Regional Government Announces New Housing Investment
In response to Madeira’s ongoing housing shortage, the regional government has committed to purchasing 805 new homes for affordable rent by 2026. President Miguel Albuquerque announced the plan during a housing debate in the legislative assembly, underscoring the government’s pledge to prioritize affordable housing solutions.
€128 Million Investment, As 146 Homes Will Be Bought This Year
The housing acquisition plan, part of Madeira’s Recovery and Resilience Program (PRR), is set to require a €128 million investment. President Albuquerque outlined that 146 units will be delivered by the end of this year, followed by 467 in 2025, and the remaining 192 in 2026. These homes will be distributed across all of Madeira’s municipalities, ensuring a broad reach to areas with the most significant housing demand.
The city of Funchal has also committed to providing 355 additional homes by 2026, with funding from both the Institute for Housing and Urban Recovery (IHRU) and the PRR. Albuquerque urged other municipalities, including Santa Cruz and Machico, to support these housing efforts in areas facing critical housing shortages.
It is also expected that other municipalities in the region will contribute to the construction of housing. Mainly in those where there are more pressing housing needs, such as Santa Cruz and Machico.
Miguel Albuquerque, Idealista
New Construction Projects to Begin in 2025
To encourage private-sector involvement, Madeira’s government will open public tenders for two new housing developments in Funchal, aiming to add 270 affordable apartments. Scheduled for the first half of 2025, these projects aim to attract both private developers and housing cooperatives, further expanding affordable housing options on the island.
Existing & Future Programs to Support Families
The government’s Prahabitar Arrendamento program has provided rent support to 1,200 families since 2021. Additionally, the Prahabitar Aquisição program helped 20 families purchase homes in 2024 with grants of up to €20,000 each. The Program for the Rehabilitation of Degraded Properties (PRID) has also been working to refurbish public housing units since 2015, with a total investment of €6.8 million, benefiting hundreds of families.
In 2025, the government plans to launch a new program to support self-built homes, beginning with allocating 30 construction-ready plots each in Caniçal and Porto Santo, enabling residents to build their own homes and stay within their communities.
Government Says It Will Solve Housing Crisis, But It Will Take Time
In his address, Albuquerque emphasized that while these housing initiatives would require time to bear fruit, the regional government remains committed to addressing Madeira’s housing needs. Pedro Fino echoed this, stating, “We will solve the housing problem, but it will take time.”
Source: Idealista
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