Lapsed Housing decrees RDL 26/2026 and 27/2026 repealed
In force on 1 October, repealed by Congress on 2 October.
Later: Approved again on 6 October as RDL 28/2026 and 29/2026. Status today
Monthly update · 7 October 2026
Property law changes for buyers: October 2026
In short: Portugal: deeds must state the use licence, and the 7.5% IMT for couples; Greece announces 15% for buyers from outside the EU.
What we found between 9 July and 7 October 2026, with the status on 7 October 2026. For the status of each change today, see the property law tracker (checked 2 November 2026).
Spain
Portugal
In force The deed must state the use licence
From 1 October 2026 (Decreto-Lei 108/2026), the deed must say whether the property has a use licence. A deed that leaves it out makes the sale voidable.
In force 7.5% IMT for non-residents: how it applies to couples
Tax Authority guidance of 4 September 2026: under community property, the 7.5% applies only if both spouses are non-resident and have never been resident. A refund can be claimed within 6 months.
In force Local short-let rules
Towns with more than 1,000 short-let registrations have until 31 December 2026 to adopt their own rules (Decreto-Lei 151/2026, in force since 31 July 2026).
Greece
Announced 15% transfer tax for buyers from outside the EU/EEA
Announced in September 2026, planned from 1 July 2027. No bill yet on 7 October.
Later: A bill followed in October. Status today
Announced Short-let freeze and VAT-free new builds to be extended
Announced in September: the freeze on new short-let registrations in central Athens and Thessaloniki to 31 December 2027, and the VAT suspension on new buildings.
Later: The VAT extension is in the October bill. Status today
In force Inheritance: heirs liable only up to the value of the estate
Law 5303/2026, for deaths from 16 September 2026.
Information, not legal advice: a change can apply differently to your case. Ask an independent lawyer before you rely on it.
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