The rent in the free sector is on the rise, with it rising by almost 6%, breaking records. Surprisingly, this includes houses not in the Randstad, meaning that almost everyone is going to feel the squeeze, no matter where you live. Of course, with crazy rent prices in the Randstad, people are moving just outside, in order to get a better deal. This is then driving rent up everywhere else.
Rent rose the fastest in places such as Apeldoorn and Zoetermeer, which meant that it had increased by 20% in the first quarter of the year. This is in comparison to the same time period last year. For example, Almere is now a popular place for people who are trying to avoid high Amsterdam prices. As you can see, it’s a pretty crazy jump. Currently, there is no rental limit, so they can charge what they want and you pay whatever you can to live there. Should there be a limit?
The stress of the Dutch housing market…
So, what now?
It raises some interesting questions, as this can’t really continue at the rate that it it. The Netherlands also has a lack of housing and is one of the most densely populated countries. As we know, finding your first property to rent or buy is a task in itself, let alone paying for it. My old neighbour managed to sell their property in just over a week, which is super-fast. With prices rising, it means that more people are in need of subsidised housing. Social housing is also suffering a shortage.
If you’re a middle-income earner you’re stuck in the middle. You earn too much for social housing, too little to afford the crazy rental prices and then too little to get a mortgage. It begs the question on what steps will be taken to help slow down the market. Will rental agencies (etc) start penalising people for not speaking Dutch? Will there be a rental limit? Will anything be done at all?
What are you opinions on the housing market in the Netherlands? Let us know in the comments!
