American startup UZU debuts in Portugal with a novel idea: selling properties with usufruct rights. This innovative solution aims to help seniors facing escalating costs and limited liquidity, despite owning valuable properties. UZU's unique approach allows homeowners to sell their homes while maintaining the right to live in them through usufruct, ensuring financial security without giving up their homes.
By connecting sellers and investors, UZU's dedicated marketplace provides seniors with immediate cash from their homes without requiring them to move out.
Meanwhile, investors can acquire properties at a discount, with potential for future appreciation. This model aims to create social impact, respecting the emotional ties and autonomy of homeowners while offering investors a low-risk, affordable asset with liquidity options.
UZU's physical office will open in Porto, prioritizing transparency, legal security, and personalized support.
The startup partners with Century 21 Arquitectos and TELLES law firm to ensure robust legal frameworks and market trust.
Adapted from usufruct practices in countries like France and Spain, UZU tailors the concept to Portugal's market, addressing issues like public awareness and bureaucratic complexity through education and streamlined processes.
With ambitions to lead globally in usufruct-based real estate solutions, UZU aims to transform the property market into a more humane, innovative, and socially responsible realm.
UZU's mission is clear: properties can serve not only as homes but also as sources of dignity, stability, and opportunity for both sellers and investors.
As Inês de Castro, Head of People at Worten says, initiatives like UZU provide young people with a chance to witness large-company dynamics and feel they are genuinely contributing.
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