The ADN Madeira party wants the Regional Government to study new ways of using tourism-linked public revenue to help finance affordable housing. The party made the call in a statement signed by its official, Mara Faria.
ADN argues that growth in tourism should also translate into a bigger supply of housing at prices people can afford. The party wants officials to study new financing models for construction, rehabilitation and rental programs.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Tourist overnight stays, 2025 | 12.9 million+ |
| Median rent rise, new contracts, Q2 2026 | +17.4% |
| Estimated housing shortfall, April 2026 | ~4,000 homes |
| 2026 Regional Budget for housing | €81 million |
Median Rents for New Contracts Rose 17.4 Percent
The statement arrives as Madeira keeps setting tourism records, while many families struggle to find housing that fits their income. ADN points to a 17.4% rise in median rents for new rental contracts. That rise came in the second quarter of 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier.
The party also cites more than 12.9 million tourist overnight stays recorded across Madeira in 2025. ADN is careful to note that the two figures do not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Even so, it argues both should factor into regional development priorities.
Renters on the island have faced mounting pressure for years. An earlier report by Times of Madeira examined how incomes have failed to keep pace with rising rents.
Government Estimated Need for 4,000 Homes in April 2026
ADN recalls that the Regional Government itself estimated, in April 2026, that Madeira needed around four thousand housing units. The party acknowledges the public investment the Executive has already announced for housing.
That includes about 81 million euros set aside in the 2026 Regional Budget for housing, along with programs already underway. ADN argues this effort, on its own, does not resolve the island's existing housing needs.
Party Revisits Debate Over Hiking Trail Fees Planned for 2027
The statement also returns to the debate around higher access fees for hiking trails, planned to take effect in April 2027. ADN uses that discussion to call for a broader look at how public revenue tied to tourism gets used.
Faria stresses that funds earmarked for nature protection, levada maintenance and visitor safety should stick to their legally defined purposes. However, the ADN official argues other public revenue generated by tourism and the wider regional economy could justify a review of possible reinforcements to housing programs.
Why not study, with clear accounts, which part of the legally available budgetary resources could help reinforce the existing housing programs?
Mara Faria, ADN Madeira
The party's proposal calls for evaluating the available budget margin, possible new financing sources, partnerships and investment opportunities. The goal, it says, would be building or recovering more homes without diverting funds from essential services or creating new taxes.
Party Calls for Transparency on Housing Project Costs
ADN also wants greater transparency in how public resources are applied to housing. The party says Madeirans should know the costs of investments, which entities are responsible for carrying out the work, and how many homes actually reach families.
We do not want less tourism. We want the success of tourism to also be reflected in the quality of life of those who live in Madeira.
Mara Faria, ADN Madeira
Faria concludes that regional development should not be judged only by the number of tourists or the revenue they generate. It should also be measured by the Region's capacity to guarantee housing, dignity and the conditions for Madeirans to build their future on the island.
Source: dnoticias.pt
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