Regulations stand in the way of dividing homes into several apartments
Dutch cities are increasingly exploring splitting existing homes into multiple units to address the country’s housing shortage, but local regulations often slow the process, NU.nl. Experts say this approach could quickly provide homes for first-time buyers and seniors, even as new construction lags.
During the election campaign, several political parties promised to speed up solutions like home splitting. D66 proposed making permits free, CDA urged full use of splitting opportunities, and VVD pledged to simplify the process. These measures are unlikely to cause friction in upcoming cabinet negotiations.
Despite potential, splitting and shared housing remain underused, as does adding extra floors to existing buildings. Transforming vacant properties into homes is also limited, as municipalities do not always cooperate.
“Municipalities play a key role, because, intended or not, local regulations can get in the way,” Jeroen Mens, housing expert at Platform31, told NU.nl. Municipalities have long resisted higher density over fears of disturbances, such as student housing clusters. “Then the housing shortage came. The cabinet wants 100,000 homes per year, but new construction is stalling. From July to September, fewer new homes were added.”
Platform31 research shows housing corporations could annually create 19,000 extra homes through splitting, shared housing, adding floors, and subletting—almost one-fifth of the yearly target—within six months. “The involved parties are increasingly embracing these options,” Mens said.
The Netherlands faces high demand for senior housing due to an aging population. The government aims to provide 290,000 senior homes, but current construction falls far short.
Mens noted that splitting can reduce senior isolation while freeing upper floors for younger residents. “Concerns about nuisance can be reversed. In quieter neighborhoods, added activity can benefit local life and services,” Mens said.
