Maria João Carreiro launches works contract to service 36 plots for transfer in Capelas, São Miguel - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, laid today the first stone for the servicing of 36 plots in the Nossa Senhora do Rosário housing development in Vila das Capelas, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island.

The works contract has a completion period of 240 days and was awarded to the company Albano Vieira, S.A., representing an investment of over €2.2 million financed under the RRP.

Once the plots have been developed, they will be granted by the Region through a public tender to 36 families and their respective households for the construction of permanent housing, thereby increasing the supply of affordable housing in Ponta Delgada. 

During the ceremony, held this morning, Maria João Carreiro praised the start of construction of this new housing solution, not only for what it represents for the "efficient implementation of the RRP" but also for what it means for the "future of dignity and stability" of families.

“A serviced plot is the basis for construction to proceed quickly, safely and at lower cost. With this public investment, we are removing obstacles, making investments more predictable and building confidence for those who want to build their own homes,” she said.

The Regional Secretary also pointed out that this is the last project launched under the RRP planned investment in servicing 145 plots in the Region, including 84 in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, with more than 60 currently in progress.

"Developing land means creating real conditions for increasing supply and ensuring that the dream of home ownership is no longer postponed," she said, pointing out that €10.7 million is being invested in housing in the municipality of Ponta Delgada alone, via the RRP.

Maria João Carreiro emphasised that the land allocation programme, whose eligibility criteria have been revised to include, for example, young people who were previously excluded, is compatible with other public support measures to reduce the financial burden on Azorean families seeking affordable housing.

As such, beneficiaries of plots granted by the Region may also receive financial assistance of up to €5,000 for architectural designs and support for self-build projects of up to €75,000, depending on the household size and income, as well as the type of dwelling being built.

Owners of private plots who decide to build their first permanent home can also benefit from support for the acquisition of architectural and specialised designs, as well as support for self-build projects, which has been increased by 25% in 2026.

"No other government has put so much public effort into public housing," stressed the Regional Secretary.  In this regard, she recalled that socialist governments spent two decades postponing the implementation of the Nossa Senhora do Rosário housing development, which is now beginning, failing to issue permits and causing deadlines to pass.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Regional Legislative Assembly, José Leal, Márcia Goulart and José Pacheco; the President of Capelas Parish Council, Silvia Rainha; the Regional Director for Housing, Daniel Pavão, as well as representatives of the companies Albano Vieira, S.A. and Tavares Vieira.