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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) in Lisbon is asking that the patrimony of Santa Casa — the charitable institution that owns large property holdings — be directed towards public housing policies, Correio da Manhã reports. The proposal frames Santa Casa's assets as a potential resource to expand affordable housing and influence municipal housing strategy. Any move to repurpose those assets would involve legal and political debate and could affect future public housing projects in Lisbon. Those seeking housing in Lisbon should watch municipal and parliamentary discussions on the proposal.

Savills data cited by Dinheiro Vivo and ECO shows Lisbon’s luxury residential market rose about 4.4% last year and could increase between roughly 4% and 5.9% in 2026. The consultancy ranks Lisbon among the top five global cities with high appreciation potential next year, alongside Seoul, Tokyo, Madrid and Cape Town. Buyers, investors and landlords in the capital should factor continued price growth into purchase timing and rental pricing decisions.

Observador summarises a 100‑day progress report for Lisbon's housing programme: the city delivered 310 homes and says it has supported rent payments for more than 340 families, part of a wider total of over 3,200 housing units delivered since 2021. The figures indicate the municipal administration is prioritising supply and rent support as part of ongoing housing policy. Those seeking affordable housing or rent assistance in Lisbon should follow the municipality's announcements and application windows.

Update: Mayor: rent support now triple earlier levels

The 100‑day report adds that the scheme now supports rent payments for over 340 families, which the municipality says is three times the number receiving support at the start of the previous term.