Abraham's number of well-maintained, empty dwellings in Portugal clocks in at a staggering 250,000.
In a recent study, the Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU) has highlighted a significant issue in Portugal – the high number of vacant homes. According to the IHRU's research, which was conducted under the National Housing Program (PNH), approved by the former Socialist Costa government in January 2024, a staggering 720,000 homes in Portugal are vacant, with over 485,000 of these being in good, habitable condition.
The study, titled "Territories with a lack, or inadequate housing supply in Portugal," suggests that these vacant homes are empty for various reasons, such as properties unoccupied due to the death of the previous resident, properties awaiting inheritance, and situations where the property is awaiting renovation. However, nearly 250,000 homes are empty for reasons other than being on the market for sale or rent.
To address this issue, the IHRU recommends working in partnership with local authorities, the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the National Institute of Education (LNEC), and the academic community. The goal is to improve understanding of the phenomenon and strengthen the effectiveness of public housing policies. The IHRU also suggests promoting deeper knowledge about the factors contributing to the persistence of vacant properties in good condition.
While the reasons for these vacant homes are not fully understood, the IHRU offers some speculative explanations. These include economic factors, such as homeowners waiting for better market conditions to sell or rent, regulatory issues, legal or bureaucratic difficulties deterring potential buyers or renters, demographic changes, shifts in population demographics or migration patterns affecting housing demand, and speculation, where some owners hold onto properties as investments, hoping for future appreciation.
The IHRU emphasises that these reasons are speculative and that consulting reports or studies from the Institute would be necessary for a precise answer. In 2021, there were 723,215 vacant homes in Portugal, representing 12.1% of the total number of traditional family homes (4,142,581). The distribution of vacant homes is mainly in municipalities with high demand, particularly Lisbon and Porto.
Despite some municipalities having a surplus of homes, they may still experience urban pressure. This highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of vacant homes in Portugal, ensuring that these properties can contribute to meeting the housing needs of the population.
- The study by the Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU) suggests that a significant portion of vacant homes in Portugal, totaling 250,000, are empty for reasons other than being on the market for sale or rent.
- To address the issue of vacant homes in Portugal, the IHRU recommends collaboration with local authorities, the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the National Institute of Education (LNEC), and the academic community to improve understanding and strengthen public housing policies.
- Economic factors, such as homeowners waiting for better market conditions to sell or rent, speculation, and demographic changes are among the speculative reasons for the persistence of vacant properties in good condition in Portugal.
- Despite some municipalities in Portugal having a surplus of homes, they may still experience urban pressure, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of vacant homes, ensuring these properties contribute to meeting the housing needs of the population.
