Interest in rental homes in Portugal remained high at the end of 2025, despite the slowdown in rent growth of 0.9% recorded in December. The latest analysis by idealista reveals that each rental listing received, on average, 22 contacts before being removed from the platform. There was therefore a 5% increase in rental demand between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the same period of the previous year.
“The slight increase in the average number of contacts per listing at the end of 2025, at a national level, confirms that demand for rental housing remains high. This behaviour indicates that family interest continues to be strong, with no signs of a significant slowdown,” analyses Ruben Marques, spokesperson for idealista, noting, however, that “rent prices remain at high levels and out of reach for a significant part of the Portuguese population.”
Renting a home in Portugal
Freepik
Where is demand for rental homes highest?
In the fourth quarter of 2025, the district (or autonomous region) capitals that recorded the highest average number of contacts per rental listing were Santarém, with 34 contacts, followed by Leiria (29), Évora (27) and Setúbal (27). Beja and Ponta Delgada followed closely, with an average of 26 contacts per listing.
Other locations with high levels of demand in the residential rental market include Faro and Castelo Branco (both with 24 contacts per listing), followed by Funchal (23) and Viseu (22). Guarda recorded 21 contacts, while Lisbon and Bragança stood at 20.
At an intermediate level are Braga, Coimbra and Vila Real, where each rental home received 17 expressions of interest. Porto recorded 14 contacts per listing and Aveiro had 13. The cities with the lowest demand in the residential rental market at the end of 2025 were Portalegre (13) and Viana do Castelo (10), according to idealista.
Renting a home: how do contacts vary in major cities?
Data from the 4th quarter of 2025
Number of contacts per listing
District capital / autonomous region | Contacts per listing
Santarém | 34
Leiria | 29
Évora | 27
Setúbal | 27
Beja | 26
Ponta Delgada | 26
Castelo Branco | 24
Faro | 24
Funchal | 23
Viseu | 22
Guarda | 21
Bragança | 20
Lisbon | 20
Braga | 17
Coimbra | 17
Vila Real | 17
Porto | 14
Aveiro | 13
Portalegre | 13
Viana do Castelo | 10
Source: idealista
Rental demand rises in 10 major cities – and falls in another 10
When analysing the evolution of demand for rental homes between the end of 2025 and the same period of the previous year, it becomes clear that the average number of contacts per listing increased in 10 major cities and decreased in the other 10 capitals, highlighting an uneven evolution across markets.
The largest annual increases in demand for residential rentals were observed in Évora (50%), Beja (30%) and Funchal (28%). Viseu (22%), Leiria (21%), Castelo Branco (20%) and Porto (17%) also stood out. More moderate growth in interest was recorded in Faro (9%), Ponta Delgada (8%) and Lisbon (5%).
On the other hand, the sharpest cooling in demand for rental homes was observed in Portalegre (-63%), followed by Aveiro (-24%), Bragança (-23%), Vila Real (-19%), Setúbal (-16%) and Coimbra (-15%). Declines in interest were also recorded in Viana do Castelo (-9%), Santarém (-8%), Braga (-6%) and Guarda (-5%).
Evolution of contacts per rental listing
Change between the 4th quarter of 2025 and the same period of the previous year (%)
District capital / autonomous region | Change in contacts per listing
Évora | 50%
Beja | 30%
Funchal | 28%
Viseu | 22%
Leiria | 21%
Castelo Branco | 20%
Porto | 17%
Faro | 9%
Ponta Delgada | 8%
Lisbon | 5%
Guarda | −5%
Braga | −6%
Santarém | −8%
Viana do Castelo | −9%
Coimbra | −15%
Setúbal | −16%
Vila Real | −19%
Bragança | −23%
Aveiro | −24%
Portalegre | −63%
Source: idealista