The article discusses existing legal instruments already available to Portuguese municipalities to address the housing crisis that currently remain underutilized. It highlights that while local authorities cannot solve the crisis alone, they have tools at their disposal to intervene in the market beyond waiting for central government action.
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The Porto municipal government is considering reversing a decision that allowed seven real estate projects to pay financial compensation instead of building mandatory affordable housing. The council is also planning to revise its 'Inclusive Zoning' regulations to require hotels and local accommodation (AL) to contribute toward affordable housing, following political backlash and accusations of illegality from the PS. A special municipal assembly meeting to discuss these housing rules is scheduled for 9 November.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has announced a new 300 million euro loan to support housing construction and rehabilitation, specifically targeting the private sector. This latest financing brings the EIB's total investment in the Portuguese housing sector to 3 billion euros over the past two years.
During the general debate on the 2027 State Budget, the Left Bloc (BE) criticized the Prime Minister for police conduct during recent housing protests and reiterated calls for the resignation of the president of the Housing and Urban Rehabilitation Institute (IHRU). The Prime Minister rejected the criticism, attributing current housing market conditions to policies from the previous Socialist government.