In the Azores, 362 new housing units are being built, for an investment of more than 43.6 million euros financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for the region.

This investment will make it possible to expand the supply of public housing for different realities and age groups, including young people, middle-class and single-parent families, without forgetting the most disadvantaged households with serious housing shortages.

Faced with the national and European challenges that the region is also facing in the housing market, specifically in the acquisition and construction of permanent housing and rentals, the Executive is implementing, with determination, rigor, and responsibility, the largest investment ever in public housing in the Azores.

Between 2012 and 2020, only 71 houses were built, representing an average of less than one house per year and per island.

The continued disinvestment in housing during those years has resulted in a supply shortage in the region, which will be addressed with the investment being made in new housing initiatives, including construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure development.

This is the case of the São Pedro village, in the parish of Maia, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande, on the island of São Miguel, where work is progressing on the construction of six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments, as witnessed this week by the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, “in an example that is being multiplied in different municipalities and islands”.

The contract for the São Pedro village was awarded in October 2024 to the company Marques, S.A. for 2.3 million euros, financed by the PRR, and is expected to be completed in early 2026.

In addition to the construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure of plots for sale, the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment, through the Regional Housing Directorate, is investing in adapting the support measures for construction, rehabilitation, and rental to current circumstances, namely the increase in rental costs and construction materials.

The 20% increase in rental incentives and the change in calculation formulas and widening of income brackets for the purposes of eligibility for support for self-building on an infrastructure plot provided by the Region are some of the responses that the PSD/CDS/PPM coalition is promoting to reduce the financial burden on families in accessing housing.

This year, the Government of the Azores introduced a new lease-purchase scheme, enabling Azoreans to benefit from modern and efficient housing solutions at prices compatible with their incomes. The purchase option can be exercised by the tenant one year after signing the lease.

In Diário dos Açores-Paulo Viveiros-director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.