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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Correio da Manhã reports the sale of assets linked to GES generated €149 million. The transaction is presented as a recovery of value from assets tied to the group's past difficulties; reporting focuses on the cash raised rather than buyer details. Business observers and creditors should watch for follow-on sales or announcements that affect creditor positions or local markets.