News item | 24-04-2026 | 13:30
The housing shortage remains great. That is why the government is fully committed to realizing 100,000 new homes per year, including sufficient affordable and suitable homes in a pleasant living environment. This is done in close collaboration with governments, corporations and market parties. The Task Force on Accelerating Housing Construction, led by the Prime Minister, is setting the course for this. The starting point: build faster and smarter, with as few delaying rules as possible. The limited space in the Netherlands is used wisely, so that in addition to housing, there is also room for other spatial tasks, such as energy, economy, agriculture, nature and defense.
These plans are contained in a so-called policy letter that Minister Boekholt-O’Sullivan of Housing and Spatial Planning sent to the House of Representatives. This sets out in more detail the elaboration of the coalition agreement and the concrete actions that the House can expect from the minister.
Clear spatial choices
First and foremost, housing requires space. The Spatial Planning Policy Document, the government’s long-term vision on spatial planning in the Netherlands, includes 9 additional national large-scale housing construction locations, in addition to the existing 21 locations. The Spatial Planning Policy Document, including an implementation strategy, is expected to be sent to Parliament at the end of this year. To achieve all spatial goals, the government, municipalities, provinces and water boards will collaborate more intensively. In 16 NOVEX areas, not only construction is taking place, but also work is being done on, for example, good accessibility, nature, agriculture and economic activity.
100,000 new homes per year
After the summer, the Housing Construction Acceleration Task Force will present an integrated plan to eliminate the housing shortage as quickly as possible. By accelerating permitting, making much more use of industrial construction from Dutch manufacturers and making better use of existing buildings, years of time will be saved. €287 million is available to support municipalities. Through measures for a better investment climate, the government is encouraging the construction and maintenance of social and mid-range rental housing. And with the Strengthening Public Housing Management Act, the national government and governments can better and faster manage how much, where and for whom they build. The aim is to enter into force on July 1, 2026.
Affordable living in a nice environment
Public housing is more than just building. The government also ensures affordable and suitable housing in a pleasant living environment. For example, two-thirds of all new construction must be affordable, including 30% social rental and 25% affordable owner-occupied housing. To keep energy costs within limits, 2.5 million homes are being insulated and corporations are continuing to make social housing more sustainable. The Strengthening Management of Public Housing Act stipulates that provinces and municipalities must record how they realize housing for people with specific housing needs, such as students, the elderly and those seeking emergency assistance. And the National Liveability and Safety Program improves the quality of life in neighborhoods, for example by tackling energy poverty and preventing crime.
