The Regional Government of Madeira has approved preventive measures covering around 29,000 sqm of land in Amparo, in the São Martinho parish of Funchal, to safeguard its potential for future affordable housing developments.
Approved by the Regional Government Council on 6 August, the regulatory decree seeks to prevent interventions that could compromise or increase the cost of future multi-family residential projects on the site.
The area is already served by infrastructure and transport links and is considered to have significant development potential. The measures are intended to preserve these conditions and keep the land available for future controlled-cost housing schemes.
While the measures are in force, certain interventions in the designated area will require prior authorisation from the Regional Secretariat for Equipment and Infrastructure, following consultation with Funchal City Council. These include new residential developments, construction, reconstruction, extensions, alterations or demolition, as well as significant changes to the terrain and vegetation.
The preventive measures will remain in place for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension if necessary.
The decision forms part of Madeira’s wider housing strategy, which combines public housing development with incentives for private and cooperative controlled-cost housing and the attraction of investment to the sector.
Through IHM – Investimentos Habitacionais da Madeira, the regional government has also introduced programmes aimed at diversifying housing supply, including the “Reduced Rent Programme”, a public supported housing scheme adapted to different household circumstances.
According to the regional government, the strategy is intended to address housing needs, support young people’s independence and help retain population and skilled professionals in Madeira.
