Tens of thousands march in Portugal against housing crisis

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 03:13 · Archive

Tens of thousands of people have marched through more than 30 Portuguese cities against soaring housing costs.

Tens of thousands of people marched through more than 30 cities and towns across Portugal in the largest protest yet against soaring housing costs that have put buying or renting a home beyond many people's reach. The housing crisis has fuelled weeks of demonstrations, with some activists camping in central squares in Lisbon and Porto. Riot police with dogs have dispersed some protests, drawing accusations of heavy-handed tactics.

Participants ranged from teenagers to retirees, marching under the slogan 'We won't let them steal our right to housing'. Ana Encarnação, 42, said 'Things have become intolerable', citing rising living costs and the widening gap between rich and poor. Activists are demanding ceilings on rent increases, greater legal protection for tenants against eviction, and more affordable housing.

House prices in Portugal have risen much faster than incomes. Between 2015 and 2025, Portugal posted the biggest jump in the European Union in the home price-to-income ratio, with an increase of 61 per cent, followed by the Netherlands with 34 per cent, according to Eurostat. Between the first quarter of last year and the first quarter of 2026, housing prices rose by almost 20 per cent, while rental prices have climbed 68 per cent since 2020.

How it is being reported

• Thousands march in Portugal over surging home pricesTens of thousands of people have marched across Portugal in the biggest protest yet against surging housing prices which have fuelled a housing crisis.Perth Now · 15 Nov, 02:38
• Thousands march in Portugal over surging home pricesTens of thousands of people have marched across Portugal in the biggest protest yet against surging housing prices which have fuelled a housing crisis.The West Australian · 15 Nov, 02:38

In this story: Portugal · Lisbon · Porto · Ana Encarnação · Spain · European Union

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