Brussels proposes that short-term rentals can only be limited where they worsen housing pressure
The European Commission has proposed, as part of its affordable housing plan, that countries and cities may restrict short-term rentals (alojamento local) only where they can show a significant negative effect on housing over at least three years. Areas under pressure would be defined by the ratio between house prices and income — 8 or more with a rise over ten years, or 10 or more. Restrictions would last up to five years and could be renewed. It is still only a proposal: member states and the European Parliament have yet to discuss it.
Why it matters for your move
If you are buying to run a short-term rental, the rules on where new licences are allowed could change — but nothing applies yet, and the current municipal rules stay in force until then.
This is Re-locant.com’s own brief, written to explain what the update means for people moving to or living in Portugal. For the full original report, see the source below.