We continue exploring the best of Olivais Neighborhood and everything it offers to its community and visitors. This time, the focus is on green spaces.

Besides housing, the surrounding environment must be rich in leisure activities and spaces where we can walk, run, or simply rest. So, what does Olivais Neighborhood have to offer?

We will see that besides being an oasis of tranquillity for the older ones, there are gardens, parks, and great spaces for children. If you have a four-legged friend, there will also be plenty of space. Last but not least, it is important to highlight that green spaces are beautiful, pleasant and invaluable for your health.

An oasis of tranquillity

Although located in the heart of the bustling capital, Olivais is an oasis of tranquillity where green is not forgotten. The neighbourhood has various gardens, parks and true sanctuaries where you can relax, play, or enjoy healthy physical activity.

These natural refuges offer inviting trails for hiking, idyllic spaces for picnics, and lively playgrounds for children. They are authentic lungs of the city, vital for their contribution to the resident’s quality of life and their role in the community, hosting various events and festivals throughout the year. 

Benefits of green spaces for health 

In Olivais, with so many green spaces, you can surely enjoy the benefits of breathing fresh air and having shades to rest and escape the heat on sunnier days, among others. 

• Air Quality: It’s well-known that trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which helps to purify the air.
• Physical Activity: These spaces encourage running, walking, cycling, and playing sports. Physical activity helps combat cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes.
• Mental Health: Contact with nature reduces stress and anxiety and can help in times of depression. Improving mood, reducing feelings of fatigue, and improving concentration are other effects that can be noticed by spending time in nature. According to the largest global organization dedicated to tree planting, the Arbor Day Foundation, “urban residents are 20% more likely to suffer from depression and 21% more likely to suffer from anxiety disorders”.
• Immune System Boost: Some studies point to the likelihood that contact with nature is beneficial for the immune system, aiding in the prevention of diseases.
• Reduction of Heat Island Effect and Noise: Green spaces can help reduce heat, moderating temperatures in urban areas. Through denser vegetation, more barriers to the sun are created, generating more shade. Additionally, the sound of cars passing in the city is muffled by this barrier: less heat and noise for those strolling in greener areas with more vegetation.
• Social Connection: The greener spaces are conducive to socializing and spending good times with our loved ones.
• Healthy Child Development: For the youngest, these zones are ideal for cognitive and motor development, with races, games, and playful activities that favour healthy individual growth.

Silence Valley Park & Olivais Dog Park 

A clear example of these healthy green areas is Silence Valley Park. Covering an area of about 8 hectares, this park offers a vast number of trees, where imposing white and black poplars stand out. Its central lawn, flanked by well-maintained paths, is the perfect stage for running and walking. And don’t forget the bike paths, which extend to the Oriente Station, Parque das Nações, ideal for teaching the little ones.

Integrated into the Olivais revitalization plan, the park reflects the modernist movement to bring more green spaces to the urban environment, thus promoting a better quality of life for the residents.

The park also has an inviting children’s area, tables ready to host your picnics, equipment for physical exercise, and even a small snack bar for a well-deserved rest.

The Dog Park complements the offerings within the Silence Valley Park. Equipped with drinking fountains, obstacles, trash bag points, and appropriate fencing, it enhances your canine companion’s health.

Olivais Educational Farm

The Olivais Educational Farm is an excellent example of a green area – this space, with various animals and agricultural activities, allows children to learn about nature and rural life in a fun and highly interactive environment. This farm offers:

• Agricultural experience;
• Educational activities;
• Guided tours;
• Workshops;
• Gardens.

You can go with your family and see some animals, like donkeys, horses, goats, and cows, and possibly interact with these species for the first time. Knowledge is power, and seeing how life on a farm enriches our view of the world. 

Events in Olivais 

The vibrant green spaces of Olivais Neighborhood provide a refuge from daily life and serve as dynamic community centres that host various events and festivals celebrating local culture and spirit. 

