1. The World's Largest Indoor Market: Lisbon is home to the Mercado da Ribeira, also known as Time Out Market, which is one of the largest indoor markets in the world. It features a wide array of food stalls run by some of the city's best chefs, making it a culinary hotspot that both locals and tourists may overlook. 2. The Origin of the Word "Alcohol": The word "alcohol" originates from the Arabic word "al-kuḥl," which referred to a fine powder used as eyeliner. This term was adapted by the Portuguese during the Age of Discovery, showcasing Lisbon's historical connections to global trade and cultural exchange. 3. The Hidden Lisbon: Beneath the city lies a network of tunnels and reservoirs known as the "Águas Livres Aqueduct," which was built in the 18th century to supply water to Lisbon. This engineering marvel is not commonly known and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city's historical infrastructure.
The housing market in Lisbon has been experiencing significant growth and transformation in recent years. As of 2025, luxury home prices in Lisbon are expected to rise by 4.5%, positioning the city as the 4th most promising European capital for real estate appreciation. This growth is driven by international interest, political stability, and quality of life factors. The total number of housing units in Lisbon is not explicitly stated in the search results. However, as of June 2018, 341 residential buildings were completed in Lisbon, indicating ongoing construction activity. Rental yields in Lisbon average 5.15% as of 2024, with variations depending on property size and location. The average gross rental yield across Portugal stands at 5.47% in Q2 2024. Specific figures for the proportion of renters versus homeowners in Lisbon are not provided in the search results. Recent median prices per square meter for renting or buying apartments in Lisbon are not explicitly stated in the given information. Lisbon City Council has approved plans for housing cooperatives on municipal land, aiming to provide affordable housing options. The program allows families to form cooperatives and construct homes on city-provided land with 90-year surface rights. This initiative demonstrates a growing role for cooperative housing in addressing affordability concerns in the city.
The current Lisbon city administration, led by Mayor Carlos Moedas, has made housing a top priority, aiming to address the city's housing crisis through various programs and initiatives. The city has set an ambitious target of investing 800 million euros in housing by 2028, with a focus on increasing affordable housing supply. Key programs and activities include: 1. Lisbon Municipal Housing Charter: A 10-year strategy document outlining policies to increase housing supply, reduce asymmetries in access, and regenerate neglected areas. 2. Affordable Income Program (PRA): Distributes housing with lower rents to middle-income families unable to compete in the private market. 3. Municipal Subsidy for Affordable Lease Program (SMAA): Grants subsidies to selected applicants, covering one-third of their rent. 4. "Cooperativas 1ª Habitação Lisboa" program: Allows families to form cooperatives and build affordable housing on city-provided land, with the municipality handling architectural plans and licensing. 5. University residences expansion: Plans to add 1,220 new beds for students. 6. Support Offices for Priority Intervention Neighborhoods (GABIP): Aims to establish offices in each parish to address local housing needs. 7. Housing for essential workers: Promotes housing for workforce critical to the city's functioning. 8. Renovation of vacant flats: A program to renovate 2,000 vacant apartments in 11 boroughs. These initiatives aim to create more affordable and sustainable housing options for Lisbon residents while addressing the city's housing challenges.