Aging Population Fuels Housing Market Shift

Seniors’ Moves Could Unlock Homes for Families and First-Time Buyers

A growing number of older homeowners are poised to reshape the Netherlands’ housing landscape, potentially easing pressure on starter homes by freeing up larger properties. Experts suggest catering to seniors’ needs is key to unlocking a more fluid market.

The Silver Tsunami Approaches

Analysis by Brainbay indicates that 1.7 million Dutch households will need to consider whether their current homes are suitable for their aging needs in the coming years. This figure is projected to rise sharply, with over half a million additional households aged 65+ expected by 2040. According to recent data from the CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek), the number of people aged 80 and over in the Netherlands is expected to double by 2050, increasing the demand for age-friendly housing. CBS Data on Aging Population

Beyond Ground Floor Access

While ground-floor apartments with elevators exist, they often fail to meet the desires of older residents. Lana Goutsmits-Gerssen, chairman of the NVM (Dutch Association of Real Estate Agents), explains that seniors are often reluctant to relinquish spacious, fully-owned homes.

“As long as they are left, family homes will also remain occupied.”

—Lana Goutsmits-Gerssen, NVM Chairman

Many seniors prioritize space, comfort, and remaining within familiar communities. Recent NVM data shows that 70 percent of over-65s purchasing apartments opt for properties of 80 square meters or larger, often seeking an extra room for hobbies or visiting family.

A Ripple Effect Through the Market

Constructing appropriate housing for seniors can have a surprisingly broad impact on the entire housing market. Berry Blijie, a researcher at ABF Research, notes that when an older person moves to a new apartment, their former home becomes available for a family, who in turn free up a property for a first-time buyer. He estimates that moving chains initiated by seniors are, on average, 40 percent longer than those associated with other housing types.

The NVM argues that current construction efforts are overly focused on starter homes, which often prove inaccessible due to limited budgets. Prioritizing the development of spacious, slightly more expensive apartments for seniors could release existing, more affordable homes onto the market.

Sustainability and Future-Proofing

Moving seniors from older, often poorly insulated homes to sustainable new construction also contributes to climate goals by making older properties available for buyers committed to energy efficiency. The Dutch government has committed to building at least 290,000 age-appropriate homes by 2030, including 170,000 ground-floor units, 80,000 clustered housing options, and 40,000 care facilities.

Goutsmits-Gerssen urges municipalities and developers to broaden their focus. “It’s time to look beyond the starter,” she states. “If we now invest in life-course-proof homes, we will make the housing market future-proof.”