Casa Para Viver organized demonstrations in 32 Portuguese cities on Saturday, Nov. 14, as housing campaigners urged lawmakers to reverse proposed rental changes amid house prices rising faster than the European Union average, Anadolu Agency reported.
The group is calling for stronger rent controls, increased investment in affordable public housing and better safeguards for tenants facing eviction. In comments to Lusa, spokesperson Rita Silva said the demonstrations showed that housing pressures reached beyond Portugal’s largest cities.
The Assembly of the Republic says the proposal passed a preliminary parliamentary vote Sept. 30 and was referred to committee. Anadolu reported that the planned changes would loosen rules for rental agreements and speed up eviction proceedings. Campaigners warn that the changes could weaken tenant protections. EconoTimes previously covered protests over the proposed rental changes.
Portuguese President Antonio Jose Seguro met housing campaigners Friday, Anadolu reported. Representatives welcomed the meeting and called on Prime Minister Luis Montenegro to hold direct talks with the movement. Anadolu also cited rising rents and limited housing availability as pressures behind the campaign.
Eurostat said Portuguese house prices rose 16.5% in the second quarter of 2026 from a year earlier, compared with a 4.7% increase across the EU. Eurostat’s next scheduled house-price release is Jan. 11, 2027.
