Ribau Esteves, president of the Centre's Regional Coordination and Development Commission (Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional or CCDR), has identified an excessive level of fraud in applications for storm damage support. Applicants are reportedly falsifying declarations to claim funds for ineligible second homes or inflating repair costs, though officials maintain this is not the primary cause of payment delays.

The Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal or BdP) is advising customers to contact their banks if they face difficulties resuming home loan payments. The moratorium, which allowed for a temporary suspension of payments for families affected by severe weather, officially ends on April 28.

BPI currently holds 30% of the public guarantees issued under a government program that allows young people up to age 35 to secure 100% financing for their first home. The government authorized 18 credit institutions to participate in this protocol, which officially began in December 2024.

Housing prices in Portugal continue to climb, with the average cost of a home reaching 242,399 euros in 2025. While the market for used properties remains dominant, new construction has surpassed 300,000 euros on average, representing a strategic but premium segment of the real estate market.

The Municipality of Covilhã has announced a five-year exemption from the Municipal Property Tax (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis or IMI) for residents under 35 years old. The measure applies to those purchasing their first permanent home within the municipality. Mayor Hélio Fazendeiro stated the initiative aims to attract and retain young talent in the region.

The Bessa Stadium in Porto, home to the Boavista football club, will go to auction after April 27 with a starting price of 38 million euros. The sale follows insolvency proceedings for the club, with the stadium and an adjacent complex available for purchase either separately or as a combined asset. The facility has been closed since May 2025 due to safety restrictions imposed by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Protecção Civil or ANEPC).

Portugal's real estate market saw a historic milestone at the end of 2025, with house prices rising by 18.9% year-on-year in the fourth quarter. According to the National Institute of Statistics (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE), the average annual growth reached 17.6%, with sales transactions approaching 170,000 units. Despite this record appreciation, bank valuation data from early 2026 suggests the market remains on a strong upward trajectory.

The government has submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament aimed at resolving issues with undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas). If approved, the law would allow a single heir, a spouse married under a community of property regime, or an executor to unlock the sale of inherited properties. The initiative is part of a broader effort to increase housing supply in the market.

The government has submitted a request to the European Union Solidarity Fund for over 5.3 billion euros to cover damages caused by seven consecutive storms between January and February. The funds are intended for the reconstruction of public infrastructure and emergency interventions, particularly in the Central region.

The Environmental Fund (Fundo Ambiental) has faced significant delays in processing applications for thermal insulation support for condominiums. Despite the application window closing in December 2023, only 200 of 477 applications have been approved, with nearly 200 still awaiting analysis.

The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has introduced a bill in Parliament to stop the sale of state-owned real estate. The party argues that these properties, such as the building on Rua da Madalena in Lisbon, should instead be utilized to increase the supply of affordable housing.

Data from the European statistical office, Eurostat, shows that Portugal led the eurozone in housing price growth during 2025. Property prices in the country rose by 17.6% over the year, marking the highest increase among all member states in the currency bloc.

The Coimbra City Council is proposing a two-year partial suspension of the Municipal Master Plan (Plano Diretor Municipal or PDM) to facilitate new construction in riverside areas. The initiative aims to address the city's housing shortage and accommodate structural changes driven by recent mobility investments. Local officials hope the move will reduce restrictive rules and attract necessary development to the region.

Porto Mayor Pedro Duarte announced the closure of ten illegal dwellings in the city, including a basement hidden beneath a souvenir shop on Rua de Santa Catarina. The council identified these sites as exploitative and is offering emergency support to the residents affected. Officials estimate that over 125 similar cases of illegal accommodation may exist throughout the city.

Local authorities across 159 municipalities have initiated procedures to potentially cancel local accommodation (Alojamento Local) registrations. Officials have opened approximately 35,000 cases, requiring a formal hearing process for each affected property registration.

A delegation from the European Parliament's housing committee described Portugal’s housing situation as severe following a two-day visit to Lisbon. Committee president Irene Tinagli highlighted an alarming percentage of properties used for tourism and a growing gap between market prices and local wages. The group called for a better balance between the tourism industry and the need for affordable housing for residents.

Homeowners with variable-rate mortgages will see monthly payments increase by up to 18 euros this month as Euribor rates react to geopolitical tensions. Data from the National Statistics Institute (Instituto Nacional de Estatística or INE) shows inflation rose to 2.7% in March, largely driven by higher fuel costs. These market shifts are affecting both existing contracts and new loans, including those with mixed-rate options.

