Homeowners paying more for housing associations; Costs risen by 35 percent since 2019

The costs that homeowners must pay for homeowners’ associations (VvEs) have risen sharply in recent years, comparison website Independer has reported after a study involving over 8,100 apartments that are currently for sale by Funda and Pararius. The site has noticed that some people are struggling to pay the rising costs.

A homeowner with an apartment of at least 70 square meters is currently paying an average of 161 euros on costs for VvEs. This is around 35 percent more than five years ago, the Independer reported. Annually, this is an increase of over 500 euros.

According to Marga Lankreijer-Bos, a mortgage expert at Independer, the increase is largely because VvEs are rapidly making their buildings more sustainable. An example of this is making the homes independent of natural gas. According to her, the cost of this is passed on to homeowners.

She stated that the site has regular conversations with people who are struggling to pay the high costs, especially older people with a low income. “Think of people who only have state pension benefits or a small private pension. If a homeowners’ association doesn’t have enough funds to pay for sustainability measures, the costs are often passed directly on to the owners.” A spokesperson explained that many people contact Independer for tips on how to cut costs or when they’re facing financial difficulties.

The comparison reported that the costs are highest in Noord-Holland, around 185 euros a month. Homeowners in Groningen pay the least, around 137 euros per month.

The Vereniging Eigen Huis (VEH) has also noticed that VvE costs have risen significantly for many owners in recent years. “We all have to transition away from natural gas, including homeowners’ associations. So it’s understandable that this is happening,” a spokesperson said.