Loulé Council calls for exceptional planning powers to speed up Algarve housing

Loulé Council has declared a "housing emergency" and a "human emergency" in the Algarve, saying illegal building and makeshift housing are spreading, with workers living in overcrowded containers. Its resident population rose from 70,266 in 2011 to 94,447 in 2025, while average house prices climbed about 75%. The council blames the 2007 regional spatial plan for failing to keep pace. It wants the plan revised urgently, a temporary regime releasing land for affordable housing with tacit approval if consultees miss deadlines, an end to container housing, dedicated funding, and wider powers for local authorities.