Sales rise at a record pace
“Over the last six months there has been a continuous decline in expectations regarding the future number of new rental contracts, marking a change in the trend observed over the last couple of years. This is happening alongside a strong increase in mortgage market activity, suggesting that potential tenants may be starting to view mortgages as an alternative. Going forward, this might reduce pressure on rents which has been driven by the lack of supply.”
“The rate of unemployment fell to 10% across Portugal in February, the lowest level since 2009. The consistent improvement in the labour market over the past twelve months has coincided with a sharp rise in consumer confidence. On the European Commission’s measure, consumers are now more confident in making a major purchase than at any other point since 2002, and this upbeat sentiment is mirrored across housing market activity indicators.”