Câmara de Lobos Resumes Public Housing Applications in 2024 After Nearly Two-Decade Gap
Câmara de Lobos has experienced significant gaps in public housing initiatives. The last major public housing project took place in 2007, with new applications only resumed in 2024. Political candidates stressed the need for sustainable long-term planning and maximization of existing agreements, noting that failures in previous decades have left the council struggling to meet current housing demand.
Camara de Lobos continues to be the council with the largest young population and also the one facing the most difficulties in providing housing.
Local Council Reports 170 New Homes Planned With 55 Already Under Construction by Late 2025
The municipality now reports that 170 homes are planned, with 55 currently under construction. Authorities are seeking additional areas under municipal ownership to expand housing projects and provide legal recognition for older residences. An official said:
We still want to identify other places, other areas that belong to the Chamber and also implement new projects (…) We also want to make lots of land for the construction of housing for young couples.
Political Parties Propose Faster Licensing and Digital Platforms to Simplify Approvals
Both the Socialist Party and CDS emphasized the need to streamline licensing for new and rehabilitated housing. The introduction of a digital urbanism platform is intended to accelerate approvals. Officials also stressed the importance of encouraging private-sector investment by creating simpler processes and clearer regulations to attract developers to the area.
Authorities Propose Tax Exemptions, Cooperatives, and Young-Rental Programs
The CDS suggested extending property tax exemptions beyond the current three- to four-year period to motivate rehabilitation of abandoned buildings. Other parties proposed cooperative housing models and young-rental programs covering up to 50% of residents’ income. Authorities are compiling an inventory of municipal land to allow cooperatives and developers easier access to construction sites, reducing costs and bureaucratic delays.
Source: RTP Madeira
Care for a share?
Comments