Lisbon's Vacant Properties Now on the Map: A New App Stirs Conflict and Opportunity
A new digital platform, 'Devolutos', is publicly mapping vacant and derelict buildings in Lisbon, creating a firestorm between housing activists and property owners. For foreign investors, this development is a double-edged sword, revealing both the scale of the housing problem and a map of potential investment opportunities.
What Foreign Investors Need to KnowThe app, which crowdsources photos and locations of empty properties, aims to pressure the government to address the housing crisis. The National Association of Property Owners (ANP) is threatening legal action, calling it an invasion of privacy. However, the platform's success—over 1,000 properties mapped in a week—makes the issue impossible to ignore. "This app, while controversial, essentially creates a public database of potential renovation projects," notes a real estate development consultant. "Investors can use this information to identify off-market opportunities in a city with a severe supply shortage."
Actionable Steps for Today's Buyer- Monitor the Platform: Use the Devolutos map as a preliminary tool to identify neighborhoods with a high concentration of vacant buildings, indicating potential for urban regeneration.
- Investigate Ownership: Once a potential property is identified, work with a local legal team to trace its ownership and legal status. Many may be tied up in inheritances or have complex legal issues.
- Understand Renovation Incentives: The public pressure from this app may lead to new government incentives for renovating derelict properties. Stay informed about potential tax credits or streamlined permits.
- Focus on 'Ruins' vs. 'Vacant': As the ANP president pointed out, there's a difference. Acquiring and renovating a designated ruin can be a complex but highly profitable venture for experienced investors.
Explore opportunities with realestate-lisbon.com.
