Shuttered homes of returning emigrants from the United States and Canada strain Terceira's housing supply

Houses that only open in summer

Altares has no shortage of shuttered homes belonging to families who emigrated to the United States or Canada.

Housing stock left idle

Owners retain a strong emotional attachment and have no intention of giving up the family home.

Inheritances split across countries

Fragmented ownership makes it harder to sell or rent these properties out.

Initiatives to bring these homes back into use

Tax incentives are being considered to encourage seasonal or long-term letting.

The view from those who stay behind

Residents of Altares who live in the parish year-round describe streets lined with rows of shuttered houses, particularly between October and May. Some say the lack of activity in these homes hurts local businesses, whose customer base shrinks outside the summer season. Other residents, however, understand the emigrant families' attachment to their homes and see no harm in the houses staying closed as long as they are kept in good condition. The parish council acknowledges that the phenomenon is not new, but says it has become more pronounced in recent years.

An architectural heritage slowly deteriorating

Several of these houses retain traditional features of Terceira's architecture, such as basalt stone facades and wooden balconies, which need constant upkeep against the damp Atlantic climate. Municipal officials warn that without regular use, some houses are starting to show signs of structural decay. Angra do Heroísmo town council has explored grant schemes for facade conservation, though these do not cover full renovation. Local architects insist that much of this heritage could be lost unless a joint solution with the owning families is found soon.

Comparison with other parishes on the island

The phenomenon of houses closed due to emigration is repeated, to varying degrees, in other parts of Terceira such as Doze Ribeiras and Cinco Ribeiras, though Altares has one of the highest concentrations on the island. Similar cases are also documented on São Jorge and Faial, tied to the same migration routes to New England. Researchers at the University of the Azores say the pattern stems from waves of emigration in the mid-twentieth century that still shape property ownership today. The difference, they note, lies in how well organised each locality's emigrant associations are.

Tax incentives, a route still unexplored

Council representatives are considering rebates on the municipal property tax for owners who put these houses up for long-term rent. The proposal draws on similar measures applied on mainland Portugal to bring empty housing back into use. Associations of Terceira emigrants in the United States and Canada have responded favourably to the idea, provided control over the use of the family home is guaranteed. The council hopes to present a concrete proposal during the next budget cycle.