Lisbon City Council Approves Affordable Rent for Youth in Historic Districts
The Lisbon City Council has approved an extraordinary competition under its Affordable Rent Program (PRA) that will make approximately 100 apartments in historic city neighborhoods available to young people up to the age of 35. The measure, which received unanimous approval, is part of a municipal strategy to address the city's housing crisis and retain its younger population.
The proposal was put forward by the Councilor for Housing, Filipa Roseta (PSD), and was discussed and voted on during a private meeting of the municipal executive. The initial draft from the PSD/CDS-PP leadership, which governs without an absolute majority, proposed that the program be exclusively for young people already residing in Lisbon. This was intended to fulfill an objective of the Municipal Housing Charter to retain young people and families in the city.
However, this residency requirement was challenged by opposition councilors. Following discussions, the executive leadership agreed to remove the condition, opening the program to all applicants aged 18 to 35, regardless of their current residency. This consensus allowed the proposal to pass with unanimous support from all political parties represented in the council.
In a statement, the municipality confirmed the change, stating, "Not having received the support of the opposition, the executive reached a consensus on the proposal by removing the condition of residence in Lisbon, thus achieving unanimous approval."
The apartments designated for this program are located in several of Lisbon's central parishes, including Misericórdia, Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Campolide, São Vicente, and Santa Maria Maior. These properties are currently undergoing extensive rehabilitation works. The renovations are being financed through the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), and the apartments are expected to be ready for occupancy by June 2026.
A (simulated) representative from a local tenants' association might state, "This is a welcome development for the young people of Lisbon and for those who wish to move here. While 100 apartments is a small number compared to the overall need, it is a concrete step in the right direction. Making use of public buildings in the city center is the correct strategy."
During the same meeting, the city council also approved a second, separate competition for 31 homes. This program is aimed at a different demographic: individuals and families with incomes too low to qualify for the standard rental market or regular PRA competitions, but who also do not meet the criteria for supported social housing programs.
Furthermore, the council announced its plan to launch another standard PRA competition "soon," which will be open to all citizens and will offer an additional 100 homes. These initiatives reflect the municipality's ongoing efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing options within the city limits.
The decision to remove the residency requirement for the youth program is particularly significant, as it acknowledges the challenges faced by those who may have been forced to leave Lisbon due to rising living costs but wish to return.
Discover emerging areas and local opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.
