In 2023, the Municipality increased the maximum monthly contribution, which rose from 240 to 480 euros, reflecting the evolution of rental prices and the increased costs borne by families. Over more than a decade, this initiative has supported 416 families, with an average annual investment of 76,497.43 euros.
The rise in rental prices, which increased by 10.6% in 2023 and a further 10.5% in 2024 according to INE, reaching 7.97 euros/m² (9.41 euros/m² in the Algarve), prompted a review of the Municipal Rental Support Program regulations. While maintaining support for up to 60% of the rent, the maximum monthly amount was raised to 480 euros.
The Mayor of Lagoa Municipality, Luís Encarnação, emphasized that "housing is one of the areas where municipalities today have an increasingly important responsibility and where it is necessary to translate that responsibility into concrete responses." He highlighted that the investment demonstrates "a response that the Municipality maintains and reinforces when circumstances require it" and that doubling the maximum monthly contribution "helps families cover their housing costs and prevents financial difficulty from leading to a loss of housing stability".
The Municipal Rental Support Program is part of a broader strategy to address the housing needs of the municipality, aiming to ensure that municipal responses adapt to evolving needs and contribute to family stability.
