Lisbon's Bold Move: 100 Affordable Apartments for Young People in Historic Neighborhoods!

Lisbon Approves Extraordinary Affordable Rent Program for Youth

In a significant decision, the Lisbon City Council has approved an extraordinary competition under the Affordable Rent Program (PRA) specifically for young people up to 35 years old. This initiative will make approximately 100 apartments available in the city's historic neighborhoods, aiming to address housing affordability issues.

Political Consensus and Modifications

The proposal, led by the PSD/CDS-PP coalition, which governs without an absolute majority, was initially intended for Lisbon residents to help retain young people and families in the city, as outlined in the Municipal Housing Charter. However, opposition councilors from parties like PS, PCP, BE, Livre, and Cidadãos Por Lisboa proposed removing the residency requirement. After discussions, the council reached a unanimous approval by broadening eligibility to include those who currently live or have lived in Lisbon in the past five years, though the opposition's full removal was not accepted.

Location and Timeline

These apartments are located in key historic parishes such as Misericórdia, Campo de Ourique, Estrela, Campolide, São Vicente, and Santa Maria Maior. They are currently undergoing rehabilitation works funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and are expected to be completed by June 2026.

Broader Context and Commitments

This move aligns with commitments made by the current mayor and re-election candidate, Carlos Moedas (PSD), who emphasized prioritizing housing projects for young people in historic areas if re-elected in the upcoming municipal elections on October 12. In a statement, Moedas highlighted the importance of keeping the heart of Lisbon alive for future generations with affordable rents.

Inclusion of Essential Workers

Pedro Anastácio, a PS councilor, noted that the initial proposal excluded professionals who need to relocate to Lisbon for work. The revised program now includes essential public service workers such as police officers, nurses, and teachers, ensuring they have access to affordable housing, which is crucial for the city's daily operations.

Additional Initiatives

The council also approved another extraordinary PRA competition for individuals with lower incomes who do not qualify for standard programs, offering 31 homes. This is the fourth such initiative, with previous ones allocating 120 homes. Additionally, a new general affordable rent competition with about 100 homes is planned to be launched soon, open to all applicants.

The current Lisbon City Council comprises 17 members from various parties, with the governing coalition holding seven seats but lacking an absolute majority, leading to collaborative decision-making.