Political promises worsening situation on housing market, experts warn
Four prominent Dutch housing experts warn that current political approaches are making the country’s housing shortage worse, urging a shift toward long-term solutions. They call for clear government leadership, increased investment in infrastructure, and a phased reduction of mortgage interest deductions, AD reports.
Peter Boelhouwer, professor of Housing Systems, said he was alarmed by recent political statements. “I’m a bit shocked by the media appearances of several party leaders,” Boelhouwer told AD. “They make many unrealistic claims off the cuff that could actually make the situation worse.”
He criticized the VVD party’s plans to give homebuyers extra financial support, warning it will increase price pressure without expanding housing supply. “More scarcity, without additional offerings,” Boelhouwer told AD. He also pointed to the left wing’s policies, which he said involve too many regulations on prices and social housing.
Boelhouwer and his colleagues—Friso de Zeeuw, emeritus professor of urban development and chair of advisory committee Stoer; Jan Rouwendal, professor of Real Estate Economics; and Desiree Uitzetter, urban development expert and former NEPROM chair—issued an urgent call for a realistic long-term housing strategy.
“The housing policy is wavering,” Boelhouwer told the newspaper. “There’s short-sighted zigzag politics. Meanwhile, the problems only grow.”
Construction permits fell sharply in the first half of this year, signaling further decline in housing development. New regulatory hurdles are compounding the crisis, including stricter nitrogen emissions rules, water quality regulations, and electricity grid congestion, Boelhouwer added. “The problems are growing. Something really has to happen.”
De Zeeuw stressed the need for political accountability and realistic funding. “It’s no use making exaggerated promises without allocating resources,” he told AD.
The experts agree that large new housing developments are necessary but emphasize the need for substantial investments in infrastructure and public transport to support growth. They say current government funding is insufficient, with only 500 million euros annually available, compared to the 1.5 billion euros the experts say is required.
“This is a known political pattern,” De Zeeuw told AD. “But we became uneasy when we noticed both sides swinging too far on this dossier. The result is disappointment among people. That’s something we want to avoid. We want real steps toward solutions.”
Their recommended approach calls for focused actions such as restoring central government leadership over housing policy, planning 1.8 million new homes in large-scale areas reminiscent of the Vinex developments, and simplifying regulations to speed up construction.
The experts also propose easing the requirement that two-thirds of new housing be affordable, suggesting the government maintain a one-third social housing quota instead. They advocate for industrialized construction methods, promoting house splitting and room rental arrangements like hospita. Additionally, the experts stress the importance of a solid nitrogen emissions plan.
They also call for phasing out mortgage interest deductions over 15 years, starting with the most expensive homes. Though politically unpopular, Boelhouwer and De Zeeuw argue this measure is essential to halt soaring housing prices and could save up to 6 billion euros annually in tax revenue. The savings could then be invested in affordable housing, infrastructure, and compensation for middle-income earners. De Zeeuw said, “That taboo must be broken.”
