Simplex 2024 · DL 10/2024
What Counts as an
Unpermitted Work
8
common types that transfer to you at signing
Enclosed Balcony
Open terrace glassed or walled in after original licence. Very common in Lisbon apartments.
€5k – €20k
Often OK
Loft Conversion
Roof space converted to habitable rooms. Rarely appears in original licensed floor plan.
€15k – €50k
Complex
Garage Converted
Garage turned into bedroom or living space - often marketed as a "bonus room."
€10k – €40k
Often OK
Pool Addition
Pools added post-construction require a separate Licença de Construção, rarely obtained.
€10k – €30k
Usually OK
Extension or Extra Floor
Lateral or vertical additions to the licensed footprint. Highest cost and most complex.
€30k – €250k
May demolish
Outbuilding
Separate garden studio, storage building or guest annexe not included in original licence.
€5k – €30k
Often OK
Covered Terrace
Roofed or pergola-covered outdoor areas added after original licence. Common in villas.
€5k – €20k
Often OK
Mezzanine Level
Intermediate floor inserted into double-height spaces. Popular in converted industrial buildings.
€8k – €25k
Complex
Legalisation cost by type
Minor works
€5k–€20k
Garage / pool
€10k–€40k
Loft / mezzanine
€8k–€50k
Extension / floor
€30k–€250k
When legalisation is refused
If the Câmara Municipal determines a structure violates zoning rules or setback requirements,
it can issue a demolition order.
Cost of demolition falls entirely to the new owner
No timeframe is given for when this risk may be enforced
Under Simplex 2024, there is no route back to the previous owner
Extensions and additional floors carry the highest demolition risk