Para relieve families stuck to a property with a heavy monthly credit, the exchange may be the solution. The exchange is a solution to be considered, which avoids being held hostage to the purchase and sale of property that can drag on for months, sometimes arising the possibility of having to resort to the lease, because a new address has not been found.
For DECO, in the context of confinement and the state of emergency, this can be a good option, anticipating even a breakdown in the housing market. It is more advantageous with regard to less tax burden and reduction of charges with monthly housing credit.
On the other hand, the most problematic in this type of business is the beginning. To make way, some real estate agents create "swap bags". The data are scarce, but the representativeness in real estate transactions is residual, as confirmed by the Association of Professionals and Real Estate Mediation Companies of Portugal (Apemip) to DECO Proteste.
Does housing credit change in the exchange? What about taxes?
The exchange does not imply changes to the housing loan agreement, since it only changes the property that serves as collateral. However, you can take advantage of this moment to renegotiate the terms of your credit.
As a rule, the municipal tax on onerous real estate transfers (IMT) and stamp duty are calculated on the property's asset value. In the exchange, it focuses on the difference of the values of the two properties. That is, if one is valued at 200,000 euros and the other at 270,000, the owner who buys the cheapest is exempt from IMT, while the other must pay it on the difference, 70,000 euros.
Is swapping better than rent?
Some owners choose to rent the old house to finance the new one. It should be noted that there is the possibility that the tenant will no longer pay the rents and the owner will have to bear the expenses.
Steps to swap
Source: Casa ao minuto | noticiasaominuto.com