On 14 November, tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Portugal to demand an end to the rapid rise in property prices and rents. The demonstrations took place in 32 cities across the country and marked the largest protest against the government’s housing policy in recent times. Over the past decade, housing affordability in Portugal has deteriorated more sharply than in any other country in the European Union.
- Tens of thousands of Portuguese people took part in protests in 32 cities.
- Protesters are calling for a cap on rent and stronger protection for tenants.
- The ratio of house prices to incomes has risen by 60.8 per cent over the past ten years.
- The Portuguese Government has pledged to ensure the construction of 145,000 new homes.
Why did the Portuguese take to the streets?
The platform organised the nationwide campaign A Home to Live In, which brings together civil society organisations and movements campaigning for affordable housing. The largest demonstrations took place in Lisbon and Porto.
Protesters are calling for a cap on rent increases, stronger legal protection for tenants against eviction, and an expansion of the state housing stock.
The discontent intensified following the government’s proposed amendments to the tenancy legislation, which would simplify eviction procedures. Previously, the police had already been carrying out dismantling of tent camps housing campaigners in the country’s largest cities.
Portugal has become the EU leader in terms of the deterioration in housing affordability
According to Eurostat, between 2015 and 2025, the ratio of house prices to household income in Portugal rose by 60.8 per cent. By comparison, in the Netherlands this figure rose by 34.3 per cent, whilst the EU average was just 6.8 per cent.
Among the factors contributing to the rise in property prices were the activity of foreign buyers and investment funds, the growth of tourism, and the widespread conversion of flats in the centres of major cities into short-term lettings.
According to the Portuguese government, rents have risen by 68 per cent since 2020. The situation remains particularly difficult for young people and low-income families.
How is the government responding to the housing crisis?
The Portuguese authorities have announced tax cuts on new-build properties, restrictions on short-term lettings and plans to build 145,000 new homes. At the same time, the government acknowledges that these measures will not yield immediate results.
President of Portugal António José Seguro has already held a meeting with representatives of the protest movement. The organisers of the demonstrations intend to keep up the pressure on the authorities and have announced a new nationwide protest for 12 December.
