Portugal: Mass protests over rapid housing price surge

Mass actions in over 30 cities

On 14 November, tens of thousands of people marched through the streets of more than 30 cities in Portugal, expressing dissatisfaction with the rapid increase in housing costs. For many residents of the country, buying or renting accommodation has already become financially out of reach.

According to Associated Press, the housing crisis has triggered a wave of protests that has been ongoing for several weeks. In the central parts of the country's two largest cities — Lisbon and Porto — activists have set up tent camps.

Course of protests and participants' demands

The main slogan of the actions was: "Ми не дозволимо їм відібрати наше право на житло" (We will not let them take away our right to housing). In Lisbon, demonstrators moved to the rhythm of drums, chanted demands, and held large placards and flags.

Meanwhile, according to media reports, law enforcement officers used police dogs to disperse some of the actions. This sparked a wave of accusations against the police for excessive use of force.

Participants of the actions are putting forward specific demands to the authorities:

• to limit the rate of rent increases;
• to strengthen legal protection for tenants against forced eviction;
• to increase the amount of affordable housing.

Statistics: Portugal leads EU in price growth

Eurostat data shows that between 2015 and 2025, the ratio of housing prices to income levels in Portugal increased by 61%. This is the highest figure among all European Union countries. For comparison, in the Netherlands, this indicator rose by only 34% over the same period.

There are currently no signs of a slowdown in price growth. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics of Portugal, over the year — from the first quarter of 2025 to the first quarter of 2026 — housing costs rose by almost 20%. In addition, according to government information, rent has increased by 68% compared to 2020.

Government response and prospects

In response to the escalation of the crisis, the government has implemented a series of measures: it reduced taxes on new construction and restricted short-term rental activities. The official authorities have also promised to build 145,000 new housing units.

However, as Associated Press adds, the government acknowledges that these measures will not yield tangible results immediately.