Backstage

What is an ARU and why does it reduce VAT on renovation?

An ARU is an area defined by the city council where building renovation benefits from 6% VAT. Since Law 48/2026, location is enough - an approved ORU is no longer required.

How is rental income taxed in 2026?

In 2026 it is no longer enough to look at the length of the contract: the rent amount counts too. Residential contracts up to €2,300/month, lasting at least 3 years, pay 10% IRS.

IMI and IMT exemptions: who is entitled in 2026?

There are at least four routes to an IMI exemption and three to an IMT exemption - each with its own audience, conditions and deadlines.

6% VAT on new builds: how the 2026 regime works

Since 1 July 2026, new construction of moderately priced housing can be invoiced at 6% instead of 23% - anywhere in the country, without depending on an ARU.

SIC: why it may be the right structure for a real estate project

A fixed-capital SIC - the former SICAFI regime - is a public limited real estate investment company, supervised by the CMVM.

7 Cascas, Cascais: licensing as it really happened, day by day

The first of three articles with real dates and figures from Reabilita projects. We won’t repeat that licensing “takes a long time”.