Affordable Eco-Housing in Portugal

Enabling private impact investment to help tackle the housing crisis

  • Energy Efficient Renovation

    Identifying, acquiring and renovating well-located dis-used buildings in ways that celebrate historical architecture while maximising energy efficiency.

  • Affordable Housing

    Creating and maintaining a financial model that ensures a secure return for investors while committing to providing long-term affordable rental* to a 50% Portuguese and 50% migrant/refugee community of tenants.

    *‘Affordable rent’ is generally defined as up to 70% of market rate and ‘social rent’ 50-60% of market rate but we seek a person-centered affordability test that is equal to or less than 33% of net household income.

  • Eco-Community Living

    Developing a social care model for positively integrating migrant and Portuguese Lisboetas by prioritising community in the design and development of the building(s.)

    Creating opportunities for tenants to share culture and experiences, particularly through garden or rooftop micro-farming facilities which also promote sustainable eco-living.

    Partnering with local governments, institutions and organisations to assist in supporting the tenant community.

Background

  • Driven by a complex combination of factors including the structural undersupply of property and the soaring cost of living, it is no secret that Portugal is experiencing one of the most extreme examples of the housing crises sweeping across the globalised world. These crises are characterised by an ever shrinking market of affordable rental and all the many social issues and injustices that come with this.

    We think we are far from alone in wanting to help the situation so - aligning with national government ‘mais habitação’ initiatives - we intend to provide impact investors an opportunity to help grow the offer of affordable accommodation for both refugee/migrant and Portuguese in the Lisbon area.

  • The UK social and affordable housing fund market has grown substantially from virtually zero in 2012 to £3.8 billion by the end of 2021. There are also several social housing funds to be found in operation in other European countries like France and Italy. There is as yet no fund for affordable housing supported by private individuals in Portugal. Our goal is to make it happen in a way that ultimately seeks tenant or council ownership at the point of investor exit.

  • We have undertaken a ‘first test’ by acquiring two apartments in the Greater Lisbon Municipality and renting them out at affordable rent (30% and 60% of actual market value.) We have partnered with the housing teams in refugee associations and learnt how to set up new rental contracts with people in vulnerable situations. Our refugee/migrant tenants were selected from among the beneficiaries of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) with whom we continue to work closely. Tenants were selected based on need and commitment to employment and establishing a stable income.

Why are impact investors interested?

  1. Social and Environmental Impact - we believe 6-12 families will benefit directly from our first building and that the establishment of a successful model of integrated, eco-community living could impact exponentially more people, projects, and policies

  2. Secure Returns - our financial model is set to provide 4-5% annual yield

  3. Urban Regeneration - we look for areas in need of regeneration and with high growth potential

  • Housing costs induced povert’ has increased over the last two decades. More affordable housing can help reduce poverty.

    ‘Housing costs induced poverty’ has increased over the last two decades. More affordable housing can help reduce poverty.

  • There are strong links between housing and health and well-being. Inadequate housing can lead to a deterioration in mental and physical health. Having a well- designed, affordable home can improve well-being, such as the proximity to parks and gyms.

  • Housing with renewable energy directly contributes to SDG7. Also homes that are more energy efficient reduce overall energy consumption.

  • Evidence suggests that settled housing is a necessary requirement for seeking and sustaining employment.

  • For people with lower income, being able to spend <33% in housing, will allow them to be more competitive in the job market and consequently, reduce inequalities.

  • Our eco-community living concept will potentiate tennants sustainable way of living and teach them practices for the future.

  • Homes constructed using sustainable techniques will ensure responsible production. Similarly, homes built with energy efficient applications will increase responsible consumption.

  • Homes constructed using sustainable techniques and that have renewable energy sources and/or energy efficiency measures are important for climate change mitigation

Meet the Team

  • Tom Archer

    CO-FOUNDER

    Supporting the project from a networking, investment, and financial aspect. Born and raised near London, after graduating from Edinburgh University Tom went on to found ALTIDO which currently manages over 3000 properties across Europe. He recently sold the business and is focusing on several impact-based projects and start-ups. He has lived in Portugal for 4 years and now resides with his wife, Tamara, and their 9 month old, Alma, in Seixal.

  • Tamara Curtis Archer

    CO-FOUNDER

    Supporting the development of the project’s social purpose and activities. Graduate of Arabic and Social Anthropology and UK-trained social worker with experience in local government and anti-trafficking charities in the UK and the migrant/refugee support sector in Portugal. Has lived in and loved Lisbon for four years and is passionate about contributing to the development of sustainably good social enterprise.

  • Tiago Matos Alves

    OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

    Managing the operations and networking with people/institutions to develop and scale the project. Born and raised in Lisbon with a vast network and considerable knowledge of the real estate markets of Lisbon and Portugal. Worked in consulting and financial markets and studied data analysis, management, and financial risks and markets.

Want to hear more?

Email
tiagomatosalves@gmail.com

Phone
(+351) 912142424

Location
Lisboa, Barreiro, Seixal
Portugal