Benedita Pessanha explains what short-term lease is to Expresso
The Portuguese real estate market continues to undergo rapid transformation, with short-term leases emerging as a strong growth trend.
In an interview with Expresso, Benedita Pessanha, senior associate at Abreu Advogados, clarified the legal framework surrounding this type of rental, as well as how it differs from local lodging (Alojamento Local – AL), at a time when data shows a new record in the number of properties available for this purpose.
According to the Idealista platform, at the end of 2024, there were 3,599 properties available for short-term lease in Portugal — an increase of more than 50% compared to the previous year. Lisbon and Porto top the list of cities with the highest supply, reflecting increasingly diverse demand and the impact of legislative changes affecting the AL sector.
This rental category applies to contracts lasting less than one year and is permitted in justified cases such as professional, academic, or tourism-related stays.
“In the case of tourism, the law was recently amended to limit such contracts to a maximum duration of one year,” explains Benedita Pessanha. This change aims to distinguish short-term leases from the AL regime, which is regulated differently.
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