North makes life easier for builders: it's where the most permits are issued and construction happens

The Porto Metropolitan Area is attracting developers due to faster municipal response times and lower land costs. In 2025, Vila Nova de Gaia was the municipality with the highest volume of new construction.

Why it matters

If you are looking to buy or rent in the Porto area, this trend suggests a higher volume of new supply in municipalities like Vila Nova de Gaia, which may influence price competition and availability compared to other parts of the country.

Expresso· 3mo agoRead original ↗

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Housing

Northern Portugal gathers builders and mayors to seek affordable housing solutions

The Northern Region Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N) is hosting a housing summit in Gaia on Wednesday 4 November, bringing together construction companies and municipalities such as Porto, Matosinhos, Braga, Famalicão and Viana do Castelo. CCDR-N has allocated 285 million euros in funding, with 200 million earmarked for municipal affordable housing projects and 85 million for 'function housing' aimed at professionals like doctors, nurses, teachers and legal workers in lower-density areas. The initiative comes as the effort rate to buy a home in the region reaches 73.5% for an average net wage earner.

CNN Portugal· 1w agoRead original ↗

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Education

North dominates the ranking of public schools with the most '20' grades

An analysis of the 2024/25 school year shows that 15,557 students achieved at least one maximum grade of 20. Most top grades were awarded in public schools, with schools in the North and the Viseu secondary school Alves Martins leading the ranking, while students from low-income families remain underrepresented among those receiving top marks.

RTP· 1w agoRead original ↗

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Economy

2027 State Budget: North is the region with the most funding, totaling 685.4 million euros

The proposed 2027 State Budget allocates the largest share of regional investment to the North (685.4 million euros), primarily driven by Porto Metro infrastructure projects, including the Ruby Line and extensions to Gondomar and Trofa. Other regions receiving allocations include Greater Lisbon (374 million euros) and the Centre (189.5 million euros), with over 5.9 billion euros dedicated to multi-regional projects such as railway network maintenance and development.

Correio da Manhã· 1mo agoRead original ↗

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