Slower property sales do not solve Portugal's housing affordability problem

Portugal's property market is becoming more selective, with buyers taking longer to compare options and the pace of transactions slowing. In an opinion article, real-estate executive Paulo Lopes argues that this does not automatically make housing more affordable.

He attributes the deeper problem to insufficient supply, lengthy approvals and reforms delayed over many years. Demand remains strong in major economic centres as Portugal attracts companies, skilled workers and investment. With household incomes lagging housing costs, he argues that faster licensing and more predictable development rules are needed to bring homes to market.