on Google
Innovation works are works that add something new to the building: a lift where there was none, solar panels on the roof, a CCTV system, chargers for electric cars or the conversion of a common space. They add value to the building and improve daily life, but they need stricter majorities than maintenance works. In 2026 there was an important change in Portugal: since 1 July, renewable self-consumption units only need a simple majority. We explain what counts as an innovation, which majority is needed in each case, who pays and how to prepare the vote.
In short
- An innovation is a change that creates something new in the common parts; maintenance keeps or restores what already exists.
- General rule: innovations need a majority of the owners representing two thirds of the building’s total value (article 1425(1) of the Civil Code).
- With 8 or more units, lifts and piped gas need only a majority of the building’s value (paragraph 2).
- Since 1 July 2026, solar panels and other renewable self-consumption units (UPAC) need only a simple majority in buildings with at least two units (Law 29/2026).
- Owners who voted against also pay, unless a court finds their refusal justified (article 1426).
- The administrator must present at least three quotes for innovations (article 1436(2)).
What innovation works are
The Civil Code does not give a closed definition, but the distinction depends on the purpose of the works. Maintenance works keep the building in the condition it should be in: painting the façade, waterproofing the roof, replacing worn-out pipes. Innovation works change the common property, adding something to it or changing its purpose.
| Works | Maintenance or innovation? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Repairing the existing lift | Maintenance | Restores equipment that already exists |
| Installing a new lift | Innovation | Creates new equipment |
| Waterproofing the roof | Maintenance | Keeps the roof doing its job |
| Solar panels on the roof | Innovation (special rule) | Adds a new installation |
| Replacing a broken gate | Maintenance | Restores what was there |
| Enclosing a common area for storage | Innovation | Changes the purpose of the common part |
If in doubt, the classification should be discussed before the meeting, because the majority required depends on it. We explain the differences between types of works in our guide to works in condominiums.
Which majority is needed to approve an innovation
The rule is in article 1425 of the Civil Code, as amended by Law 29/2026 of 23 June:
«1 – Sem prejuízo do disposto nos números seguintes, as obras que constituam inovações dependem da aprovação da maioria dos condóminos, devendo essa maioria representar dois terços do valor total do prédio.» — Civil Code, article 1425(1)
In plain English: innovation works need the approval of a majority of the owners, and that majority must represent two thirds of the building’s total value. Two conditions must be met at the same time: a majority of the owners (by number of people) and those owners must hold two thirds of the total permillage. A majority of those present at the meeting is not enough.
Lifts and piped gas
In buildings with at least eight independent units, installing lifts and piped gas needs a majority of the owners representing a majority of the building’s total value (paragraph 2). The law makes these works easier because they greatly improve living conditions.
Solar panels and self-consumption: the 2026 change
Since 1 July 2026, when Law 29/2026 came into force, installing equipment and running self-consumption units (UPAC) using renewable sources needs only a simple majority of the owners, provided the building has at least two units (paragraph 3). This is a significant change for condominiums that want to install photovoltaic panels on the roof and cut the electricity bill for the common parts.
Ramps and platform lifts for reduced mobility
If a member of an owner’s household has reduced mobility, that owner can install access ramps or platform lifts (where there is no suitable lift) without the meeting’s approval. They only need to notify the administrator 15 days in advance and comply with the technical accessibility standards (paragraphs 4 and 7). See our guide to reduced mobility in condominiums.
The limit: innovations that harm an owner
Even with the majority in place, some innovations are forbidden: in the common parts, innovations that could harm any owner’s use of their own property or of the common parts are not allowed (paragraph 8). Works that change the architectural line or the aesthetic arrangement of the building also need the meeting’s prior authorisation by two thirds of the building’s value (article 1422(3)).
| Innovation | Majority required | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| General rule | Majority of owners with 2/3 of the value | Art. 1425(1) |
| Lift or piped gas (8+ units) | Majority of owners with a majority of the value | Art. 1425(2) |
| Solar panels and renewable UPAC | Simple majority (2+ units) | Art. 1425(3), Law 29/2026 |
| Ramp or platform lift for reduced mobility | No vote; 15 days’ notice | Art. 1425(4) and (7) |
| Change to the façade | Prior authorisation by 2/3 of the value | Art. 1422(3) |
Who pays for innovation works
The costs follow the general rule: they are shared among the owners in proportion to the value of their units (article 1424). What about those who voted against? They are not automatically excused:
«2 – Os condóminos que não tenham aprovado a inovação são obrigados a concorrer para as respectivas despesas, salvo se a recusa for judicialmente havida como fundada.» — Civil Code, article 1426(2)
In plain English: owners who did not approve the innovation must still pay their share, unless a court finds their refusal justified. The refusal is always considered justified when the works are purely for luxury or leisure or are out of proportion to the importance of the building. In that case, the owner does not pay, but can later share in the benefits of the innovation by paying their share of the cost of carrying it out and maintaining it. It is the court that decides whether the refusal is justified; voting against and then not paying is not enough.
How to prepare the approval of innovation works
- Define the works precisely: what is planned, where, and the impact on the common parts and the units;
- Check whether a permit or notice to the municipality is needed. See building works that need municipal authorisation and the Urban Simplex;
- Ask for at least three quotes from different suppliers, as required by article 1436(2), unless the regulations or the meeting set a different rule;
- Send the documents with the notice of meeting, so the owners can decide with full information;
- Work out the majority before the meeting, using the list of permillages;
- Record the vote in the minutes, with the votes and permillage for and against, the amount approved and how it will be paid. See how to write meeting minutes.
If the works are paid for from the common reserve fund, remember that the fund is meant for maintenance costs; using it for another purpose means topping it up within 12 months (article 4 of Decree-Law 268/94).
Examples of innovations that add value to the building
- Photovoltaic panels for the common parts, now with a simple majority;
- Shared chargers for electric vehicles in the garage (installing an individual charger in your own space follows its own rules);
- A lift in older buildings without one. See lifts in condominiums;
- Video entry systems and access control;
- External thermal insulation, when it changes the façade;
- Bike storage or storage areas in under-used common spaces.
Condoroo manages more than 600 condominiums and follows works from collecting quotes to supervision. Before each vote, we explain to the meeting which majority is needed. Learn more about majorities at general meetings.
Innovation works: frequently asked questions
What majority is needed to install solar panels in a condominium?
Since 1 July 2026, a simple majority of the owners, in buildings with at least two units, under article 1425(3) of the Civil Code, as worded by Law 29/2026.
I voted against the works. Do I have to pay?
As a rule, yes. You are only excused if a court finds your refusal justified, which is always the case when the works are for luxury only or out of proportion to the importance of the building.
Is installing a lift an innovation?
Yes. In buildings with at least eight units, a majority of the owners representing a majority of the building’s value is enough; in other buildings, the two-thirds rule applies.
Can I install a ramp without the meeting's authorisation?
Yes, if a member of your household has reduced mobility. You must notify the administrator 15 days in advance and comply with the technical accessibility standards.
Can the administrator go ahead with an innovation without a meeting?
No. Innovations need a decision of the general meeting. The administrator can only act alone on urgent repairs, and must then call an extraordinary meeting to ratify them.
Can the reserve fund pay for innovation works?
The reserve fund is meant for maintenance. If the meeting uses it for another purpose, the owners must top it up within 12 months.
This article is for information only and does not replace legal advice on your specific case. Legislation checked on 26 October 2026.
