Housing crisis dominates voters concerns in upcoming elections, survey shows

Housing is the most important issue in the upcoming elections for voters. Just under half of those surveyed believe a new cabinet should prioritize it, a higher percentage than for any other topic. Young people and private landlords, in particular, consider housing especially important, according to Aedes, the umbrella organization for housing corporations, based on a survey of over 2,000 Dutch residents conducted by Ipsos I&O.

People in the Netherlands struggle with rising prices, long waiting lists, and limited housing supply. “A quarter of those who do not live in a suitable home are not even looking for a new one,” Aedes noted.

A total of 87 percent of respondents felt there is a housing market crisis. In the survey, 49 percent said a new cabinet should make housing a priority, while immigration ranked second at 37 percent.

Regarding the gradual phasing out of the mortgage interest deduction, more people agree (43 percent) than disagree (33 percent).

The Netherlands’ statistical housing shortage reached about 396,000 homes in 2025, equivalent to 4.8% of the total housing stock. A healthy housing market is considered to have a 2% shortage, meaning roughly 226,000 additional homes are currently needed.

Housing affordability remains a major concern. Lower-income renters and younger middle-income households in the higher-priced private rental sector face significant pressure on their housing costs. Many people also find it increasingly difficult to move from renting to homeownership, partly due to rising prices and limited availability.

The elections for the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, will take place on October 29.