The Women in Real Estate (WIRE) initiative made its way to Portugal in early 2022, aiming to facilitate and promote networking among professional women in the real estate market. Already established in various European countries, the association, led by Filipa Arantes Pedroso, has seen significant growth since its inception, starting with 19 members and now boasting over 80. However, there is still much ground to cover. „What we want at this moment is to have a greater impact on institutions, even on the government. We want them to listen to us and hear what we have to say,“ reveals Pedroso to idealista/news.
Pedroso emphasizes the association’s goal of promoting women in the industry, as they are still a minority on panels at major real estate events. This mission was highlighted at the event „From Chaos to Solutions: Thinking Housing in Portugal,“ organized by WIRE Portugal on October 3rd in Lisbon.
Regarding discussions with the government on real estate-related issues, particularly the housing crisis, Pedroso mentions that while these conversations have not yet taken place, they are a priority for the upcoming year. The aim is for WIRE to have a voice representing all sectors within the industry, advocating for a different perspective that women can offer.
Addressing the housing crisis, Pedroso stresses the importance of stability and confidence in the market, especially in terms of fiscal policies. She points out the need for measures such as a reduction in VAT for construction and improved licensing processes to attract investors. Pedroso advocates for a political pact to address these issues effectively, emphasizing the necessity of cooperation across party lines.
Former Minister of Agriculture, Sea, Environment, and Spatial Planning, Assunção Cristas, echoes the importance of stability and confidence in the real estate sector, particularly in residential segments. She emphasizes the need for correct measures and legislative stability to build trust among economic actors in the market.
Cristas reflects on her past involvement in rental market reforms and the subsequent challenges caused by frequent legislative changes. She emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to shift the prevailing homeowner culture in Portugal towards a more balanced rental market, highlighting the importance of stability and predictability in achieving this transition.
Furthermore, Cristas emphasizes the urgency of addressing sustainability in real estate with professionalism, stressing the need to upgrade both existing and future properties to meet evolving legislative standards, particularly those set by the European Union. She emphasizes the importance of enhancing both the quantity and quality of the housing stock to meet the demands of a modern, sustainable society.
In conclusion, the discussions at the WIRE event shed light on the critical issues facing the real estate sector in Portugal, emphasizing the need for stability, confidence, and collaboration to address the housing crisis and drive sustainable growth in the industry.