UGLOBAL . COM 15 will always set a timeframe for the works to be concluded . However , and as it usually happens , there is always a risk of delays or “ minor ” aspects that can postpone the final delivery of the construction . Most of the times the builder will try to claim that delays are caused by force majeure events or third parties ( for instance the City Hall who is the responsible entity for the licensing process ) - and insist it shall not be considered a breach of the contract . Although this might be true , it is important to establish some limits to such situations and control mechanisms to avoid that the investor is completely unaware and / or powerless .
Labor , health , insurances , taxes , extra works and permits are essential aspects during the work performance and can impact not only the timings , but also the quality , feasibility , environment aspects and costs of the project . As such , it is important to establish the party that is responsible for the same , as well as the terms under which such responsibility takes place and how to enforce it when necessary , especially in cases where outsourcing is something frequent . On the other hand , aspects regarding the intellectual property and right of retention of equipment and materials shall not be ignored in case the worse case happens and the investor is compelled to change the builder .
In this regard , one cannot forget about legislative framework and last minute changes in the real estate / urban policy . Municipalities can define their own urban and construction rules and the times ( usually 10 years ) such framework is amended . It is essential to be on top of the projects to find good business opportunities but also potential future restrictions or conditionings in terms of use , dimensions , requirements , restrictions to local accommodation ( airbnb ) use , between others .
Recently the Portuguese Government is pursuing a policy of incentives to make more properties available for long
“ Recently the Portuguese Government is pursuing a policy of incentives to make more properties available for long term rentals as well as affordable property for the purchase of local residents .
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term rentals as well as affordable property for the purchase of local residents . These policies some times can demand some actions of the current owners in terms of anticipating any kind of obligations or impositions , but can also create great investment and business opportunities due to tax incentives and loan conditions .
Last but not least , and given the fact that there are no travel restrictions , it ’ s always recommended for the investor to visit Portugal in person to visit the construction site or property to have a feel for it as well . Regardless of the technical and legal opinions involved , and given the amount of investment and the responsibility of owning a property , there is , in the end , nothing better than a trip to Portugal to assess if it suits the investor ’ s criteria and needs . In addition to it , coming to Portugal will also facilitate a meeting with the constructor or builder and that will help establish relations and for the investor to assess the situation by themselves . And with the good weather , good food and safety , what is there not to like when scheduling a trip to Portugal ?
SARA SOUSA REBOLO MIGUEL SILVA
Sara Sousa Rebolo is a lawyer and partner at Prime Legal , with more than 10 years of experience in the immigration sector . Rebolo holds a law degree and a PhD from the University of Lisbon . She is also the president of PAIIR – Portuguese Association of Immigration , Investment and Relocation . She has published several articles related to immigration matters , as well as participating in different conferences as a panelist .
Miguel Silva is a trainee lawyer at Prime Legal . He has been operating in the field of immigration since the start of his career . Silva holds a law degree from the University of Lisbon and is currently finishing his thesis to receive his master ’ s degree . He has attended several events abroad and published articles in newspapers and websites . He is a member of the Portuguese Association of Immigration , Investment and Relocation ( PAIIR ).