Tenants, especially in the Randstad, have less to choose from the private rental market. Last year the private rental sector shrunk with around three thousand homes, according to Monday morning published figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
In total there are now 529 thousand rental properties in the possession of private individuals. That is two two thousand less than at the beginning of 2024. In the previous three years this sector increased. The decrease is mainly because private landlords decided to sell their homes (s), especially in the Randstad. In the provinces of Utrecht and Noord-Holland, more than 5 percent of the rental properties were purchased. In the city of Utrecht that was even 6 percent.
The CBS figures seem to confirm an image sketched by many economists: the market for housing rental has become less attractive due to increased regulation. Since mid-2024, the Affordable Rent-History Chief of former home minister Hugo de Jonge has been arranging a rental ceiling for middle rental homes, which indicates that investors want to get rid of their smaller rental home. From an analysis of NRC It turned out in August this year that three thousand homes have disappeared from the market since the strict regulation.
Statistics Netherlands points out that the total decrease in the private rental sector takes place despite a growth in the number of rental properties in the possession of companies and other organizations. That number rose to 419 thousand for companies and to 235 thousand for foundations and associations. Statistics Netherlands writes that these increases are mainly the result of new construction and housing splits. But due to the strong decrease among private individuals, the total supply still decreases.
Housing corporations saw their number of homes increase in 2024, CBS calculates. Ten thousand homes were added. The number of owner -occupied homes also increased by 66 thousand.
Read also
Seven reasons why too few houses are being built in the Netherlands
NEW: Give this article as a gift
As an NRC subscriber you can do every month 10 articles Give a gift to someone without an NRC subscription. The recipient can read the article directly, without a payment wall.