A consequence of the booming property market sees Cáritas Europa warning today that Portugal’s young people are finding it “very difficult” to find any kind of home of their own, whether rented or affordable to buy.
The dilemma is powered by “unemployment, insecure employment, irregular contracts and low salaries” but not helped at all by the “very elevated” prices currently being asked for property.
The church-supported organisation wants government action.
It says: “Young people need a future”.
Property prices in almost all relevant areas have risen to the point that they are disproportionate to salaries and the whole issue of housing for young nationals has become “uncontrollable”.
Cáritas ‘solution’ is to appeal for “habitation at accessible prices for young people, according to their earnings and giving them the opportunity to start an independent life”.
Cáritas Portugal’s president Eugénio Fonseca agrees this is not simply a Portuguese problem, but one facing young people throughout Europe.
natasha.donn@algarveresident.com
