U C HOMES

 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...

Notícia do idealista: "O s preços das casas subiram 27% desde o início do Governo de Luís Montenegro." E há quem trate isto como se fosse um indicador de “confiança”, “dinamismo” ou “boa saúde do mercado”. Eu chamo-lhe outra coisa: falhanço político com selo neoliberal. Porque quando os preços sobem 27% num país de salários baixos, precariedade estrutural e jovens eternamente adiados, isso não é crescimento — é exclusão organizada . 📈 Subir preços não é progresso. É sintoma. O discurso oficial tenta convencer-nos de que isto é “o mercado a funcionar”. Mas o mercado, quando funciona sem regras, não serve pessoas — serve capital . Incentivou-se a procura (isenções, garantias públicas, facilidades de crédito), mas não se criou oferta pública, nem se travou a especulação, nem se protegeu quem vive e trabalha cá. Resultado previsível? Mais pressão, mais inflação imobiliária, mais desigualdade. Economia básica. Ideologia avançada. 🧱 Habitação deixou de ser direito —...

A double-edged reform Portugal’s fast-moving immigration overhaul has two very different consequences that matter: it pushes vulnerable migrants toward precariousness and it erodes the confidence of high-net-worth expats who sustain quality demand in the mid-to-upper property market. What changed — and why it matters Parliament has approved a revised foreigners’ law after constitutional revision. The government now demands tighter entry, pre-screening abroad, narrower family reunification, and ends the in-country “manifestação de interesse” process. Critics say the humanistic Portuguese approach is giving way to administrative control. “Portugal abdicates the humanist model that once distinguished it in Europe,” — Expresso , 23 Oct 2025 Meanwhile, the Lisbon Administrative Court holds more than 133,000 pending immigration cases against AIMA, signalling severe institutional congestion. Even AIMA’s own data admit that roughly 15 % of daily appointments end as no-shows due...

  Braga is experiencing significant growth — which brings both challenges and opportunities, especially for the international community that has made this city their home. 🏠 Housing: Population Growth and Real Estate Challenges Braga's population has reached a record 201,583 residents, up from 193,333 in the 2021 Census. This increase — also driven by the large student population from the University of Minho — is putting pressure on the housing market, making it harder to find affordable homes. Proposed solutions include: Public-private partnerships to increase housing availability Tax incentives to promote affordable housing development Supporting housing cooperatives and alternative ownership models 🚗 Mobility: A Need for Smarter, Sustainable Solutions Urban growth hasn’t been matched by smart mobility infrastructure. Braga leads European cities in daily car usage: 70% of residents use their car, while only 27% use public transport ( Expresso article ). Ideas ...