Development Bank to help build 23,170 homes in 236 municipalities; investment of €2.67 billion
The Development Bank will help municipal councils build 23,170 homes with an investment of €2.67 billion, Gonçalo Regalado, the chief executive of the Development Bank, told ECO. These were the applications already submitted for the support that will be granted under local housing strategies, one of the measures that the ...
PS proposes developers cede land for public housing
The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) in Lisbon is advancing proposals to require private urban-development projects to transfer land to the municipality so it can be used for public housing. Reporting indicates the measure is aimed at increasing the stock of affordable homes in the capital by leveraging development schemes. Those seeking housing in Lisbon should follow council debates — prospective buyers, tenants and developers could be affected if the rule changes land-use obligations.
The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) is Portugal's main centre‑left, social‑democratic party that has been one of the country’s largest parties and has led national governments since 2015 under António Costa. Its decisions shape taxation, housing, health and immigration policies that directly affect residents and expats living in Portugal.
Public housing (in Portuguese, habitação pública) is housing provided or subsidised by the state or municipalities to make rent or ownership affordable for low‑ and middle‑income households. Requiring developers to transfer land to municipalities frees space for new public housing projects, which can increase supply and ease rental pressure in cities — something those seeking long‑term housing should watch.
Socialist Party (PS)
- Leader: José Luís Carneiro (since June 2025)
- Ideology: Center-left, Social democracy, pro-Europeanism
Portugal's other traditional major party suffered a historic collapse in the 2025 election, dropping from 78 to 58 seats and falling to third place for the first time in democratic history. The party was led by Pedro Nuno Santos from January 2024 until his resignation following the May 2025 defeat. José Luís Carneiro, a 53-year-old former Minister of Internal Administration known for his moderate positioning within the party, was elected unopposed as the new Secretary-General with 95% of votes in June 2025. The Socialist Party governed Portugal from 2015 to 2024, including an absolute majority from 2022 to 2024 under António Costa, who resigned in November 2023 amid a corruption investigation. The PS previously led the innovative "Geringonça" (contraption) coalition government from 2015-2019, a minority government supported by the Left Bloc and Portuguese Communist Party that reversed austerity measures and presided over economic recovery.
Lisbon: Socialist Party wants to require developers to allocate space for public housing
In Lisbon, the Socialist Party (PS) is proposing measures to oblige property developers to reserve space in new projects for public housing, aiming to increase the availability of affordable homes.
Why do housing supports fail so much when families need them most?
The new president of IHRU painted a stark picture of the weaknesses of the institute that manages a crucial part of public housing. But what do these responses reveal about the real state of housing policy in Portugal? Listen to the latest episode of Economia dia a dia, the daily podcast from Expresso.
