Miguel Marques dos Santos is the author of the article 'Progress for the better, but with relevant exceptions', published by Magazine Imobiliário, in which he analyses the recent amendments to the Legal Framework for Urbanisation and Construction (RJUE).

In the article, the VdA Partner examines the evolution of this framework since the 2024 revision introduced under the SIMPLEX programme, highlighting the progress made in simplifying and clarifying urban planning procedures, as well as the continuity reflected in the most recent reform.

'The amendments introduced by these two statutes should be welcomed, both because, in general, they move in the right direction and because they maintain a sense of continuity, which should always be valued, particularly in situations involving a change of Government, as was the case,.'

He warns, however, of the impact of the new rules governing building works on plots forming part of urban developments. These changes could increase the number of projects subject to licensing, with consequences for costs, timelines and investors’ expectations.

'At a time when so much is said about Portugal’s image before investors and the urgent need to bring housing to the market, it is difficult to imagine a more contradictory signal,' says Miguel Marques dos Santos.

Whilst acknowledging the overall quality of the new legislation, Miguel Marques dos Santos calls for this particular issue to be reviewed, given its potential impact on investor confidence and the delivery of new property projects.