Affordable Housing in Portugal
Enabling Private Impact Investment to Help Tackle the Housing Crisis
ABOUT US
Divine Lavender is a Social Impact Housing Initiative Based in Portugal.
We provide dignified, below-market rentals to people facing housing barriers — especially migrants, refugees, and displaced professionals — while creating healthy returns for values-aligned investors.
Our model combines real estate with empathy: co-housing projects, NGO partnerships, and a commitment to community, not just contracts.
* photo from our Barreiro building being fully renovated
OUR JOURNEY SO FAR
2022 > Now
What We've Done So Far
In 2023, we acquired and rented out two pilot apartments in Barreiro and Fogueteiro to migrant and refugee tenants, in partnership with JRS Portugal.
These tenancies have been stable, fully paid, and conflict-free since day one.
We tested key aspects of the model: acquisition, NGO collaboration, affordability thresholds, and tenant support.
Based on this success, we decided to scale the model.
What We're Doing Now
We’ve acquired a 10-room building in Barreiro, currently undergoing full renovation.
This will become our first co-housing pilot, combining:
Migrant and refugee tenants (supported by JRS)
Portuguese tenants (referred by CRESCER)
Displaced professionals
A resident Community Manager from the Lisbon Project
The goal: build a balanced, supportive, and stable community with below-market rents and long-term vision.
Rooms are expected to be ready for move-in by September 2025.
Our Partners
CRESCER
Portuguese tenant selection and support
JRS Portugal
Refugee tenant selection & support
The Lisbon Project
Community-building, integration and resident engagement
Building Renovation
BEFORE
AFTER
Why Are Impact Investors Interested?
1
Tangible Social Impact
Each building directly provides stable, below-market housing to a diverse tenant community of up to 10 - 12 people, including migrants, refugees, and low-income Portuguese nationals. The long-term goal is to scale this model to give more investors the opportunity to contribute to housing solutions while receiving a secure return.
2
Sustainable Returns
Our blended rent model enables predictable annual yields of 3–4%, balancing social purpose with financial stability. Public incentives and fixed-rent programs could further reinforce income reliability.
3
Community-Led Urban Regeneration
We acquire and renovate underused properties in high-potential urban areas — revitalising buildings, stimulating local economies, and fostering integration in a time of growing housing inequality.
4
Energy-Conscious Renovation
We upgrade each building with energy efficiency in mind: improved insulation, double-glazed windows, modern water and electricity systems — creating more comfortable homes with lower environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Portugal is facing one of the most severe housing crises in Europe. The combination of rising rents, stagnant wages, and an undersupply of affordable housing has made it increasingly difficult for many, especially migrants, young professionals, and low-income families, to secure stable, dignified homes.
This situation doesn’t just affect individuals; it undermines integration, well-being, and social cohesion. Without safe, affordable housing, people struggle to access work, education, and healthcare, and cities struggle to retain key workers who keep them functioning.
At Divine Lavender, we believe housing is more than shelter. It’s a foundation for stability, dignity, and community. Our goal is to contribute real solutions: ethical investment projects that provide long-term affordability while supporting tenant integration and neighbourhood regeneration.
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We follow two affordability principles:
Rent should be no more than 33% of a household’s net income
And, 60–80% of the local market rate
This ensures rent is truly manageable for each person’s situation.
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We house a mix of:
Migrants and refugees referred by NGOs like JRS
Portuguese tenants, including some referred by CRESCER
Displaced professionals like teachers, police, health workers, or students
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If you’re relocating to the Lisbon region — whether for work, study, or public service — and are looking for a safe, stable, and below-market rental, you may be eligible for one of our rooms.
We currently offer a small number of affordable rooms in a fully renovated building in Barreiro, aimed at professionals and students who are:
working in education, healthcare, security services, or social impact
studying at university away from their home region
earning a modest or entry-level income
We prioritise applicants with a genuine interest in community living and social integration.
To apply or receive updates, you can contact us directly via email.
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Shared apartments with private bedrooms and common areas (kitchen, bathrooms, garden).
Each building includes a Community Coordinator who lives onsite and supports healthy communication and a peaceful atmosphere. Our NGO partners provide light follow-up and integration support for referred tenants.
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Through a careful balance of tenants, public incentives, and below-market rent strategies, we can offer long-term affordability and a modest, steady return to aligned investors.
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Yes. In some European countries, ethical real estate models have emerged, utilizing private capital to deliver social outcomes, including co-living spaces, affordable housing trusts, and impact housing funds. The key is aligning financial return with long-term social value.
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While Portugal has a long tradition of social housing, the use of blended finance and mission-driven private investment is still emerging. Divine Lavender is among the first to test this model at a small, community-led scale.
Sustainable Development Goals
Divine Lavender contributes to several of the UN’s SDGs by creating inclusive, affordable, and community-driven housing in Portugal.
No Poverty
By offering stable, below-market rent to tenants with limited income, we help reduce the financial stress that keeps people in cycles of poverty.
Good Wealth and Well-being
Secure housing means better mental health, safety, and stability, especially for people rebuilding their lives after displacement or when starting a new life.
Affordable and Clean Energy
We improved energy efficiency by installing better windows and modern electric and water systems.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Our renovations hire local contractors and suppliers from the area, directly contributing to the local economy and supporting dignified employment.
Reduced Inequalities
We focus on inclusion by mixing migrants, refugees, and Portuguese residents in the same buildings — breaking barriers and building shared community life.
Sustainable Cities and Communities
We renovate underused housing into long-term affordable homes, improving urban infrastructure and community cohesion.
Responsible Consumption and Production
We prioritize the reuse of existing buildings and aim to reduce waste in our renovation processes.
Reduced Inequalities
While not a climate project, reducing energy waste in housing is one step toward sustainability, and part of our commitment to long-term responsible housing solutions.
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 five years and now resides in Seixal with his wife, Tamara, and their two daughters, Alma and Joana.
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. Tamara loves living in Lisbon and is passionate about social enterprise, especially the work of the Lisbon Project, where she has been a member of the leadership team for five years.
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, financial risks and markets.
GET IN TOUCH
Want to Hear More?
We’re always open to partnerships, questions, and ideas.
Whether you want to collaborate, support our mission, or simply learn more, we’d love to hear from you.
Do you want to refer a tenant for our newly refreshed building in Barreiro?
Fill up this form and we’ll be in touch with you soon!