In February, the European Commission chose Lisbon to present its plan to address the housing crisis, a problem driven by a lack of affordable properties and soaring costs for both purchase and rent. While Brussels aims to boost construction and regulate short-term rentals, these goals face significant hurdles, including labour shortages in an anti-immigration political climate and pressure from the tourism industry. Meanwhile, the financial burden on citizens is intensifying: Euribor rates are rising, and 2025 data shows a record 17.6% increase in housing prices, with transaction values reaching 41.2 billion euros. Despite these costs, demand remains high, particularly in Greater Lisbon. European Commissioner Dan Jorgensen has declared that having a home is a human right, yet without decisive political action, there is a growing risk that homeownership will become a privilege reserved for the few.