The Housing Technical Sheet (HTS) is a mandatory legal document in Portugal since 2004, which compiles technical and construction information about residential properties. Created to increase transparency in the real estate sector, the HTS provides data about the materials, systems, and solutions used in a building’s construction, serving as a consumer guarantee and information tool.
Although often confused with the Energy Performance Certificate, the two documents serve different purposes. The HTS focuses on the construction process, while the Energy Performance Certificate evaluates only the energy performance.
Legal Framework of the Housing Technical Sheet
The HTS became mandatory under Decree-Law no. 68/2004, of March 25, effective since April 2004.
Main points of the legislation:
- It is mandatory for new residential buildings whose licensing project was submitted after March 30, 2004.
- It must be delivered by the developer or builder to the buyer during the first property transfer.
- Failure to deliver the HTS can result in nullification of the sale contract (art. 9 of the decree-law).
- The model and content of the HTS are defined in an annex to the decree-law, ensuring uniformity in its presentation.
Structure and Content of the Housing Technical Sheet
The HTS provides a detailed description of the property, organized by technical sections.
- Property Identification
- Location (full address).
- Number and date of the building permit.
- Date of use license issuance.
- Typology and property area.
- Identification of Stakeholders
- Real estate developer.
- Responsible builder.
- Designers (architecture, structures, specialties).
- Supervision and safety coordination.
- Technical Characterization of the Construction
- Materials used in foundations, walls, roofs, and floors.
- Waterproofing and thermal/acoustic insulation systems.
- Frames (window frames, glass, interior and exterior doors).
- Systems and Installations
- Electrical and telecommunications installations.
- Water supply and drainage systems.
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment.
- Sanitary hot water systems.
- Building Performance
- Acoustic and insulation conditions.
- Thermal requirements.
- Information on the energy rating (complemented by the Energy Performance Certificate).
Importance of the Housing Technical Sheet
The HTS is essential for three main reasons:
- Transparency: offers the buyer objective information about the quality and technical solutions used.
- Legal security: protects the consumer against construction defects or use of different materials than declared.
- Property valuation: builds trust, especially in new properties, and can be a differentiating factor in the market.
Obligations and Responsibilities
- The developer or builder is responsible for preparing and delivering the HTS.
- Delivery must occur at the time of the first property transfer.
- Falsification or omission of data may lead to civil and criminal liability.
Relationship with the Energy Performance Certificate
Although distinct, the HTS and the Energy Performance Certificate are linked in some ways:
- Both aim to promote transparency and quality in housing.
- The HTS contains technical information that complements the data in the Energy Performance Certificate.
- The Energy Performance Certificate is always mandatory for sales and rentals, even when the HTS is not applicable (properties built before 2004).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who prepares the Housing Technical Sheet?
It is prepared by the developer or builder before the first transfer.
- Do I need the HTS to sell a used property?
No. The HTS is only mandatory for the first property transfer.
- Are properties built before 2004 required to have an HTS?
No. Only projects licensed from that date onward are subject to this obligation.
- Does the HTS replace the Energy Performance Certificate?
No. The HTS describes the property and materials; the Energy Performance Certificate assesses its energy efficiency.
Conclusion
The Housing Technical Sheet is an essential document to ensure transparency and protect buyers of new properties by providing detailed information about construction and performance. Although mandatory only for the first transfer of buildings licensed after 2004, it remains an important technical reference for assessing property quality.
If you plan to sell or rent a house, remember: even if the HTS does not apply, the Energy Performance Certificate remains mandatory. You can request a free quote right now.
Contact us through the form on our website (www.engenatura.pt) or call us at +351 931 639 885. We are here to help!
