Looking for a flat in Portugal, or renewing a lease soon? Official numbers released on 29 September 2026 show that the median rent on new housing leases rose again in the second quarter. According to Statistics Portugal (INE), reported by JN/Lusa, RTP/Lusa and Observador, the national median for new contracts hit €10.17 per square metre — 10.2% higher than a year earlier.
What the INE numbers say
INE’s local housing-rent statistics for Q2 2026 cover new lease contracts only. Year-on-year growth accelerated to +10.2%, after +9.1% in the previous quarter. Versus Q1 2026, the median rose +7.5%.
Observador, citing INE, reported 35,407 new contracts in Q2 2026 — up 0.4% from 35,266 in Q2 2025. So prices rose much faster than the number of new deals.
Highest median rents by region (new contracts):
- Greater Lisbon: €15.24/m²
- Madeira: €12.78/m²
- Setúbal Peninsula: €11.99/m²
- Algarve: €11.56/m²
- Porto metro area: €10.83/m²
Among municipalities with more than 100,000 residents, Lisbon had the highest median at €17.79/m² (+5.1% year-on-year — below the national rate). The fastest rise was in Guimarães (+20.7%). Other high medians included Funchal €14.49 (+17.0%), Amadora €14.03 (+10.3%) and Loures €13.03 (+16.1%).
Illustrative example only: at the national median of €10.17/m², a 50 m² flat would work out to roughly €510 per month for a new contract. Your city, neighbourhood and flat size will differ — Greater Lisbon and Lisbon city sit well above that national figure.
What this means if you are renting
- These are new-contract medians. They describe fresh leases signed in Q2 2026, not the rent you already pay on an ongoing contract.
- If you are house-hunting now, budget against local figures (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira), not only the national €10.17/m².
- If you renew or move, expect the asking rent to reflect today’s market, which has been rising faster than a year ago.
- Parliament context: on 30 September 2026 parliament debated the government’s rental-law authorisation. At the time of writing, the law has not changed and there is no confirmed vote result to report. For what the proposal would change if it advances, see our rental reform preview.
What to do
- Budget the move-in cost. Landlords often ask for a deposit (commonly 1–2 months) plus the first month’s rent — sometimes more. Keep every payment receipt.
- Get a written contract before you transfer large sums or hand over keys. Verbal promises are hard to prove.
- Register the lease where required (for tax and your own protection). Ask the landlord how they will handle the official registration.
- Watch for scam ads. Never pay a viewing fee or deposit to someone you have not verified; refuse pressure to pay outside Portugal without a signed contract.
- Track the rental reform separately. Proposed rule changes (deposits, unpaid-rent timelines, updates on new contracts) are still not law — read the 30 September preview and wait for a confirmed outcome before changing plans.
Key dates and caveats
- 29 September 2026: INE release / press coverage of Q2 2026 new-rent medians (see INE calendar).
- Period covered: April–June 2026 new contracts — not September asking prices.
- 30 September 2026: parliamentary debate on rental-law authorisation; no confirmed tally in this article.
Sources
- JN/Lusa – Median rent of new contracts up 10.2% in Q2
- RTP/Lusa – Median rent €10.17/m² in Q2 (INE)
- Observador – Median rents accelerate to +10.2% year-on-year (INE)
- INE – Calendar / housing rent statistics note (release 29 Sep 2026)
- Link in Portugal – Rental law reform preview (Parliament, 30 September)
Featured image: Branded graphic: Link in Portugal (no third-party news photos)
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rent figures are medians for new contracts reported by INE via the press; your lease may differ. Rules and parliamentary outcomes can change — check official sources before you act. Last updated: 30 September 2026.
