The Municipal Social Housing Observatory of Porto reports that 28,180 residents live in the city's public housing stock, spread across 12,409 dwellings, and that the average rent is €77.06.
Porto City Council allocated 300 social housing units per year over the last four years
Tuesday, 20 January 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Local accommodation (alojamento local) means short-term tourist rentals—private apartments, houses or rooms rented for days or weeks—that must be registered and licensed with municipal authorities. Municipalities can suspend or cancel licences (Lisbon cancelled about 6,700 licences in early 2026), so travellers and hosts should check a listing's registration and local rules before booking or offering stays.
Social housing (habitação social) is housing provided or subsidised by public authorities so low-income households can access affordable rent or ownership. The Madeira government is investing €4.2 million to build 27 social-housing units in Funchal, a local project that increases affordable supply and can reduce waiting lists; those seeking housing should be aware that eligibility normally requires legal residency and income below set thresholds.