During the summer months, the gardens and parks of Olivais turn into stages where the craft fair unfolds. This annual event, enjoyed by residents and visitors, provides a showcase for local artisans to display and sell their creations, such as traditional ceramics, jewellery, and woodworking. It’s a must-see opportunity to appreciate the richness of Portuguese creativity and tradition while enjoying the tranquillity and natural beauty Olivais has to offer. 

Olivais also offers gymnastics programs targeted at the senior population, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among residents. The “gymnastics +55” program, including “walking football“, provides a fun and social way to stay fit, making the most of outdoor spaces. 

These events and activities are not just leisure moments but reflect the essence of community life in Olivais. Each green space is an invitation to celebration, learning, and socializing. With continuous promotion and investment in high-quality infrastructures, Olivais continues flourishing as a neighbourhood of choice for those seeking an enriching urban life surrounded by vibrant nature and culture. 

Olivais Neighborhood: richness beyond history 

This neighbourhood has the essential green spaces for your quality of life, inviting children, adults, and canine companions to live here with the utmost comfort and safety. From health benefits to picnics, through physical exercise, you’ll find everything you need in this neighbourhood filled with green zones thoughtfully incorporated into the urban planning of 1960. 

We will have more updates in the upcoming articles about this historic neighbourhood in the heart of Lisbon but with the tranquillity and strong points of rural life.

Olivais Neighborhood Architecture — The History and the Legacy

The Olivais neighborhood is not as it was in the 1950s. Many olive groves, farms, and houses were part of the neighborhood. As we know it today, it only began to take shape in the mid-1960s, following the principles of the Athens Charter (1933), a document that defined the concept of modern urbanism. But how does a traditional neighborhood with olive groves and farms transform into a modern urbanism icon?

The ambitious construction benefited significantly from the support of the Estado Novo, which provided some financial relief, primarily due to the housing shortage and the need to start building new homes for the inhabitants of Lisbon.

The Influence of the Athens Charter on the Olivais Neighborhood

The Athens Charter undeniably influenced the planning and urbanism of the Olivais neighborhood, as well as housing. There was a clear indication of the need to provide decent housing for all, with healthy and well-designed living spaces.

Beyond these aspects, the creation of well-defined functional areas for residence, work, and recreation was essential for the better quality of life of the inhabitants.

Green spaces and mobility were equally important factors drawn from this document, which strongly influenced the guidelines for the construction of the Olivais neighborhood.

The City Within the City in Olivais

Located in the northern part of Lisbon, the Olivais neighborhood represents a significant milestone in the history of Portuguese urbanism and architecture. In the 1960s, the Olivais project was an attempt to create a “city within the city” – a self-sufficient community that would provide its residents with all the necessary amenities, from housing to commerce, schools, and recreational spaces. This concept is deeply rooted in the principles of modernism, which valued functionality and efficiency, ratified by the Athens Charter.

The Main Church of Santa Maria dos Olivais

It is impossible to discuss Olivais and its architecture without mentioning the Main Church of Santa Maria dos Olivais, which plays a fundamental role in the history of the neighborhood. Founded in the early 14th century in the Gothic style, it has accumulated a rich history over more than 600 years. Some important dates in its history include:

The Main Church of Santa Maria dos Olivais is a rectangular building with multiple roofs and a main façade highlighted by stone pillars, a central portal, and a large window. Inside, we find a single nave with walls imitating marble, a decorated vaulted ceiling, a raised choir, and two rectangular chapels. The main chapel is rich in details, featuring paintings, tiles, a golden altar, and a dressing room with a throne.

This church is an important architectural landmark in Olivais, representing the rich history of the region and serving as a place of worship and celebrations, such as the Patron Saint Festival in May, which unites the community.

The strategic choice of the church’s location between Sacavém and the Tejo was made to meet the needs of the population, who faced difficulties reaching the churches in Lisbon and Sacavém due to poor connections and considerable distance, especially during harsh winters.

Urban Planning of Olivais

The buildings in Olivais are generally characterized by the modernist style. Modernism, an architectural movement that emerged in the early 20th century, advocated for the use of new materials and construction technologies, as well as the simplification of forms and the abolition of unnecessary details.

