Housing: when affliction stops rhyming and becomes real

Nowadays, the topic of housing is a recurring topic of discussion in major decision-making centers. This is no coincidence. Housing has become a permanent topic on the political and media agendas, and, above all, in the lives of citizens. And why? Because it's a real, felt, and increasingly serious problem.

Housing rhymes with distress—and this rhyme, which might have seemed like mere coincidence, has become a faithful reflection of what people experience. Even though the words only coincide phonetically, their meanings are now undoubtedly intertwined. Looking for a home in Portugal is, for many people, a source of anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration.

The truth is that the housing problem isn't new, but it has been worsening visibly. And the question arises: are there no houses? Is there no desire to sell or rent? Yes, there are houses. And there is a desire to put them on the market, both for sale and for rent. But the problem lies deeper: distrust between the parties. Between those renting and those seeking to rent, between those selling and those wanting to buy. This distrust is the driving force behind an overly bureaucratic and often suffocating system.

Bureaucracy, distrust and obstacles

For those offering a property—especially when renting—there's constant fear. Questions arise about who the interested party is, whether they're acting in good faith, whether they'll pay on time, whether they'll honor the contract, or even whether the house will be occupied by people not named in the agreement. This distrustful environment gives rise to a series of demands: income statements, pay stubs, IRS (Income Tax Returns), photocopies of identification documents, guarantors, and even in-person interviews to "assess the character" of potential tenants.

These demands may, at first glance, seem understandable. But they put brutal pressure on those seeking a home. In Lisbon and Porto, for example, any rental ad receives dozens or hundreds of responses within minutes. For those selling or renting, it's easy to find interested parties. But for those needing a home, closing a deal has become almost an impossible task.

This system is completely unbalanced: demand is sky-high, supply is scarce, prices are inflated, and bureaucracy is excessive. Those in need of a home face an obstacle course: between paperwork, requirements, and an endless line of interested parties, it's easy to give up or miss opportunities.

What about young people?

The situation is even more worrying when we talk about displaced students. A young person entering university, far from their parents' home, finds a market completely beyond their means. Exorbitant prices are being asked for tiny apartments. A room in major cities costs no less than 500 euros. How can a young person study comfortably if they don't have the means to live?

We cannot continue to allow access to higher education to depend on families' financial strength. It is unacceptable for someone to drop out of school because they can't afford a room.

What about young workers? Those leaving home for the first time, wanting autonomy, independence, and a place of their own? How can they afford three months' rent upfront and a deposit? How can they begin a new phase of life when their salary barely covers the initial contract costs?

These days, there are no rentals without deposits or advance payments. The financial requirements at the beginning of the contract become an insurmountable barrier for those just starting out. And we're not talking about luxury, we're talking about basic needs: a roof over your head, a home, a space to live.

An unsustainable market

There's no denying it: the market is completely inflated. There's too much demand, too little quality supply, and a bureaucracy that drives away anyone without the time, resources, or patience to navigate the process. Those with better conditions win. Those without are left behind.

That's why we need real, practical, and fair solutions. And, fortunately, there are positive proposals and examples that can and should be followed.

The Democratic Alliance-led government recently presented a set of concrete measures aimed at supporting displaced youth and students in accessing housing. Among the announced initiatives are:

Exemption from IMT and Stamp Duty on the purchase of a first home by young people up to the age of 35;

The creation of a security deposit support program within the scope of young people's rental;

The application of a reduced VAT rate (6%) on property renovation works;

The repeal of measures such as forced rent freezes and the compulsory leasing of vacant properties;

The definition of the target of building 59 thousand public housing units by 2029;

Doubling the number of beds available for students through the renovation of buildings and the establishment of partnerships with local authorities and private entities.

These measures demonstrate that it is possible to design public policies with strategic vision, responsibility and social sensitivity.

It is also important to highlight that, according to data recently released by the Government, as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), 10,000 homes have already been delivered, with another 8,000 planned by the end of the year. These homes are primarily intended for vulnerable families, young people, and students, reflecting the Government's commitment to ensuring decent and affordable housing solutions.

But it's not just at the national level that things can be done differently.

Monção: an example that deserves to be replicated

The municipality of Monção is a success story. With an investment of €4.3 million in the 1st Right program between 2019 and 2025, dozens of homes were renovated and more than 300 people in vulnerable housing situations were supported. Local programs such as "Monção Social" and "Casa Feliz" demonstrate that it is possible to create concrete and effective solutions even in municipalities far from major urban centers.

This example proves that, with political will, proximity to the population, and intelligent management, it is possible to meet housing needs and significantly improve people's quality of life.

Housing needs reform — now

It's time to view housing as an essential right, not a game. It can't continue to function like a university entrance exam where only the best candidates are admitted. Housing is dignity. It's the foundation of stability. It's the starting point for everything else.

And why not take advantage of the new Ministry of State Reform, in conjunction with the Ministry of Infrastructure, to create a national digital platform that helps all citizens—students, young workers, families—search for housing in a fair, transparent, and simple manner?

A platform that, using new technologies, including artificial intelligence, helps cross-reference data, profiles, needs, and availability, and that, above all, fosters trust between parties. A public, accessible platform where everyone feels protected, and where there's no room for favoritism or abuse.

The time has come to reform housing policy in Portugal. To reduce bureaucracy, level the playing field, and give everyone the same opportunity to have a home. We can no longer postpone this discussion.

I believe that with political courage, innovation, and a genuine commitment to people, we can address the mistakes of the past and build a more just future for all.

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