Rising Euribor rates and inflation drive up monthly mortgage payments

Tuesday, 31 March 2026AI summary
Rising Euribor rates and inflation drive up monthly mortgage payments
Photo: Público

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.

Context & Explainers

The Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) is Portugal's official statistics office that publishes data on prices, employment, population and housing. Journalists, policymakers and buyers use INE's monthly consumer price index and housing statistics to track trends like rising property prices and regional shifts mentioned in recent coverage.

Portugal’s house prices have risen faster than the EU average since 2020, and recent reports list Portugal among the countries with the largest price increases over that period. That stronger price growth has worsened affordability in Lisbon and Porto in particular, so prospective buyers and renters should check local indices and mortgage costs before deciding.

Sources (2)

Continue reading