Portugal residential construction licenses fall 6.9% in H1 2026

In the first half of 2026, residential construction and rehabilitation licenses in Portugal decreased by 6.9% compared to the same period last year, totaling 9,836 licenses according to AICCOPN. Despite this decline in total licenses, the number of new housing units licensed rose by 4%, reaching 22,216 units.

Other indicators show growth in the sector. National cement consumption increased by 5.9% to 2.084 million tons. The mortgage market remains active, with new credit granted in the first six months reaching 12,153 million euros, an 11.3% year-on-year increase.

Bank valuations for housing also saw significant growth in June, with the median value rising 16.6% compared to the previous year. Apartments experienced the highest appreciation at 18.3%, while houses increased by 15.2%. In the Northern region, new construction licenses for housing units rose by 17% over the 12 months ending in June 2026.