It was with a full house on April 30, at the Alísios Hotel in Albufeira, that the conference “built on rustic soil – the law”, organized by urban planner António Góis Nóbrega was held. The event brought together about 150 participants, including urbanism professionals, engineering, real estate mediation, political representatives and entrepreneurs.
The central theme of the meeting was the New Legal Regime of Territorial Management Instruments (RJIGT)changed by which opens the door to construction in only rustica measure with deep implications in the housing market, the planning of territory and economic activity in general.
A technical, political and social debate
The conference was collaborated with Order of Engineersas well ASMIP – Association of Real Estate Mediationas well Century 21 Realty Artdo Alísios Groupas well as Postal do Algarve e DiárioNline Southern Region.
In addition to the technical component, they were shared emotional testimonies of citizenswho denounced bureaucratic obstacles and unexplained decisions on the part of municipal councils. Situations that, according to several participants, have serious impacts on families’ lives and confidence in the system.
António Nóbrega assured that the conclusions of the meeting will be presented to the authorities responsible for the planning and management of the territoryin order to improve future processes and legislation.
What changes with the new soil law?
With the Publication of the new legislation on April 9, 2025it becomes possible to reclassify rustic land for urbanallowing construction for housing. However, the change is subject to rigorous criterianamely:
- 70% of construction should be destined for public housing or at controlled costs;
- A Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR) must issue an opinion (positive, even if not binding) in until 20 working daysotherwise considering tacit;
- Construction must respect the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) and be in urbanized area with essential services.
This new regime is valid Until December 31, 2028time when it will be reevaluated.
What are the costs to turn rustic soil into urban?
The process implies:
- Administrative and legal costs (IMI, IMT, licensing);
- Consultations with town hall and often support from specialized lawyers;
- Variable municipal taxesdepending on the location;
- Selling price limitsin the case of housing at controlled costs (maximum profit of 6% on the promotion cost).
For example, if you buy land for € 50,000 and spend another 50,000 € under construction, you can only sell 30% of housing at market priceand the rest will have to follow the Controlled cost limitscalculated based on official indices.
A conference that will leave mark
With a panel of prestigious speakers and a theme of high relevance, the conference “Build on rustic soil” confirmed itself as one of main urban debate forums in the country in 2025.
The findings of the event may influence future legislative and administrative decisions, at a time when the housing crisis and the urgency of simplifying processes They place the theme of rustic soil in the center of the public agenda.
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