SIL 2026 more than a trade fair, a clear market signal

SIL 2026 more than a trade fair, a clear market signal
Yesterday I went to SIL 2026, in Lisbon, in what continues to be the largest real estate fair in Portugal, both as an entrepreneur and also as South Vice-President of APEMIP. I confess that I went with some moderate expectations, perhaps even cautious, taking into account the current context of the global economy, geopolitical instability and the impact that all this inevitably has on investment decisions. But I left with a different feeling. Positive, surprisingly positive.
The atmosphere at SIL is not just that of a fair. It is the direct reflection of a sector. And what I felt was energy, confidence and a dynamic that, honestly, I didn't expect to find with this intensity. There was no isolated moment that stood out or a stand that captured all the attention. It was rather the whole, the sum of everything, that conveyed a clear message: the market is alive, active and willing to continue to grow.
Throughout the day, in the various conversations I had with different players in the sector, promoters, investors, mediators and partners, there was a common point that was repeated almost unanimously. No one is expecting a relevant market slowdown in 2026. On the contrary, there is a perception of continuity, with construction coming back strongly and with an impressive pipeline of projects already in development, under construction or nearing completion, looking for new customers and investors.
And those customers continue to be increasingly international. The presence of promoters from Brazil, for example, clearly demonstrates South America's growing interest in the Portuguese market. But not only. The Middle East, including players linked to Dubai, was also represented, not only as investors, but as promoters looking to position their own projects with a European audience. Portugal thus continues to assert itself as a global meeting point, not only to invest, but also to exhibit and capture new opportunities.
Another point that struck me was the diversity of the offer presented. From projects clearly oriented towards the premium and international segment, to solutions more focused on accessibility and the new generation of buyers. The launch of projects with more adjusted prices and more flexible concepts, such as co-living, co-working and hybrid spaces, shows that the sector is aware of changes in demand and in the way people want to live.
Innovation was also very present. Technology applied to real estate continues to evolve and gain ground, with solutions that promise to transform the way we work, analyze data and interact with customers. However, and perhaps even more relevantly, what continues to make the difference is human contact. The proximity, the face-to-face conversations, the building of relationships. At a time when there is so much talk about artificial intelligence, SIL reinforces a simple but essential idea: the real estate business continues to be, above all, a people business.
This balance between technology and human relationship was evident throughout the event. Tools change, processes evolve, but trust continues to be built in the same way. And that's precisely what events like SIL make sense for. Not only as a showcase for projects, but as a space for meeting, sharing and creating partnerships.
Naturally, there were also moments of recognition that should be highlighted. The awarding of the Personality of the Year 2026 award to Reinaldo Teixeira was one of those moments. A more than deserved recognition for a decades-long career linked to real estate and tourism, and which today also extends to professional football as president of Liga Portugal. There were those who commented that the sector lost a relevant figure for football, but the truth is that the two worlds are more connected than we often think. Where there are people, there is a need for housing. Where there is economic dynamics, there is real estate. And in that sense, the connection makes perfect sense.
Another highlight was the strong presence of structuring projects that are marking the future of cities, such as the developments in Lisbon and Comporta, as well as new concepts related to education, community and lifestyle. The international demand for quality of life continues to be one of the main drivers of the market, and Portugal is increasingly positioning itself as a complete destination, where you don't just buy a property, but a way of life.
At the same time, topics such as affordable housing, sustainability and new investment models were present in the discussions, showing that the sector is aware of the challenges it faces. Lack of supply, pressure on prices and the need to find balanced solutions remain central themes. But what has become clear is that there is a will to find answers.
SIL, by bringing together all the players in the sector in the same space, from developers to investors, including mediators, banking, construction and public entities, creates precisely the necessary environment for these responses to begin to emerge. Not immediately, but through dialogue, sharing and joint construction.
In the end, what I take from this edition of SIL is a message of confidence, but also of responsibility. The real estate sector in Portugal remains strong, dynamic and attractive. But this growth will have to be accompanied by a clear vision, greater balance and an ability to adapt to new challenges.
Because more than growing, it will be essential to grow well.
And SIL, once again, showed that the sector is prepared for this conversation.