Thousands of Families Await Housing in Lisbon, Portugal
High Demand for Municipal Housing in Lisbon Metropolitan Area
As of August 2025, over 30,000 families are waiting for municipal housing in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML), with the city of Lisbon itself leading the list with approximately 15,700 families [1][3].
The Lisbon Metropolitan Area, consisting of 18 municipalities with a combined population of about 3.01 million people [2], is facing a significant housing demand, given the high number of families on waiting lists.
The data available does not provide a detailed breakdown of the number of families waiting in each of the AML municipalities. However, it highlights the Lisbon municipality as the largest part of the waiting list but does not specify the figures municipality by municipality [1][3].
Beyond Lisbon, the exact number of families waiting in each of the 17 other municipalities remains unspecified. This information might be obtainable from municipal housing authorities or the regional AML housing office, which keep updated registries not publicly summarized in the sources reviewed.
Some municipalities, such as Sintra, have approximately 4,000 families waiting for municipal housing [1]. Other municipalities, like Cascais, have 1,371 families waiting [1], and Odivelas has 1,220 families waiting [1].
In the 16 responding municipalities, excluding Seixal and Vila Franca de Xira, at least 31,035 families are awaiting municipal housing as of July [1].
For instance, the city of Barreiro has 812 active applications for municipal housing, which correspond to 3,248 people [1]. The average per capita income in Barreiro is around 325 euros [1].
The city of Lisbon is actively addressing the housing shortage by investing in affordable housing projects. For example, recent deliveries include 50 affordable homes in Marvila, and ongoing construction includes a block with 105 units [5].
| Metric | Value | |----------------------------------------|--------------------------------| | Total families waiting in AML | Over 30,000 families | | Families waiting in Lisbon municipality | Approx. 15,700 families | | Population of Lisbon Metropolitan Area | About 3.01 million people | | Number of municipalities in AML | 18 municipalities |
This article is based on available data and sources, and for more precise per-municipality waiting list counts and populations, it is recommended to contact municipal housing authorities or the regional AML housing office.
[1] Lusa News Agency [2] Statistics Portugal [3] Lisbon City Council [5] Lisbon City Council - Housing Department
- The high demand for municipal housing in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) extends beyond the city of Lisbon, with other municipalities like Sintra, Cascais, Odivelas, and Barreiro also having significant numbers of families waiting.
- In politics and policy-making, understanding the general-news implications of the housing crisis is essential, as the AML housing waiting list counts exceed 30,000 families.
- Investing in real-estate, particularly in housing markets like the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, might be an attractive opportunity for those interested in lifestyle and finance, given the high demand and ongoing efforts to address the shortage.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find the details of municipal housing projects, such as the 105-unit block under construction in Lisbon, appealing as examples of innovative housing solutions.
