Portugal claims housing strategy aligns with EU Affordable Housing Act

The Portuguese Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing has stated that the country’s “Construir Portugal” strategy aligns with the European Commission’s new Affordable Housing Act proposal. Minister Miguel Pinto Luz claimed that Portugal anticipated European guidelines, noting that the national strategy focuses on increasing housing supply rather than relying solely on regulatory measures.

The European Commission’s proposal aims to support EU member states and cities in increasing affordable housing, particularly in areas under high housing pressure. It establishes a common legal framework for evaluating national and local measures that restrict “Alojamento Local” (local lodging/short-term rentals) or the use of non-residential properties. Under this framework, authorities wishing to restrict short-term rentals must provide objective, sustained evidence, such as data demonstrating housing pressure over a minimum of three years.

While the Portuguese government highlights its investment of approximately 10 billion euros in public housing and its efforts to empower municipalities to regulate local lodging, some analyses suggest discrepancies remain. Critics point out that certain measures cited by the Ministry are still pending implementation or face significant gaps compared to the specific requirements outlined in the European proposal.