Evictions in Portugal Rise Sharply in First Half of 2025, Lisbon District Leads
New data released by the Portuguese Ministry of Justice indicates a significant increase in rental property evictions during the first half of 2025. An average of 130 evictions were processed each month, a figure that sharply contrasts with the monthly averages of 83 recorded for the full year of 2024 and 89 in 2023. This statistical increase points to growing pressure within the national housing market.
The report, compiled from judicial records across all national districts, identifies non-payment of rent as the leading legal basis for the execution of eviction orders. The Ministry's analysis did not provide a detailed breakdown of the economic factors contributing to the rise in rental arrears but noted the trend's acceleration over the past six months. The data collection methodology involves tracking final court decisions that result in the forced removal of tenants from residential properties.
According to the official figures, the Lisbon metropolitan area registered the highest number of eviction cases, totaling 326 in the observed period. Following Lisbon, the district of Porto recorded 131 evictions, while the Setúbal district saw 96. These three districts, representing major economic and population centers, account for the majority of the cases reported nationwide. The concentration of evictions in these urban areas is consistent with historical patterns but the volume of cases has seen a marked increase.
In response to the publication of these statistics, tenant associations have voiced concerns regarding the circumstances faced by many renters. Representatives from these organizations have reported an increase in complaints related to landlord pressures, particularly targeting elderly tenants with older, price-controlled rental agreements. These associations allege that some property owners are actively encouraging tenants to vacate properties to capitalize on higher returns available in the current rental market.
Industry experts have begun to analyze the implications of these figures. An economist from a leading national bank, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the data reflects the ongoing supply-and-demand imbalance in Portugal's housing sector. 'The numbers are a clear indicator of market stress. When rental prices outpace wage growth, an increase in defaults and subsequent evictions is a predictable, albeit unfortunate, outcome,' the economist noted. The analysis suggests that without a significant increase in affordable housing stock, this trend may continue.
The government has yet to issue a formal response to the Ministry of Justice's report. However, sources within the Ministry of Housing suggest that the data is being reviewed to inform potential policy adjustments. The current administration has previously stated its commitment to addressing housing affordability, though specific new measures in light of these figures have not been announced. The national strategy has focused on programs like converting short-term rentals back to long-term housing and offering incentives for new construction, but the effects of these policies are yet to be fully realized.
The report from the Ministry of Justice provides a quantitative snapshot of a complex issue, detailing the geographic and temporal dimensions of evictions in Portugal. The data confirms a rising trend that is most acute in the country's major cities, providing a factual basis for ongoing public and political discourse on the state of the national housing market. Further analysis from economic and social bodies is expected in the coming weeks, which will likely provide more context to the numbers released.
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