Portugal approves decree letting a single heir force sale of undivided estates

The government has approved a decree-law implementing July's parliamentary authorisation to speed up the sale of inherited property that heirs cannot agree to divide. Portugal has 485,000 vacant homes, over half reported in good condition, and 3.4 million rural properties tied up in undivided estates. Under the new rules, one heir can demand a sale after two years without agreement. Heirs get six months to settle or sell privately before an electronic auction at independently valued prices, with a right of first refusal. The family home is excluded unless the surviving spouse consents, and insolvent estates fall outside the regime.