Organised by Rede H– the National Housing Studies Network, which brings together academics, civic society, the third sector, and public and private institutions – the discussion, titled “Let’s Talk About Rent Control?”, aimed to break the “taboo” around rent regulation. The panel included geographers, economists, and an architect, all agreeing that the conversation is now gaining political and academic ground.

Simone Tulumello, a researcher at the University of Lisbon, argued that rent control is now essential in Portugal, where public housing makes up just 2% of the market. In his view, regulation is the only way to curb a “completely unregulated” system and quickly make housing more affordable for local residents.

In contrast, economist Susana Peralta from NOVA SBE warned of the long-term downsides of strict rent control, including market distortions and poor targeting. She questioned whether regulated rents would reach those truly in need, and emphasised that expanding supply and increasing market transparency, such as through a national rental registry, would be more effective.

Tulumello framed the debate as ideology: between those who view housing as a basic right and those who treat it as a commodity. If housing is to be right, he said, different policies–including rent control– are needed.

Peralta, however, cautioned against rushing into price regulation. Instead, she called for measures to tax speculative investors, bring vacant properties into use, and support long-term leases. She also criticised tax incentives for wealthy foreigners, saying that they contribute to rising rents.

Both agreed that there is no one-size-fits-all fix. As Peralta put it, the root of the crisis lies in population pressure on limited urban spaces – and the economic logic that awards housing to the highest bidder. For housing policies to be effective, she concluded, they must recognise that a home is more than a financial asset.