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The Netherlands has 8 million houses, but not enough

In June of this year, the eight millionth house was added to the total stock, new figures show. At the first census in 1899, there were still 1.1 million. This applies to both owner-occupied and rental houses.

On balance, 39,000 homes were added in the first half of this year. This concerns new construction, but also, for example, office buildings that have been transformed into homes. Demolished houses are deducted from the total.

Amsterdam at the top

The municipality of Amsterdam is a frontrunner with more than 4,000 additional homes. That is more than half of all new homes in North Holland, says the CBS.

South Holland (more than 1.7 million), North Holland (almost 1.4 million) and North Brabant (almost 1.2 million) now have the most homes. Together, the provinces comprise more than half of the Dutch housing stock (53 percent).

More homes

Since the first census in 1899, a total of more than 6.9 million homes have been added. Almost every year there were more, according to CBS.

There is now an average of one house for every 2.2 inhabitants. A hundred years ago, that ratio was still 4.8 inhabitants.


Shortages remain

However, there is now a shortage of 279,000 homes. This is due to the growing population: from more than 6 million people in 1899 to more than 17 million today.

In addition, the average number of inhabitants per house is decreasing. The number of people living alone is already increasing since the 1970s. It creates a greater demand for living spaces.

Build it yourself

In the meantime, prices for owner-occupied homes continue to rise and the flow in the housing market is failing on all sides. The key is still being sought at elderly, in other mortgage rules or municipalities that going to build yourself.

The new cabinet must work on the shortfalls, and substantial additions must be made. But the housing shortage will not be solved for the time being, partly due to a scarcity of resources.


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