A study by the Institute of Public and Social Policies (Instituto de Políticas Públicas e Sociais) found that housing is the least protected right among those established in the 1976 Constitution (Constituição). While 42% of citizens believe the document reflects national aspirations, many feel the right to decent housing (habitação condigna) remains unfulfilled. The report marks 50 years since the publication of the constitutional text.

A new government proposal aims to reform inheritance laws by strengthening the power of testators to define how their assets are divided among heirs. The change would allow individuals to specify which specific properties or assets go to which heirs within the legitimate portion (legítima), a restriction that currently limits estate planning. Property owners should note that the reform also seeks to reduce the number of undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas) that often lead to legal deadlocks.

The government approved reforms to succession law to prevent properties from being stuck in undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas). Under the new rules, a single heir can initiate a sale after a two-year deadlock, and the deadline to accept an inheritance will drop from ten years to two. Property owners and heirs should note these changes aim to increase housing supply by resolving long-standing family disputes.

A delegation of MEPs from the European Parliament is visiting Lisbon this week to evaluate Portugal's strategies for addressing the housing crisis. The group, which includes Portuguese MEP João Oliveira, will meet with government officials to discuss affordable housing programs and the impact of current property market trends. Those seeking housing should monitor potential policy recommendations that may arise from this European-level assessment of the local market.

A new study from the Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal) shows that median-income families now face a housing effort rate (taxa de esforço) of 48%, well above the recommended 40% limit. In response to housing and competitiveness challenges, the government is reallocating 2.5 billion euros from the Portugal 2030 (Portugal 2030) EU funding framework. Those seeking housing should note that mortgage payments in some municipalities have nearly doubled over the last four years.

Update: Bank of Portugal reports 140% house price rise since 2016

The Bank of Portugal reports that housing prices have surged by 140% between 2016 and 2025, with bank valuations reaching a new record of 2,122 euros per square meter in February. In response to the crisis, the Lisbon City Council (Câmara Municipal de Lisboa) has approved a 128 million euro investment to renovate housing and public infrastructure through municipal agencies. Lisbon residents should note that this funding targets both affordable rentals and local schools.

A new analysis indicates that Portugal is among the Eurozone countries most affected by European Central Bank (Banco Central Europeu) interest rate increases. Because a high proportion of Portuguese mortgages (crédito habitação) have variable rates, rising costs lead to a sharper contraction in household spending compared to other European nations. Economists also warn that the national economy is showing signs of slowing down due to broader European trends and geopolitical tensions. Those with variable-rate mortgages should monitor ECB policy shifts closely for impacts on their monthly budgets.

The Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira or AT) has ruled that delays in municipal licensing do not justify extending the 36-month deadline for reinvesting capital gains from a primary residence. This means taxpayers who fail to complete a new home purchase within the legal timeframe due to bureaucratic delays will still face Personal Income Tax (Imposto sobre o Rendimento de Pessoas Singulares or IRS) on those gains. Tax-paying residents should note that the AT maintains a strict interpretation of the law regardless of external delays.

The total value of housing sales in Madeira fell to €968.8 million in 2025, a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. Data from the Regional Directorate of Statistics (Direção Regional de Estatística) shows a particularly sharp 30.9% decline in the sale of new homes. Property owners and potential buyers in the archipelago should note that while new builds saw a slump, the market for existing homes remained more resilient.

Protesters gathered in 16 cities, including Lisbon and Porto, to demonstrate against rising property prices and recent government measures. The platform Home to Live In (Casa para Viver) organized the marches, calling for rent caps and an end to fast-track evictions. Residents should note that further actions are planned as the housing crisis continues to affect both locals and foreign residents.

Demonstrations took place this Saturday in several cities across the country against the Government's housing measures.

Update: Protests spread to 16 cities amid rising costs

Demonstrators in 16 cities criticized the government for failing to curb real estate inflation, citing an 18% rise in house prices during the final months of 2023. Protesters highlighted the extreme difficulty of finding affordable housing, with some reporting room rentals costing as much as €500 per month.

The Funchal City Council (Câmara Municipal do Funchal) has approved new regulations for short-term rentals (Alojamento Local or AL) to prioritize permanent housing for residents. New license applications remain suspended until July while the city implements these rules to manage the impact of the 3,600 existing units. Property owners and those seeking housing in the Madeiran capital should be aware of these tightening restrictions.

