Technical Data Sheet of Housing (FTH)

The Technical Data Sheet of Housing (FTH) is a mandatory document in Portugal, used to register the essential characteristics and information of a dwelling, as part of the licensing process for works or in the sale of real estate. This document is issued by an engineer, architect, or qualified technician and serves as an instrument to ensure that the construction or rehabilitation of the property complies with the technical standards and regulations, particularly those related to safety, quality, and habitability.

 

Main Objectives of the FTH

• Certification of Habitability Conditions: The FTH ensures that the property meets the minimum conditions required for habitation, including aspects such as structural safety, thermal and acoustic comfort, and air quality.

• Technical Documentation: It serves as a record of all technical information about the construction, such as the materials used, construction techniques, and specifications of installation systems (water, electricity, gas, etc.).

• Legal Compliance: The FTH is a way to ensure that the construction or renovation of the property complies with construction regulations, such as the Regulation of Energy Performance of Buildings (RDEE), among others.

• Facilitation of Real Estate Transactions: The FTH is required in situations of sale or rental of properties, ensuring that the dwelling is within legal and technical parameters, facilitating transparency and trust in transactions.

 

Content of the Technical Data Sheet of Housing

The Technical Data Sheet of Housing contains several crucial details about the property, including:

• Identifying Data of the Property:

  • Address and location of the property.

  • Type of construction (new or rehabilitation).

  • Number of floors (level, number of rooms, etc.).

• Information on the Construction:

  • Description of materials used (structures, coatings, finishes).

  • Type of foundation, structure, and finishes.

  • Climate control systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

• Technical Installations:

  • Water, gas, electricity, sewage, and telecommunications installations.

  • Safety equipment, such as alarms and fire detection systems.

  • Type of thermal and acoustic insulation systems.

• Energy Performance:

  • Energy classification of the property (A+, A, B, etc.).

  • Energy efficiency indicators and recommendations to improve the energy performance of the building.

• Accessibility Standards:

  • Information on accessibility for people with reduced mobility, in case of necessary adaptations.

• Licenses and Certificates:

  • References to legal documents that certify the legality of the construction or renovation, such as building permits, energy performance certificates, etc.

 

Importance of the Technical Data Sheet of Housing

• Transparency: It ensures that the buyer or tenant has access to complete information about the property, from habitability conditions to energy efficiency.

• Safety and Quality: It certifies that the property meets the safety and quality requirements mandated by Portuguese legislation.

• Compliance with Legal Standards: The FTH is a legally required document, and its absence or irregularity can result in legal issues for the property owner or the developer.

• Ease in Real Estate Transactions: The FTH simplifies the buying, selling, and renting process by providing a detailed and accurate view of the property's condition, which can increase trust among potential buyers or tenants.

 

Conclusion

The Technical Data Sheet of Housing (FTH) is a legally required technical document that ensures homes meet safety, quality, and energy efficiency requirements. It is essential both for guaranteeing compliance with construction standards and for providing confidence and transparency in real estate transactions.