There are over 720,000 vacant homes in Portugal, most of which are habitable. Many are on the market for sale or rental, awaiting new residents, however nearly 250,000 homes are empty for other reasons, according to a report by idealista.
To understand the reasons behind this phenomenon, the Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU) recommends "promoting deeper knowledge about the factors that contribute to the persistence of vacant properties with habitable conditions."
The IHRU recently published a study on "Territories with a lack, or inadequate housing supply in Portugal," which was commissioned under the National Housing Program (PNH), approved in January 2024 by the former Socialist Costa government. At the time of the 2021 Census, there were 723,215 vacant homes in the country, corresponding to 12.1% of the total number of existing traditional family homes (4,142,581).
"The distribution of vacant homes is mainly in municipalities with the highest demand, particularly Lisbon and Porto. Therefore, it can be concluded that although municipalities may have a surplus of homes, this does not mean they are not experiencing urban pressure," the study states.
The vast majority of these vacant homes in Portugal were in good habitable condition (485,461), meaning they were located in buildings that needed no repairs or were in need of minor repairs. However, of this total, only 236,927 homes were on the market for sale or rent.
The remaining 248,534 homes in good condition were vacant for other reasons. "Vacant properties for other reasons include properties that are unoccupied due to the death of the previous resident, properties awaiting inheritance, and situations where the property is awaiting renovation, among other situations," explains the IHRU in the study.
It is in this context that the institute recommends "promoting deeper knowledge about the factors that contribute to the persistence of vacant properties, but with habitable conditions, identified in the 2021 Census as 'vacant for other reasons.' This work should be developed in partnership with local authorities, the INE (National Institute of Statistics), the LNEC (National Institute of Education), and the academic community, with a view to improving understanding of the phenomenon and strengthening the effectiveness of public housing policies," it concludes.
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How about creating a judicial branch that deals with fair and speedy resolutions of rental issues, including contract termination for payment failures and evictions. Give property owners confidence the legal system equally protects their interests to those of tenants violating rental agreements. Confidence in the legal framework may minimize landlord hesitation from repairing and offering properties for rent
By Dave G. from Lisbon on 16 Jul 2025, 10:01
Yes, find out why the properties are sitting vacant when there is a huge need for housing.
In Caldas da Rainha (close to pimpões) there are two entire apartment buildings with doors chained up. Been like this for a long time! Why?
By L from Lisbon on 16 Jul 2025, 10:48
I wonder if this could have something to do with the Golden Visas, which only required the holder to be in-country for two weeks per year to maintain temporary residency and eligibility for permanent residency. I've read that in some places this has created ghost towns, where businesses closed because there was no longer a community to support them.
By William Mansfield from Madeira on 16 Jul 2025, 11:11
Inherited property is often left to 5 or 6 in the family. It only takes one who doesn't want to sell and a property can be left vacant for years and eventually become derelict. Perhaps a more workable inheritance law with a timescale for property and land resolution would good.
By Howard from Algarve on 16 Jul 2025, 12:06
I have 3 rentable properties of which I live in one - the others are vacant, (I used to live in one of them, but moved into the apartment I recently renovated and modernised . I don't rent it out on any long-term (annual) contract as I was given advice by several of my neighbours that even if tenants don't pay their rent for 3-6 months I will have a big issue. Therefore they are only up for short-term rent.
There is no balance between landlord and tenant in PT.
The past government called it a "crisis", but it's not a housing crisis - it's a crisis of confidence. Why should I risk months of painful legal and court process - and costs - because of some financially incompetent, unbalanced and stupid rule made up by a political ideology.
I am not, and have never been, a "slum landlord", and I have properties across 4 countries and make substantial investments in making sure all my rentals are well above the law and in all cases they are over-specified for the market. But in Portugal I am penalised for this - from a taxation point of view, then legal risk and cost issue, and finally as an individual investor (€0.7 Million) point of view.
I love my community, love Portugal and I fully intend to spend the rest of my of my life in Portugal - please don't make it so hard to do the right thing - and I know my rural, "old school", hardworking, farming and savvy neighbours (100% rural Portuguese), support me 100%. They are the reason I decided to move my life, my money and future to Portugal.
Stop making it so difficult to do the right thing.
By Anthony Williams from Other on 16 Jul 2025, 18:50
Well where I live in centro of Sintra in cul de sac that is the fine example 4 big houses that no one shows up and up this should be consider criminal .And these people only come in blue moon and send caretakers that leave gates open and windows open that are complete irresponsible leading to uninvited visitors and putting the local residences at risk the possible crime . My advice to any foreigner if you thinking but any houses in Sintra or other area in Portugal you are only welcome if you thinking live in them permanently the other way only cumming in a blue moon not welcome I dont need anymore empty houses in my street I have enough
By Isabel Oliveira from Lisbon on 16 Jul 2025, 21:01
I would like to live Portugal but are canadian sucks right now because of our government.
By Kenneth Loiseau from Algarve on 23 Jul 2025, 01:59
See here in Canada our government would probably give those houses to developers so they can get richer
By Kenneth Loiseau from Algarve on 23 Jul 2025, 02:01
We, a couple, live since 5 years in San Martinho/Funchal. We love Madeira and we are happy here and we want to stay until the end. Where we live there are many unaccupied apartments. Somebody owes it. As we get older we want to move to something better. There is not much on the market. We would love to live in a larger house as caretaker if the owner is away. We are from Germany and we are good people. We love gardening.
Can somebody help or give us a hint please
Thank you / obrigado.
Bjoern Coordt
bbctortuga@gmail.com
By Bjoern Coordt from Madeira on 23 Jul 2025, 14:18