The government has rejected claims of discrimination against Portuguese citizens living abroad regarding access to property reconstruction funds. The Ministry clarified that support is available for primary residences but excludes second homes (segunda habitação). Property owners residing abroad should note that these subsidies are restricted to permanent dwellings and do not apply to holiday homes in Portugal.

More than 100 collectives have organized a series of protests under the slogan “It's not enough” (Já não dá) to demand better access to affordable housing. The demonstrations, scheduled for the coming weekend in several cities, show the growing gap between wages and rental prices. Organizers argue that recent government measures have failed to protect tenants from irregular rent increases and precarious living conditions. Tenants and those seeking housing should be aware of the protests in major urban centers.

The Casa para Viver platform delivered an open letter to the President of the Republic at the Belém Palace (Palácio de Belém) calling for the housing crisis to be treated as a national emergency. The movement is demanding rent regulation, mortgage relief, and a veto on legislation that would accelerate evictions. Residents should note that nationwide protests are scheduled for March 21 in 14 different cities.

The government has proposed new measures to speed up evictions (despejos) for tenants who fail to pay rent, arguing that increasing owner confidence will help the rental market. Critics of the plan argue it repeats failed approaches from the 2012 “Cristas Law” (Lei Cristas) and fails to protect vulnerable residents. Tenants should note that the proposal was discussed in a recent Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) meeting as part of a broader housing package.

Homeowners with a mortgage (crédito habitação) that is due for review in April will see an increase in their monthly bank repayments. While the impact on very recent contracts may be limited, those with older variable-rate agreements face higher costs due to interest rate trends. Mortgage-holders should note that many younger borrowers are increasingly opting for mixed interest rates (taxas mistas) to ensure more predictable monthly costs.

The government is preparing changes to housing policy that would allow one heir to force the sale of an inherited property even if others disagree. The plan also includes measures to accelerate evictions for non-compliance to encourage more owners to put houses on the rental market. While the government is ending the previous policy of forced leasing (arrendamento forçado), critics argue the new “forced selling” measure is equally controversial. Property owners and heirs should be aware of these upcoming legal shifts.

The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses or ANMP) has rejected claims by Minister of Territorial Cohesion Manuel Castro Almeida, who blamed local councils for delays in housing reconstruction support. Mayors from heavily affected areas like Leiria and Alcácer do Sal argue the government has not yet provided the necessary funds for distribution. Residents awaiting storm repair subsidies should note that the dispute centers on whether local or central authorities are responsible for the slow validation of applications.

The government is set to approve changes to tenancy laws (Lei do Arrendamento) this Thursday to expedite judicial decisions for non-payment of rent. The measures, led by Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz, aim to restore landlord confidence and bring thousands of vacant properties back to the market. Tenants should note that while the reform targets persistent non-payment, the government has stated it will include protections for vulnerable residents.

Update: New rules for undivided inheritances and evictions

The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) has approved three bills to resolve impasses in undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas) and speed up evictions for rent arrears. Minister of the Presidency (Ministro da Presidência) António Leitão Amaro explained that after two years of an inheritance being accepted, a single heir can now initiate a property sale to prevent one person from blocking the process. The government will consult Parliament next week, aiming to finalize the laws by the end of the month.

Complaints regarding real estate mediation (mediação imobiliária) reached a historic high in 2025, driven by issues with property reservations and customer service. Many disputes involve the promissory purchase and sale agreement (Contrato de Promessa de Compra e Venda or CPCV). Those seeking housing should be aware of their rights when dealing with agents and ensure all reservation payments are properly documented.

The Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) has clarified that the capital gains tax (mais-valias) exemption for reinvesting in a primary residence is limited when a property owned by one person is sold to buy a home jointly. In such cases, the tax benefit only applies to the share of the new property corresponding to the original owner, typically 50%. Homeowners planning to sell a property they purchased while single to buy a new home with a partner should be aware of these potential tax liabilities.

The Portuguese government is putting five state-owned properties up for public auction (hasta pública) on March 31st to raise funds for national housing policies. The buildings, located in Lisbon and Porto, have a combined starting bid of €17.9 million, with two Lisbon properties expected to generate 96% of the total revenue. This sale is the first phase of a larger plan to liquidate 16 state assets to finance affordable housing initiatives. Those seeking housing or investment opportunities should note that the Ministry of Finance intends to channel all proceeds directly into public housing projects.