In Olivais, this translated into functionally designed apartment buildings, with an emphasis on straight lines and geometric shapes. The goal was to maximize the available space, providing a good level of comfort and natural light, simultaneously.

The urban planning of Olivais also reflects modernist ideas. The layout of the streets was planned radially, an approach that was quite advanced for its time and aimed to improve traffic flow and facilitate orientation within the neighborhood.

Olivais’ Green Spaces

Alongside urban planning, great importance was given to the creation of green spaces, incorporating various parks and recreation areas, in line with the “garden-city” concept. This concept was very popular in 20th-century urban planning, promoting the integration of natural areas into the urban environment.

These spaces contribute significantly to improving the standard of living, air quality, and the shade provided by the meticulous landscaping architecture’s afforestation.

The Olivais Neighborhood — A Landmark in Architectural History

The Olivais neighborhood features a functional architectural structure that favors both residents and visitors. It marked a milestone in the innovation of urban planning in Portugal, leaving behind an important legacy. It is crucial to continue discussing the history of neighborhoods as it confers higher value and raises awareness of the need to preserve and rehabilitate them.

 

Soon, we will be developing projects in Olivais, thereby contributing to the neighborhood’s growth and development. Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming projects. 

What is IMT?

Municipal Tax on Onerous Property Transfers or also known in real estate slang “IMT” is a municipal tax that is imposed on property transfers in all Portuguese territory.

The IMT is taxed on the Taxable Equity Value (also known in Portuguese as the VPT) or on the effective sale value of the property, whichever is greater. To calculate the IMT it is necessary to take into account 3 important characteristics of the property:

1. The type. Is the property urban or rustic? Urban has a higher IMT vs. The rustic property.
2. Property location. IMT value in Madeira and Azores is lower than on the mainland.
3. Purpose of the property. If the investor classifies the purchase for its permanent own housing it has, in some cases, exemption/reimbursement of the value of IMT vs. if he/she decides to classify the purchase as secondary housing.

 

What are the exemptions?

To encourage the transaction and reduce the tax burden on property transfers, the financial and municipal authorities have implemented certain exemptions that allow investors to save a large amount of money at the time of purchase/sale.

The main exemptions are as follows:

• Acquisition of real estate for resale. If an investor is buying a property, doing some refurbishment works (although not mandatory but normally the case) and then resell the unit there is the possibility of exemption of the IMT value if the initial purchase and then the resale is made in the same calendar year.
• Acquisition of properties for urban rehabilitation. In these cases, there is a refund of the amount of the IMT applied if the investor decides to submit an architectural project to rehabilitate the property.
• Acquisition of buildings or autonomous fractions where the destination is of touristic use. Very common in the cases of investors who choose to build small “guest houses” or even local accommodation. Here the amount is also refundable after the deed.

 

It is also important to bear in mind that there are certain requirements to obtain a direct exemption. In the case of property rehabilitation, for example, exemption from IMT at the time of purchase is only verified if the individual investor is classified in Category B of the IRS. In the case of investing in a personal name, classified in Category G of the IRS, the investor is required to pay IMT on the transaction with no possibility of future refund. Always, check your financial advisor or lawyer so that you can reduce your tax payments to the fullest.

 

Conclusion

It is very important for the investor to take into account the purpose of the real estate investment in order to be exempt from IMT, after all, nowadays, an exemption from this tax can mean a reduction on average of 6% in the cost of buying a property, something that all investors will be willing to save at the time of purchase!

On February 12, 2021, with the law 14/2021, the Portuguese Government changed the regime of residence permits for investment activities in Portugal, more popularly known as “Golden Visa”, which created great discontent among the real estate sector and most importantly amongst the international clients looking to invest in Portugal.

The amendment that comes into force on the 1st of January 2022 limited the possible investment for the inland territories, excluding direct real estate investment in the large cities of Lisbon and Porto, with the exception of commercial properties that will continue to be covered by the program. The majority of real estate investments, namely residential, will no longer be eligible for investment in Lisbon and Porto, which was the greatest interest of international clients, not only for the beauty, but also for the income that these cities offered.

