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Portugal Homes
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Portugal is facing a paradox that increasingly defines its real estate market. On the one hand, the country is experiencing a well-documented housing shortage, particularly in major urban centres such as Lisbon and Porto. On the other, there are over 700,000 empty and vacant houses across Portugal, with more than 150,000 located in the Lisbon metropolitan area alone.
This imbalance between unused housing stock and growing demand presents a complex challenge for policymakers, residents, and investors alike. Yet, it also reveals a significant opportunity: the rehabilitation and repurposing of vacant properties as a long-term solution to housing pressure and a compelling investment strategy.
Understanding the Scale of Empty and Vacant Houses in Portugal
Vacant houses exist throughout Portugal, with 12.1% of homes across the country standing empty according to the , though their concentration varies widely depending on region, population density, and economic conditions.
Urban centres such as Lisbon and Porto contain large numbers of vacant properties, often in historic neighbourhoods where ageing buildings require rehabilitation. Rural and interior regions also experience high vacancy rates, largely driven by population decline and outward migration.
The existence of such a vast number of unused homes is not simply a statistical anomaly. It reflects decades of demographic change, economic cycles, urban development patterns, and legal complexities that have shaped Portugal’s housing landscape.