After an RTP investigation found that several properties were being used as clandestine housing rented to migrants, Mafalda Guerra — appointed in December 2025 as a board member (vogal) of the Social Services of the Lisbon City Council (Serviços Sociais da Câmara de Lisboa) — was exonerated. The report says rents were reportedly paid through an associate; Guerra told RTP some properties were leased to third parties who managed them. The dismissal follows public scrutiny of informal housing arrangements and will draw attention from anyone using or dealing with municipal social services in Lisbon.

Porto's affordable-rent programme will add 124 new apartments, with rents reportedly ranging from €525 to €950, after an Ageas Portugal investment of about €18 million to redevelop an old factory site in Campanhã. The project includes 124 rental units for middle-income households plus 27 homes for sale on the open market and is part of the city's 'Build to Rent' push to expand arrendamento acessível (arrendamento acessível). Those seeking rental housing in Porto should monitor official allocation rules and local council announcements about eligibility and application windows.

The average interest rate on renegotiated home loans fell in January to 2.81%, slightly below the rate on new mortgage contracts (2.84%) — a reversal driven by borrowers securing better terms in renegotiations. The fall was small (0.04 percentage points) but notable because renegotiation now, in some cases, produces a cheaper deal than taking a new loan. Homeowners considering refinancing should compare offers and ask banks about renegotiation options or switching to a new contract.

Foreign direct investment in Portugal fell 34.9% to €8.51 billion in 2025, the Bank of Portugal (Banco de Portugal) reported, while investment in real estate accounted for €3.905 billion of that total. Some outlets highlighted that foreign purchases of Portuguese property reached about €3.9 billion even as overall FDI dropped, signalling sector‑specific flows that differ from the wider investment picture. Property buyers, sellers and agents should watch for policy or financing responses that could affect prices or transaction rules. Investors should also track BdP guidance and any regulatory announcements.

Monthly mortgage payments will increase in March for loans indexed to the six‑month Euribor and fall for contracts tied to the three‑ and twelve‑month rates, Deco Proteste simulations show. For a €150,000, 30‑year loan with a 1% spread, a contract linked to the 12‑month Euribor would see a payment drop of about €15.38 in March compared with the prior review. Borrowers with variable‑rate mortgages should check their review schedules, ask lenders how the indexation will affect instalments, and consider repayment or refinancing options if needed. Those with outstanding loans should contact their bank or broker ahead of March adjustments.

A Diário de Notícias analysis argues that renting (arrendamento) is under‑used in Portugal despite the housing crisis, as the country remains culturally oriented toward home ownership. The piece suggests policy interventions and incentives could rebalance the market and expand supply for those who cannot afford to buy. Renters and people searching for housing should watch for policy proposals that could change tenant protections and incentives for landlords.

Correio da Manhã reports a real-estate businessman has been charged with 52 counts of qualified fraud, an allegation known in Portuguese as burla qualificada. The case is under criminal investigation and may affect buyers and partners connected to the developments involved. Those with ongoing transactions or contracts linked to the suspect should seek legal advice and monitor court filings for updates.

Data through Q3 2025 show Portugal's median house price reached €2,111/m², a 16.1% year‑on‑year rise, with transaction volumes up about 4%. Foreign buyers paid a noticeable premium (€2,889/m² versus €2,083/m² for national buyers), and the biggest regional growth was in Terras de Trás‑os‑Montes (+34.3%). Buyers, sellers and landlords should factor higher valuations and regional differences into budgets and tax planning; mortgage seekers may face tighter affordability. Those looking to buy should check local market reports and mortgage offers before committing.

Fernando Ulrich, non‑executive president of BPI, told parliament that information exchange among banks accused in the so‑called “banking cartel” was “highly beneficial for consumers,” pointing to historically low mortgage spreads between 2002 and 2013. The comments came during a hearing requested by Chega as a judicial process looks at alleged collusion in mortgage lending. Borrowers and those currently negotiating mortgages should monitor the case: legal outcomes could affect bank practices, compensation claims and reputations. Customers with outstanding mortgages or new loan plans should keep records and follow any consumer guidance from regulators.

The Lisbon Chamber rejected a motion from the Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda) demanding measures to lower housing prices; ten councillors voted against it, including members of PSD, CDS‑PP, IL, Chega and an independent. The vote signals limited appetite on the council for the specific measures proposed by the Left Bloc and leaves housing policy changes uncertain. Renters and those seeking housing in Lisbon should track future council proposals and debate outcomes.