In Portugal, there is a shortage of properties available on the housing market to meet existing demand, especially at affordable prices. But the final stretch of the year 2023 brought good news: the supply of homes for sale in the fourth quarter of 2023 rose by 10% compared to what was available in the same period of 2022, according to a study by idealista. In addition to the arrival of new developments on the market, along with the entry into force of Portugal's Mais Habitação measures, the cooling of demand for housing due to the climate of uncertainty, rising interest rates and loss of purchasing power may also help to explain this growth in supply, through a reduction in the number of transactions. Let's find out more about how the number of properties for sale in Portugal rose by 10% in the past year.
Supply of homes to buy rises in 12 major cities in Portugal
The supply of homes for sale in Portugal rose in 12 district capitals over the last year. Leading the list is Leiria (42.6%), followed by Évora (37.3%), Viana do Castelo (34.7%), Portalegre (25.3%) and Viseu (23.3%) as the district capitals where the stock available to buy increased the most. They were followed by Braga (23%), Vila Real (22%), Beja (21.7%), Setúbal (19.1%), Faro (15%), Castelo Branco (11%) and Coimbra (10.3%).
On the other hand, there were also seven cities that saw the supply of housing available to buy decrease in this period. Santarém was the city where supply fell the most (-13.9%), followed by Ponta Delgada (-12.5%), Porto (-12.2%), Lisbon (-4.7%), Aveiro (-3.2%), Bragança (-2.1%) and Funchal (-0.8%), according to the same study by idealista, the main property marketplace in southern Europe.
Supply of houses for sale by district capitals
Variation between the 4th quarter of 2023 and the same period in 2022
More houses for sale in almost all Portuguese districts and islands
Looking at the Portuguese districts and islands with representative samples, it's clear to see that the number of houses for sale has increased in practically all territories over the last year, with Castelo Branco (17.8%) leading the way.
Leiria (24 per cent), Faro (19.9 per cent), Beja (19.7 per cent), Évora (19.2 per cent), Portalegre (17.8 per cent), Viana do Castelo (17.2 per cent), Viseu (16.5 per cent), Setúbal (15.4 per cent), Vila Real (14.4 per cent), Bragança (13.8 per cent), Braga (12.8 per cent) and Lisbon (8.1 per cent) follow in the ranking of homes for sale. The increase in houses on the market was less significant in Coimbra (5.8 per cent), Aveiro (4.1 per cent), Madeira Island (3.1 per cent), Porto (2.9 per cent) and Santarém (1.7 per cent).
It should also be noted that there was one island where the stock of houses for sale fell in the last year: São Miguel, in the order of -14.7 per cent, concludes the study.
Supply of houses for sale by district and island
Variation between the 4th quarter of 2023 and the same period in 2022
LandCo and Aedas to build a 116-home tower in the Algarve
Property developer LandCo and Aedas Homes have signed a strategic alliance to develop a unique project in the Portuguese Algarve. The two companies will build an initial residential tower with 116 homes in Portimão, named Ribamar, situated opposite Praia da Rocha and only 100 metres from the sea.
Urgent property sales in Portugal
Purchasing real estate doesn’t have to be a lengthy process, even in the heart of summer. If you’re planning to settle into your new home this season, there are ways to speed up your search and find great deals faster. One of the best options? Urgent property sales in Portugal, offering a unique chance to secure a home quickly and at an attractive price.
Portugal leads house price rises in the EU in the first quarter of 2025
Year-on-year house prices increased by 5.4% in the euro area, 5.7% in the EU, and... 16.3% in Portugal, according to Eurostat.
Potential pitfalls of buying property in Portugal: a guide for foreign buyers
Dreaming of buying a property in Portugal and starting a new life under the sun? It should be an exciting experience, but for many expat buyers, the process can feel overwhelming and complicated. The legal system is different, the paperwork is in Portuguese, and the buying process differs greatly from your home country.
Cheap property in Portugal under €150K: best deals for 2025
Looking for cheap property in Portugal under €150,000? Despite house prices at record highs, there are still great bargains available if you know where to look. From affordable apartments in quieter parts of the Algarve to budget-friendly homes on the outskirts of Lisbon and Porto, as well as charming rural properties, Portugal offers a variety of options for buyers on a budget.
Portuguese Government launches new housing policy to tackle rising prices
Portugal’s Prime Minister has announced a fresh housing strategy aimed at bringing together all key players in the property sector to help resolve the country’s housing crisis and curb price increases.
Country homes for sale in Portugal: only 24% under €100,000
Country homes in Portugal stand out for their charm, character and use of traditional materials such as wood, stone and brick. Also known as rustic homes, they appeal to buyers looking for a quieter lifestyle or an affordable second home in the countryside. However, finding one can be a challenge—whether you're a family or an investor—as country homes made up only 6% of all listings on idealista in the first quarter of 2025. And of those, just 24% are priced below €100,000.