Works logbook: site supervisor signs only where one exists, new ministerial order clarifies
The second amendment to Ministerial Order No. 1268/2008, which sets out the model and requirements of the works logbook and the features of the electronic logbook, has been published. The revision corrects a mismatch created by Ministerial Order No. 71-C/2024, which required certain acts to be performed by the works supervisor even on private works where that role is not mandatory, either under the RJUE or under Law No. 31/2009. It is now provided that signing the opening entry, the periodic records of the state of execution, the certification of the conformity of those records and the signing of the closing entry fall to the works supervisor only where one exists. The monthly record of the state of execution remains, counted from the start date entered in the logbook, attributed to the site manager and, where one exists, to the works supervisor. For owners and developers, this reduces the risk of formal irregularities on works without contracted supervision — a matter with consequences for inspections, official records and possible administrative offences. The order entered into force on the first working day following publication, so it covers works already under way. Ref.: Ministerial Order No. 336/2026/1, Official Gazette No. 156/2026, Series I, of 13/08/2026.
Housing affordability in the second quarter: 82% of income to rent, 76% to buy
Idealista released its reading of the housing effort rate for the second quarter of 2026, putting rent at 82% of net household income and the mortgage instalment at 76%, nationwide. Among the twenty cities analysed, the rental effort is highest in Faro (101%) and Funchal (99%), followed by Lisbon (80%) and Porto (69%); on purchase, Funchal reaches 115%, Lisbon 99%, Faro 84% and Porto 82%. Only Guarda, Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Bragança, Beja and Vila Real show a purchase effort at or below the 33% reference threshold. The analysis notes that, in most larger cities, average net income can hardly meet the 45% maximum effort rate recommended by the Bank of Portugal. The methodology draws on the portal own asking prices and on incomes compiled by Statistics Portugal, so the figures read as a market indicator rather than official statistics. Ref.: idealista, analysis of the effort rate for renting and buying housing, second quarter of 2026, released on 18/08/2026.
7.5% property transfer tax for non-residents: their share of mortgage lending falls by more than half
The first indicators are emerging on the effect of the single 7.5% property transfer tax rate on home purchases by non-residents, applicable since 25 May 2026, with no access to the progressive rates or to the exemptions available to residents. According to idealista/créditohabitação data, loans formalised by non-residents accounted for 9.7% of the total in the second quarter of 2026, against 16.8% a year earlier, even though their share of applications remained broadly stable at 13.3%. In the same quarter, the average price of homes bought by non-residents fell by around 7%, to 364,633 euros, while the average amount financed rose by around 18%, taking the loan-to-value ratio to 74%. The regime provides for repayment of the tax overcharged where the buyer becomes tax resident within two years or lets the property at a moderate rent within six months of purchase, keeping it on the market for at least 36 months within the first five years. For foreign clients and Portuguese emigrants, this makes it decisive to plan the transaction before the deed. Ref.: idealista/créditohabitação, quarterly report on the mortgage market, second quarter of 2026, analysis released on 27/08/2026.
This newsletter is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For an analysis of your specific situation, please contact us.