The end of opportunistic investors? The Hague and Utrecht are next

Marching in Amsterdam’s footsteps, The Hague and Utrecht are launching property purchase protection across their cities as of next year. Meanwhile, Rotterdam will decide on similar action by next week.

In an effort to combat greedy investors from buying houses or apartment blocks to rent out at sky-high cost, Nu.nl reports that The Hague and Utrecht are taking advantage of the Dutch cabinet’s offer to use purchase protection in their cities. ✍️

The private investors’ role in the current housing crisis isn’t exactly minor, as the Dutch land registry recently announced that these private investors own 17.8% of the houses in the major cities across the Netherlands — and that isn’t exactly a small chunk. 🍽️

What does it mean?

While the finer details of each purchase protection policy are still to be determined by the municipalities, the concept generally aims to prohibit investors from buying cheap and mid-priced houses in specific neighbourhoods of big (and some small) Dutch cities.

Utrecht and The Hague are not enforcing a self-residential obligation like the ad-on to Amsterdam’s purchase protection policy as of yet. However, in a bold move, ♟️ The Hague is advocating in front of the cabinet for a rent limit on all privately purchased properties in the city.

“Only in this way will immediate action be taken on affordability, and it will become less interesting for private investors to buy homes and ask for high rents,” a spokesperson for The Hague explains.

As for Utrecht, the city hasn’t decided on the value of houses included in the purchase protection plan as of yet. However, it is promised to be as high as possible.

Do you think these purchase protection plans will have an effect on the Dutch housing crisis? Tell us in the comments! below

Feature Image: lugrin/Depositphotos

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
Farah believes she's been on many adventures during her millennial life, each for a different (sometimes invisible) purpose. The latest adventure whisked her away to Amsterdam for love, and what a magical surprise she found in this city. Armed with imaginary confetti in her pocket, and ready to celebrate all wins, big and small, Farah says "ahla w sahla" or “welcome” to her latest adventure in this wonderland.

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