O Estado sabe onde estão as casas

In Portugal, the state possesses extensive data on property ownership, including purchase prices and rental agreements, yet this information remains largely inaccessible to the public. There are three main databases: the Land Registry, the tax authority's matrices, and the property cadastre, which together could provide a comprehensive view of the real estate landscape. However, these databases are not integrated, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of transparency in the housing market. Other countries, like France and the UK, have successfully made property transaction data publicly available, which enhances market trust. The article argues for a more open registry system in Portugal to improve housing policy and market understanding, emphasizing that while data protection is important, anonymized data could still provide valuable insights without compromising privacy.