Portugal: Massive Tax Hike for Vacant Properties

Learn about the municipality of Viseu's new IMI instrument targeting vacant properties and the impact it has on property owners.

The Portugal’s Viseu City Council has recently unveiled a new tool in its ongoing battle against abandoned and decaying buildings within the urban area. The release of the urban pressure zone delimitation now allows for the increase of IMI taxes by tenfold on certain properties. This move, as stated by Viseu’s Chamber president, aims to push property owners to address the state of their neglected buildings or face significantly higher taxes.

The recent decree published in Diário da República outlines the delimitation of Viseu, which includes key areas in the city center, such as the ARU of the historic center. This strategic move is seen as a crucial step in addressing the issue of vacant and deteriorating buildings in the municipality. The designated urban pressure zone covers various locations, including Avenida 25 de Abril, Avenida da Europa, the northern entry to the city, and areas near Cava de Viriato, Nelas, and Serra da Estrela.

The Chamber president highlighted the importance of such urban planning instruments for municipalities, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent the proliferation of abandoned buildings, especially in inland regions. The implementation of this tool will prompt Viseu to conduct a comprehensive survey to identify and inventory all unoccupied buildings within the pressure zone, ensuring that necessary actions are taken to address the issue effectively.

In conclusion, the delimitation of the urban pressure zone in Viseu represents a significant step towards revitalizing the city center and tackling the problem of abandoned buildings. By leveraging this new tool, the municipality aims to promote urban renewal and preserve the architectural heritage of the region for future generations.