Lisbon. Chamber approves delimitation of the Rehabilitation Area

The Lisbon City Council approved a new Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU) delimitation, expanding its territory to allow more buildings access to tax benefits. The proposal, presented by Urban Planning Councilor Vasco Moreira Rato, received opposition votes from Livre and BE, with abstentions from PS, PCP, and Chega. The current ARU expires in March 2027, and the new one is set to take effect on January 1, 2027. The changes aim to include areas previously considered consolidated and address urban degradation issues. Critics argue the proposal lacks a clear strategy and may benefit recently developed neighborhoods without addressing housing needs. The Urban Planning Councilor emphasized that the goal is rehabilitation, not merely tax incentives.