According to the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Union (EU), at least 176,600 additional homes will be needed, in addition to the 289,000 already planned, for a total of around 465,000 homes by 2035. The study identifies a growing need, driven by demographic and tourism factors and the deterioration of the existing housing stock, and anticipates that the investment required to meet this demand will amount to approximately €1.68 billion over the next decade.

According to data cited by Jornal de Negócios, to meet Portugal’s needs, the eight territories with the greatest pressure – including Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and Madeira – will need an additional 180,000 homes, an increase of 16% compared to the last decade. Between 2015 and 2024, only 156,820 homes were built, a figure considered insufficient. The JRC explains that “the main cities and capitals are expected to face the greatest future housing pressures, reflecting continuous population growth, urbanisation trends and limited land availability."

To meet the housing needs of these large areas, approximately 124,000 additional homes will be needed by 2035. “Many coastal and tourist regions have high needs, already characterised by high occupancy patterns," indicates the European report, reinforcing the pressure on supply in strategic urban areas.

The European Commission, through its housing package, proposes measures that include innovation in construction, such as modern methods that minimise resource use, as well as the digitalisation of processes.

Among the solutions presented are also reducing the impact of short-term rentals, simplifying bureaucratic planning and licensing procedures, and combating real estate speculation, in an attempt to make access to housing more sustainable.