Latest news and stories about affordable housing in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Matosinhos City Council has completed the handover of 512 housing units, with the final 105 keys delivered to residents this week. The project, funded by a €122 million investment, aims to increase the availability of public housing in the municipality.
The Lisbon City Council has unanimously approved the construction of a new three-story municipal building near the Jardim da Estrela. The project will provide 11 housing units, including studios and two-bedroom apartments, with construction expected to span 515 days.
Sonae Sierra and Solive have signed an agreement with the Porto City Council to build 331 affordable rental units in the Campanhã parish. The 'Cartes Living' project, expected to be completed by 2029, will be managed by the municipality under the 'Porto com Sentido' program, with the city acting as the landlord for up to 25 years.
Associação Zero advocated converting vacant or under‑utilised buildings into affordable housing as part of the National Building Renovation Plan (Plano Nacional de Reabilitação de Edifícios or PNRE), RTP reports. The group argues reoccupation can add supply without new construction; those seeking affordable housing or involved in renovations should follow PNRE rules and local incentives as the plan is implemented.
The PNRE is Portugal's National Building Renovation Plan (Plano Nacional de Reabilitação do Edificado), a government programme to renovate existing buildings, improve energy efficiency and encourage reuse of vacant or underused properties for housing. It bundles public funding, tax measures and technical guidance, so property owners, developers and those seeking affordable housing should watch its rules and incentives.
Associação Zero is a Portuguese environmental NGO (ZERO — Sustainable Terrestrial System Association) that campaigns on climate, energy and land‑use policies and often advocates measures like converting vacant buildings into affordable housing. Residents and people following housing or environmental policy should note its proposals and public pressure, which can influence local planning and national programmes like the PNRE.
Matosinhos municipality is facilitating the construction of 140 affordable rental units by granting land for 90 years, providing financial aid, and streamlining the approval process for housing cooperatives.
Portugal is facing a significant housing crisis, necessitating a shift in perspective towards renting as a viable solution. Traditionally a nation of homeowners, Portugal must embrace a robust rental market to address the needs of those unable to purchase homes. The built-to-rent model, which focuses on long-term rental projects, alongside public-private partnerships, can enhance the supply of quality rental housing. However, any strategy must consider income levels and the need for affordable housing solutions for the middle class. A diverse rental market, supported by effective public policies, is essential for creating inclusive cities and a balanced housing market.
The AHDPP presents itself as a “platform for thought, analysis, and civic action” focused on producing knowledge and participating in public debate. “Housing is not a sector, it is a foundation,” it argues.
The Housing and Development for Portugal Association (AHDPP), launched this Tuesday, September 15, aims to address the middle class specifically, focusing on affordable rentals by involving private investors and municipalities to scale up new construction and the rehabilitation of vacant properties. The association, which is non-partisan and non-profit, proposes a 'fair rent' model where no one pays more than a third of their income for housing. Association president Rui Miguel Braga noted that there is significant private capital interested in the model, provided it remains profitable. Secretary of State for Housing, Patrícia Gonçalves Costa, welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the government's commitment to working with civil society to address the long-standing housing deficit in Portugal.
There are 28 new apartments that will be built for Mação, which will significantly increase the availability and supply of homes, stated the Mayor, José Fernando Martins, to Lusa.
The Portuguese government claims to have already launched such measures two years ago, stating that Portugal did not wait for Europe.
The European Commission presented the Affordable Housing Act this Wednesday, a piece of legislation that aims to curb rising house prices and expand supply in European Union cities where renting or buying a home has become practically inaccessible. “A year ago, I promised to address housing affordability in Europe. Today, we are taking a step...
The City Council is moving forward without waiting for the PSD/CDS-PP Government. Luísa Salgueiro guarantees that more than 20 million will be recovered from the State. Ready in 3 to 4 years.
From Amora to Corroios, 12 two- and three-bedroom units were allocated to Seixal residents. The Affordable Rental Programme is valued at 2.2 million euros.
The Mayor of Matosinhos announced to Lusa this Friday that she will request a 40 million euro loan to build 500 affordable housing units, with one of the developments being exclusively for young people up to 35 years old. “We are a municipality that, in addition to execution capacity and good teams, has...”
The initiative is part of a strategy to increase affordable housing for displaced students, doctors, and researchers. The project will create 22 rooms for 29 people.
Homes ranging from studio to six-bedroom apartments will be available for tender, located across 19 municipalities in the country. The tenders are intended for individuals or households.
The programme ensures maximum rent caps for housing, with an effort rate “never exceeding” 35%. Maximum values range from 400 to 1,125 euros, for T0 to T5 properties, respectively.
The municipality of Odivelas has launched a new initiative to provide affordable housing options, capping monthly rents at 1,125 euros.
The City Council will grant surface rights to land for up to 60 years. Private entities, selected through a tender, will guarantee construction, and the council will collect rents. Investment funds are invited to invest.
The investment in housing funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) in the Azores is around 65 million euros and covers 767 housing solutions, the Regional Government announced. At the regional level, the investment funded by the PRR includes 142 new constructions, 480 rehabilitations, and 145 serviced plots, totaling 767 housing solutions, the executive adds.
Mangualde plans to rehabilitate the former Colégio São José e Santa Maria to house 30 units intended for affordable rental.
The president of the Benfica Parish Council, Ricardo Marques, points out that the choice of modular/industrial construction saved on building and labour costs.
The city council moved forward without waiting for national funding. Luísa Salgueiro guarantees that the loan will be repaid once public funds arrive.
The Intermunicipal Community (CIM) of the Leiria region has secured an extra 21 million euros for housing, according to its president, Jorge Vala. This funding is considered essential for the viability of the 'Viver Região de Leiria' agency. The total investment for the region's Integrated Territorial Instrument (ITI) has increased from 105 million to 135.75 million euros. The initiative aims to create between 350 and 500 affordable housing units across 10 municipalities, offering rents 20 to 40% below market rates to help retain young people and essential public service workers.
Plots to be sold at public auction have been “unused for a long time”, says the city council, which promises to reinvest the revenue. Alexandra Leitão claims the land will help intensify real estate speculation.
New affordable housing supply brings the total number of units managed by Porto Vivo to 588
Construction has officially begun on a new development of 28 affordable rental homes in Portimão, marking the latest stage of the municipality’s efforts to expand its public housing stock. The The post Construction begins on 28 affordable rental houses in Portimão appeared first on Portugal Resident.
An audit into the failures that led to the cancellation of a lottery a year ago points to a “risk of unauthorized changes to the system.” However, the city council states that “all reliability conditions are met.”
The Almeirim City Council is set to proceed with the construction of 168 affordable housing units, representing an investment of over 20 million euros. The initiative aims to counter rising property market prices in the municipality, support middle-income families struggling to purchase homes, and help retain young people in the area.
Opening of applications scheduled for the end of July.
