In the current challenging context for the residential market, the new edition of SIL – Salão Imobiliário de Portugal (Portugal Real Estate Fair) — taking place until Saturday at FIL in Parque das Nações, Lisbon — positions itself as a privileged forum for debating the sector’s current challenges. These include affordable housing construction, driven by the 6% VAT measure; the need for more build-to-rent developments; and scaling up modular and industrialised construction.
In an interview with Expresso, Sérgio Runa stated that the event “positions itself as a catalyst for investment and innovation, maintaining strong commercial momentum and confidence in the Portuguese property market”.
He underlined that the highlight of the 2026 edition is the emergence of new development models in the residential market, particularly build-to-rent projects, as well as solutions associated with industrialised construction. These will “make it possible to increase supply and reduce costs”. These topics are being addressed at conferences held alongside the fair, which is also establishing itself as a platform for showcasing real development and investment opportunities.
Sérgio Runa says that SIL, organised by Fundação AIP, is showing significant growth compared to 2025, with better use of exhibition space across a total area of around 45,000 square metres in conjunction with Tektónica. However, he notes that beyond physical expansion, what stands out is ‘a strong presence of the sector’s leading players’. The event continues to establish itself as the main meeting point for real estate in Portugal, bringing together different segments and associated services.
SALES WITH SPECIAL CONDITIONS
SIL provides property developers and investors with an opportunity to showcase developments in the launch phase or under construction, as well as units for sale within projects that are already being marketed. Some groups have used the event to present projects under development, or to simply reinforce their brand presence.
One such group is Libertas, which is commercially launching the first 25 units of Modjo Riverside, a private riverside condominium located in Montijo, explains Pascal Gonçalves, Libertas’ Director.
With 217 units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, the development introduces ‘some new features’. The group has committed to deducting the equivalent of the VAT reduction to 6% from the price for buyers purchasing for their own permanent residence, the director told Expresso. The condominium includes a swimming pool, a fitness room, a cinema room and gardens, and was developed with the help of a network of Portuguese partners. It is financed by Caixa Geral de Depósitos.
Bondstone is also presenting two projects at SIL that reflect the diversity of its portfolio: Arcaya in Vilamoura in the Algarve region and Bloomia in Belas Clube de Campo in the Lisbon region. Paulo Loureiro, Executive Director of Bondstone, highlights the launch of a new phase of Arcaya: ‘The Grove’, ‘the project’s first apartment offering, responding to a more diversified demand profile’. Meanwhile, Bloomia is in its final sales phase. Paulo Loureiro stresses the importance of SIL, not only for the visibility it provides, but also for its ability to capture trends and test the interest of a diverse audience.
For Adriana Coutinho, the Marketing and Communications Director at the MAP Group, the SIL is a “strategic platform to strengthen positioning, consolidate relationships, and identify new business opportunities in a sector that is clearly undergoing transformation”. She says the expectation is clear: “To generate impact, open new partnerships, and establish the Group as a benchmark in the Portuguese construction and real estate development sector.”
MUNICIPALITIES PRESENT PROJECTS
One of the focal points of the event is the SIL Cities area, where municipalities such as Lisbon, Porto (Porto Vivo SRU), Madeira (Invest Madeira), Coruche, Santarém and Seixal promote themselves by presenting property assets and projects, and showcasing territorial development strategies.
“This space helps to reinforce investment, population and business attraction, while facilitating partnerships with key stakeholders in the sector,” adds Sérgio Runa.
SIL 2026 has reinforced its international dimension, with exhibitors hailing from Europe, North America, South America and the Middle East. This diversity contributes to a more global environment, enhancing opportunities for business, investment and internationalisation.
Meanwhile, the SIL Real Estate Awards — a parallel initiative to the event — received more than 40 applications across six categories: New Construction, Urban Rehabilitation, Innovation, Sustainable Construction, Social Responsibility and Best Launch Campaign.
In addition to the projects, an individual will also be recognised for their contribution to Portugal’s real estate sector.
(by ELISABETE SOARES @ JORNAL EXPRESSO)
