Housing Affordability and Price Hikes Dominate Aveiro Mayoral Race
The upcoming municipal election in Aveiro on October 12 is being defined by a pressing issue: a severe housing crisis marked by rapidly increasing property prices. The median sale price for new family homes in the municipality reached €2,800 per square meter in 2024, a figure that reflects the growing disparity between housing supply and demand. This price pressure has placed housing at the center of the political debate among the nine candidates vying for the mayoralty.
The announcement of these market statistics has intensified the focus on the candidates' proposed solutions. The city's population has seen a significant increase, growing by 6.7% between 2021 and 2024 to 88,154 residents, according to data from Pordata. This growth rate is more than double the national average of 3.2%. However, the construction of new housing has not kept pace. Between 2022 and 2024, only 856 new homes were completed, a number deemed insufficient to accommodate the expanding population, thus exacerbating the housing shortage.
The political response has been varied. Luís Souto, the candidate for the center-right coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM), has identified housing as his top priority. His platform includes the creation of a specialized municipal structure to manage the housing problem and the establishment of a land bank with pre-approved licensing to accelerate new construction. His main rival, Alberto Souto of the Socialist Party, has also emphasized the need for a larger supply of public housing and has been a vocal critic of the outgoing administration's development policies.
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Other candidates have put forward their own measures. João Moniz of the Left Bloc (BE) is calling for an increase in public housing at controlled costs to counter price escalation and prevent residents from being pushed out of the urban center. He also proposes the implementation of a municipal tourist tax. Cristina Tavares of the CDU coalition has advocated for more social housing and a licensing regime for local accommodation (Alojamento Local) that would prevent the construction of new hotel units in areas already under residential pressure.
The outgoing mayor, Ribau Esteves, is leaving office after three terms, a period that saw the municipality's financial recovery but also several controversial urban development projects. One such project, a detailed plan approved late in his term for a 12-story hotel in a prime city location, has drawn criticism from most candidates, who have indicated they would seek to revoke it. The exception is the candidate from the incumbent coalition, who supports the plan.
This election is set against a backdrop of a dynamic local economy, with tourism being a significant driver. In 2024, Aveiro recorded 453,431 overnight stays, a 21.7% increase compared to 2019, surpassing the national average growth. While beneficial for the economy, this tourism boom is also seen as a contributing factor to the pressure on the housing market. As voters prepare to head to the polls, the future direction of Aveiro's real estate market and the affordability for its residents hang in the balance. Stay informed on Lisbon property market developments at realestate-lisbon.com.