The Race for Rentals: Properties Being Leased in Under 24 Hours in Portugal

The rental market in Portugal is experiencing a true surge, marked by a growing imbalance between supply and demand. In April 2025, rental prices rose by 5.1% year-on-year, according to recent data from idealista. This increase comes in the midst of a highly competitive landscape where renting a home is becoming increasingly difficult—and fast.

Around 9% of listed properties are rented out in less than 24 hours, highlighting just how scarce and in-demand rental units have become.

Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve are the most pressured markets, reflecting both urban population growth and the return to in-person work. Each rental listing now attracts an average of 21 interested families, making the selection process more stringent for landlords and highly frustrating for tenants.

Several factors are contributing to this scenario. Higher interest rates in recent years have made access to mortgage loans more difficult, pushing many families to rent rather than buy. At the same time, a shortage of new construction and the repurposing of properties for short-term tourist rentals (such as Airbnb) have reduced the supply of long-term rental housing.

The social consequences are becoming more visible, with many young people and middle-income families being forced to move to the outskirts or accept inadequate housing. A lack of effective public housing policy and incentives to promote rental property development are worsening the crisis.

The debate around real estate regulation—particularly in the rental sector—is gaining momentum. Experts are calling for tax incentives for landlords offering long-term rentals, as well as public housing programs targeting affordable rent.

🔗 Source: idealista.pt

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