With this change, cities such as Alcácer do Sal are becoming quite popular for Golden Visa customers. Internationally, customers already seem to be looking at alternatives to Lisbon and Porto in order to invest and have their Golden Visa guaranteed. Alcácer do Sal, due to its proximity to Lisbon, Setúbal, the beaches of Comporta and, in the future, to the new airport south of the Tagus, will benefit greatly from this international demand.

Portugal’s Golden Visa program is now in its 10th year of adoption and represents one of Europe’s most successful residency-by-investment options. To date, more than 10,000 applicants have secured a Golden Visa. For real estate investors seeking to purchase property for immigration purposes, the Golden Visa is your golden ticket to a fresh start.

Here’s what you need to know about the Golden Visa program and how it works.

 

What is Portugal’s Golden Visa Program?

 

Portugal established the Golden Visa program as a way to provide permanent residency options in exchange for a five-year investment in Portugal’s economy. Applicants receive all the benefits of a permanent residency visa in the country, including a faster path to citizenship (more on benefits of a golden visa in a moment).

In return, Portugal pumps money into its economy via a sizable investment from the visa holder. Applicants can choose how to make this investment in several ways:

• A direct money transfer of at least €1 million
• Creating 10+ jobs in Portugal
• Purchasing real estate in Portugal with at least €500,000 in value
• Purchasing real estate in an urban area of Portugal that’s at least 30+ years old with the intention of revitalizing it AND has a value of at least €350,000
• Investing in scientific research (minimum of €350,000)
• Contributing at least €250,000 to cultural or arts productions
• Contributing at least €350,000 to a venture capital fund headquartered in Portugal and has been in business for at least five years
• Investing at least €350,000 in a Portuguese company and creating 5+ jobs lasting at least three years
• Investing €500,000 or more in a project related to organic farming, eco-tourism, carbon neutrality, or renewable energy

Once your Golden Visa has been established, you must maintain your investment for at least five years from the date of your visa. In addition, you must reside in Portugal for at least seven days during your first year. This period can be consecutive or non-consecutive. From there, you must spend at least 14 total days within Portugal every two years.

 

The Benefits of a Golden Visa in Portugal

There’s more than one way to gain a visa for legal residency in Portugal. There’s also more than one way to become a bona fide citizen of the country. But applicants of the Golden Visa may find there are several additional benefits that come with this option compared to others.

 

Live, Work, and Study Like a Citizen

With a Golden Visa, you gain permanent residency in Portugal and can live life like a citizen. This means going to Portugal public schools or higher education, working at Portuguese companies, starting your own business, and owning your own home or property.

If you choose to live in Portugal full time, you will be required to purchase medical insurance. However, this also means you will have uninhibited access to medical care in the country, as well as other public services.

 

Freely Travel Within Europe

Portugal is part of the Schengen Countries. With a Golden Visa, you are treated like a Portugal citizen and can freely travel to any of the Schengen Countries without a visa. These countries include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Germany
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

 

At the end of your five-year residency, if you choose to become a permanent citizen of Portugal, you will be eligible for a Portugal passport. This passport grants you access to 188 countries without the need for an additional travel visa and is considered the 6th most powerful passport in the world.

 

Include Your Family on Your Golden Visa

One of the benefits of a Golden Visa is the inclusion of your immediate family. Rather than each person in the household having to apply for their own visa (and make individual investments), one Golden Visa will include all eligible family members, including:

• The applicant’s spouse
• Children under the age of 18
• Dependents under the age of 26 that are full-time students and not married
• The applicant’s parents over the age of 65
• This means one process to follow and one investment to make that will apply to your entire household.

 

Apply for Portugal Citizenship Faster

If you decide that you’d like to become a permanent citizen of Portugal, you may have an easier time completing the citizenship process with a Golden Visa. After five years of holding a Golden Visa, you may apply for citizenship.

