Ambitious housing plans in Amsterdam is leading to smaller homes, poor livability

The ambition to build thousands of homes in Amsterdam every year is leading to newly built homes becoming smaller and smaller. The new neighborhoods have little social connection with the nearby areas and the safety and livability are under pressure during the lengthy construction projects. This was reported by the Amsterdam Court of Audit.

The smaller homes are compensated with shared spaces and facilities. These again lead to higher costs for residents. This can lead to "a one-sided resident composition.”

In addition, it is a challenge to find space for sports and nature in the new living areas. The court of audit also said there is a “mismatch” between the supply and demand of commercial facilities, like stores, which is resulting in vacancies.

The cause of the issues are rooted in a “lack of realism about the (im)possibilities in area development.” This often results in a lack of money to make good on the ambitions for the new neighborhood.

The court of audit looked at two construction projects in the city. The NDSM-werf West and Amstel III. The research institution sees that the municipality are looking for solutions to the issues mentioned, one example of this is making the housing plans less detailed. But the gap between the ambitions for new homes and what is possible from a financial perspective is so significant that “more realism” is needed.

In a response, the College of Mayor and Aldermen said that the court of audit’s conclusions are relatable. Ambitions can collide with the “unruly, economic reality.” The board emphasized that work is being done to solve these issues.