Foreign nationals can legally rent property in Portugal even if they: are not residents yet have no Portuguese address have no Portuguese bank account (although it is recommended) Required documents: Passport NIF (Portuguese Tax Number) Proof of income (U.S. bank statements, pensio...

 🇵🇹 Mercado de Luxo em Portugal — Quem Compra, Quem Vende e Porque Estão a Surgir Mais Imóveis Premium no Mercado Portugal está a viver uma fase muito particular no segmento de luxo. Enquanto o mercado generalista desacelerou, o segmento prime não só se manteve firme como continua a crescer — em preço, em procura e em qualidade arquitetónica. Moradias contemporâneas com piscina, grandes áreas, acabamentos de autor e localização estratégica — como a moradia que apresento agora em Creixomil, Guimarães — começam a surgir com maior frequência no mercado. Mas porque é que este fenómeno está a acontecer? Quem são afinal os compradores deste tipo de imóvel? E porque é que mais casas de luxo estão a chegar ao mercado? Vamos por partes. 1. O mercado de luxo está a crescer — e a afastar-se do mercado tradicional O segmento de luxo é hoje um mercado quase autónomo dentro do imobiliário português. Não depende da classe média, não depende da banca tradicional e não responde da mesma forma às...

A história de Lilian Kopke e o aviso 'abafado' que Portugal enviou ao mundo por Ulisses Carvalho, U C Homes – Extraordinary Houses Transparency • Integrity • Local Expertise • Human Touch 🇵🇹 VERSÃO PORTUGUESA 🇬🇧 ENGLISH VERSION Vivemos um tempo estranho em Portugal. Um tempo em que as palavras “acolhimento” e “integração” soam bem, mas já não se traduzem, na prática, em garantias. O país que, durante anos, se habituou a abrir portas com um sorriso — a brasileiros, americanos, europeus — começa agora a mostrar a rigidez de um Estado ansioso, sobrecarregado e politicamente dividido. We live in strange times in Portugal. A time when the words “welcoming” and “integration” sound good, but no longer translate, in practice, into guarantees. The country that for years opened its doors with a smile — to Brazilians, Americans, Europeans — is now revealing the rigidity of an anxious, overloaded, and politically divided State. O caso de Lilian Kopke , pianista brasileira radicada...

From energy savings to consequences for our health and lifestyle. The practice of changing clocks twice a year — Daylight Saving Time (DST) / Standard Time — may seem like a relic of the industrial era, yet it persists in Europe, including in Portugal. In this post we’ll explore what lies behind this measure, what studies say about its effects, and why it matters for those living in Portugal (and for expats). 1. Origin and historical motive The clock changes gained prominence during wars (e.g., World War I) with the official goal of saving fuel (coal, lighting). Diário de Notícias +3 Wikipédia +3 euronews +3 In Portugal the first adjustment of clocks occurred in 1916. Diário de Notícias +1 Within the EU, the directive regulating the biannual clock change was introduced to harmonize markets, transport and avoid divergent timekeeping across member states. euronews +1 2. Official reasons vs. actual outcomes Officially: more daylight in the evening → less artificial light...