Lisbon Reports Over 4,500 Homes in Approved Pipeline, Ready for Near-Term Construction
The Lisbon Municipal Council has approved building permits for 4,560 new residential units that are now positioned to enter the construction phase in the short-term, according to a new report from Confidencial Imobiliário. This volume of shovel-ready projects signals a potential 46% expansion of the city's current active housing construction pipeline. The analysis, which reviewed municipal licensing data from 2022 to the first half of 2025, provides a quantitative look at the future supply intended to meet the capital's sustained housing demand.
The data indicates that over the last four years, a total of 14,410 new homes were licensed in Lisbon. Of this total, 9,850 units, or 68%, are currently under construction. The remaining 4,560 units are situated within large-scale subdivision plans that have been fully approved by the municipality, clearing the path for construction to commence. These projects are seen as a critical component in expanding the city's residential offerings. For investors, understanding the specifics of new projects is key, and our guide to the risks of new builds can provide valuable context.
Large-scale projects, defined as those processed through subdivision approvals, are playing an increasingly significant role in Lisbon's housing development strategy. These projects constitute 48% of the 14,410 homes licensed since 2022. Their share of the total licensed volume has escalated from approximately 25-35% in 2022 and 2023 to between 70% and 90% in 2024 and 2025. This shift underscores a strategic move towards more extensive, master-planned communities.
Need Expert Guidance?
Get personalized insights from verified real estate professionals, lawyers, architects, and more.
Since the start of 2022, the municipality has licensed 26 subdivision projects, which collectively comprise 6,961 housing units. The average size of these developments has also grown, increasing from an average of 256 units per project in 2022 to 365 units in 2025. This trend suggests a focus on creating larger residential zones capable of accommodating more significant population growth and integrating community infrastructure.
The pace of licensing has accelerated, with 2024 seeing a 17% year-over-year increase in approved homes, totaling around 3,800 units. This momentum has carried into 2025, with 2,000 new homes approved in the first semester alone, representing a 6% increase over the semi-annual average of the previous year. This steady flow of approvals reflects continued confidence from developers in the Lisbon market.
The consistent growth in licensed projects is a forward-looking indicator of the city's capacity to augment its housing stock. The emphasis on large subdivisions points to a long-term urban planning vision aimed at developing new, comprehensive neighborhoods. Professionals such as constructors and architects will be central to bringing these large-scale projects to fruition. Monitor new development opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.