In what is yet another step to try to solve the housing problem in the country, the State is open to buy private houses in the areas of Porto, Lisbon and Algarve, and then place them on the affordable rental market.

Interested owners have until this Friday, 11 February, to propose their property while being aware that there is a maximum value stipulated depending on the typology.

The properties (including buildings) or housing fractions will be sold to the Instituto da Habitação e da Rehabilitação Urbana (IHRU), but they must meet certain criteria. First of all, they must be located in the metropolitan areas of Porto, Lisbon and Algarve, in a total of 43 municipalities.

In the case of new construction, the properties must have the use permits issued and the works must be completed within three months. In the case of existing dwellings, these must be ready for use, without the need for rehabilitation or conservation works.

If the property in question is a building, it must have at least five independent units intended for housing and at least two thirds of the dwellings are of T2 and/or T3 typology and none of the others have a typology smaller than T1 or higher than T4.

Depending on the typology, maximum prices are set at: €213,000 for a T1, €295,000 for a T2, €373,000 for a T3 and €430,000 for a T4, according to the market consultation regulation.

Proposals must be submitted this Friday by any owner, whether individual or company, including real estate agents. After acquiring these properties, the IHRU will place them on the affordable rental market, in order to “guarantee access to housing for families that do not have a response via the market, namely populations with intermediate incomes”.

The municipalities where the properties can be located are: Alcochete, Almada, Amadora, Barreiro, Cascais, Lisbon, Loures, Mafra, Moita, Montijo, Odivelas, Oeiras, Palmela, Seixal, Sesimbra, Setúbal, Sintra, Vila Franca de Xira; Espinho, Gondomar, Maia, Matosinhos, Paredes, Porto, Póvoa de Varzim, Santa Maria da Feira, S. João da Madeira, Trofa, Valongo, Vila do Conde, Vila Nova de Gaia; Albufeira, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Olhão, Portimão, Silves, Tavira, Vila do Bispo and Vila Real de Santo António.