Utrecht fights back against controversial student housing sales model
The city of Utrecht is pushing back against a new business model that allows student housing to be sold to multiple buyers without requiring a permit. The initiative, led by real estate agent Rik Gijtenbeek through his platform StudentenkamerKopen.nl, has already resulted in the sale of 10 properties in Utrecht. Gijtenbeek now aims to expand the model nationwide, but city officials and housing organizations warn of worsening affordability and accessibility issues, BNR reports.
StudentenkamerKopen.nl sells existing student houses in their entirety to multiple buyers, typically students with wealthy parents. Instead of subdividing a property into separate apartments, the buyers become co-owners. Each student pays between 100,000 and 200,000 euros for a share of the property. Unlike a housing cooperative, this model grants direct ownership to the students.
The Utrecht government strongly opposes the practice. “This is a really bad development,” said Housing Alderman Dennis de Vries (PvdA). “It makes housing even more expensive and shuts out those who can’t afford to buy.”
Because many of the sold properties were previously rental units, the supply of affordable student housing is shrinking. The city has limited legal options to intervene, but De Vries says officials are closely monitoring the situation. “If this turns out to be an indirect form of property splitting—which requires a permit—we will take enforcement action.”
The Woonbond, a tenants’ advocacy group, also criticized the initiative. “Student rental housing is already in decline, and this only makes it worse. This is not progress,” said a spokesperson.
Niek Verra, chairman of Vastgoed Belang, the association of private real estate investors, told BNR that many student properties are sitting half-empty. Owners are holding off on renting them out as they prepare to sell, further reducing available rental stock.
Thomas Westerhof, a real estate advisor at CBRE, sees the model as part of a broader trend. “This is an extreme example of the ongoing sell-off of rental properties,” he said to BNR. While demand for individual student rooms remains high, full property sales are increasing. “It benefits students who can afford it but worsens housing inequality.”
According to BNR, a survey of other major student cities shows that the model has not yet gained traction outside Utrecht. However, with high demand and limited regulation, experts fear the trend could spread if no action is taken.
Rik Gijtenbeek argues that his approach creates housing opportunities, but he acknowledges that sellers benefit financially. By avoiding the need for a subdivision permit, sellers can earn more than they would by selling to a single buyer. However, students reportedly face challenges in securing mortgages, making the model viable only for those whose parents can cover the full purchase price.