To qualify, you must have a clean criminal record in Portugal and your home country, pass a basic language test, and not owe any outstanding tax payments.

 

You Don’t Have to Be a Permanent Resident to Qualify

If you decide that you would like a Golden Visa without becoming a permanent residence, there’s built-in flexibility. You only need to “live” in the country for seven days during your first year, and then 14 days every two years after that. These days do not need to be consecutive to qualify.

 

Who Can Apply for a Golden Visa?

Any international outside of the EU and EEE who can meet the investment requirements can apply for a Golden Visa. In addition, you must be at least 18 years or older and have a clean criminal background in your home country, as well as in Portugal. In addition, the funds you’re investing must come from outside Portugal.

 

How to Apply for a Golden Visa

Is the Golden Visa program right for you? You can start the application process online at http://ari.sef.pt.

We’re also going to cover the application process in more detail in a future blog post — stay tuned!

Index

• Introduction
• Tourist Attractions in Cascais
• The Booming Real Estate Market in Cascais
• The High Cost of Living in Cascais
• Monte Estoril: The Best Neighbourhood to Invest in Cascais
• Conclusion

 

 

Introduction

Located on the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming streets, and vibrant nightlife. However, in recent years, Cascais has also gained a reputation as an expensive place to live and visit. Despite this, the city continues to attract visitors and new residents alike, drawn in by the combination of its beautiful location and high quality of life.

 

 

Tourist Attractions in Cascais

Cascais is home to a number of tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. One of the main draws is the city’s stunning beaches, which are known for their clear waters and soft, golden sand. There are several beach clubs and restaurants located along the beachfront, making it easy to enjoy a day in the sun.

In addition to the beaches, Cascais is home to a number of cultural and historical landmarks. The Cascais Citadel, for example, is a well-preserved fortress that dates back to the 14th century. Visitors can take a tour of the citadel and learn about its history, or simply admire the views from the top. Another popular tourist attraction is the Boca do Inferno; a natural rock formation that has been formed by the sea over the centuries.

 

 

The Booming Real Estate Market in Cascais

In recent years, Cascais has become increasingly popular as a place to live, particularly among those who want a place close to the beaches and the city of Lisbon. This has led to a boom in the real estate market, with prices for both residential and commercial properties rising steadily. Many people are attracted to the city’s high quality of life, as well as its proximity to other major cities and airports.

 

 

The High Cost of Living in Cascais

Unfortunately, the high demand for real estate in Cascais has also contributed to the city’s high cost of living. Rent and property prices in the city are some of the highest in Portugal, and the cost of living in general is also relatively high. This can make it difficult for those on a budget to afford to live or visit Cascais, although it is still possible to find more affordable options if you look hard enough.

 

 

Monte Estoril: The Best Neighbourhood to Invest in Cascais

One neighbourhood that is particularly popular for real estate investment in Cascais is Monte Estoril. Located just a short distance from the city centre and the beach, Monte Estoril offers a more upscale and peaceful atmosphere than some of the other neighbourhoods in Cascais. It is home to a number of luxury villas and apartments, as well as several high-end restaurants and shops. While property prices in Monte Estoril are among the highest in Cascais, the neighbourhood is considered a safe and desirable place to invest.

 

 

Conclusion

Overall, Cascais is a beautiful and desirable place to live and visit, with a rich history and a lot to offer tourists. However, it is also an expensive city, with high costs for both real estate and the cost of living in general. Despite this, many people are still drawn to the city for its beautiful location and high quality of life, and the real estate market shows no signs of slowing. If you’re considering a visit or a move to Cascais, be prepared for the high costs that come with living in this popular destination.

Nonostante l’eliminazione dei batteri dal secreto prostatico avvenga dopo due o tre settimane di terapia antibiotica [6] e i sintomi unafarmacia24.com/maschile/levitra clinici della malattia non scompaiano nella maggior parte dei casi [2, 5 7], la terapia antibiotica continua a essere il metodo principale nel trattamento dei pazienti con CKD.