Dutch housing minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan has confirmed that she will publish new plans to stimulate mid market rental construction after the summer recess. 

New residential housing in the east of Amsterdam

Developers and investors had already said that they expected a new approach to residential construction would be made public either at or before the September budget presentation. In particular they hope measures will be taken to encourage more international investors to put money into Dutch residential property.



The government’s plan to boost mid-market rentals is part of a wider approach to speed up housing construction in the Netherlands, which has an estimated shortage of one million homes. The minister has said several times that international investors have a key role in meeting this challenge. 



One measure published in July includes making it easier and cheaper for housing corporations to finance new projects, including developments in the mid-market sector - a move which institutional investors have said could be considered unfair competition. Housing corporations are responsible for most affordable housing in the Netherlands and have also agreed to build 5,000 mid-market rentals per year from 2029.

A boost for senior housing



In addition, the government has set aside €420 million to stimulate the development of senior housing over the next four years. It estimates 290,000 homes for older people will be needed by 2030, ranging from housing without stairs to full-service nursing homes. 

The minister has also already pledged to cut the property transfer tax on residential transactions from 8% to 7% in 2027 and is making changes to the rent control system so that landlords have more flexibility in setting rents.  



The government has set a target of building 100,000 new homes a year and the minister said earlier this month that new research suggests that total will be achieved in 2027.