Evictions in Portugal Rise to 130 Per Month in First Half of 2025
Official data from the Ministry of Justice has revealed a significant increase in tenant evictions across Portugal, with an average of 130 cases recorded per month between January and June of 2025. This figure represents a substantial rise when compared to the monthly averages for the full years of 2024 and 2023, which stood at 83 and 89, respectively. The report, first published by Jornal de Notícias, highlights a growing housing pressure, particularly in the country's major metropolitan areas.
The primary legal basis for these evictions is the non-payment of rent by tenants. However, associations representing tenants have voiced concerns over increasing instances of pressure from landlords. They report that property owners are actively encouraging tenants, with a particular focus on the elderly who may hold older, lower-rent contracts, to vacate their properties. The objective is often to re-lease the properties at higher market rates or convert them for other profitable uses.
The geographical breakdown of the data indicates that the districts of Lisbon, Porto, and Setúbal are the most affected, registering the highest number of eviction proceedings. These areas correspond to the regions with the most dynamic and competitive rental markets in the country. The statistics reflect the ongoing challenges within the national housing sector, where rising rental prices and cost of living pressures intersect.
The increase in eviction orders points to the economic difficulties faced by a segment of the population in keeping up with housing costs. At the same time, it reflects the desire of property owners to maximize the profitability of their assets in a high-demand market. Tenant associations have called for greater protection for vulnerable renters, citing tactics aimed at forcing tenants out to capitalize on the appreciation of rental values.
This trend underscores the tensions in the Portuguese rental market. The Ministry of Justice's data provides a quantitative measure of the issue, confirming the anecdotal reports from housing advocates and tenant groups. The situation presents a complex challenge for policymakers, balancing the rights of property owners with the need for stable and accessible housing for residents.
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