The Dutch housing market is under pressure. Demand for affordable housing is growing, while investors are increasingly withdrawing. And with nearly five million people aged 65 and over by 2040, that pressure will only increase further. In the latest episode of Morgen begint vandaag, The grey wave is growing, investments are lagging behind, Ruud van Eijk (AM Capital) and Steve Goossens (APG) discuss what is needed to get housing construction moving again.
The housing challenge is substantial, but getting new projects off the ground is becoming increasingly difficult. According to Van Eijk and Goossens, investors have in recent years been faced with an accumulation of tax measures, stricter regulations and lengthy permitting procedures. As a result, investments are shifting to other countries, while the need for new homes in the Netherlands continues to grow.
At the same time, APG continues to invest in Dutch housing construction on behalf of pension fund ABP. In recent years, around EUR 1.5 billion has been invested in nearly 4,500 newly built homes for first-time buyers, students and middle-income tenants. According to Goossens, this shows that institutional investors can make an important contribution to the housing market, provided the right conditions are in place. He notes that for every project that does go ahead, many other plans come to a halt before construction even begins.
Mobility in the housing market
According to both guests, one important challenge lies in housing for older people. Building more suitable homes for seniors creates room for mobility within the housing market. When older people move to a home that better fits their stage of life, family homes become available and more space is also created for first-time buyers. At the same time, this particular segment often proves difficult to develop profitably.
With Budget Day approaching, both guests are therefore looking closely to The Hague. What measures are needed to stimulate investment again? How can more affordable homes be realised for first-time buyers, students and seniors? And what happens if politicians once again postpone the necessary choices? These are the questions addressed in this episode of Morgen begint vandaag.
Listen to the episode The grey wave is growing, investments are lagging behind of Morgen begint vandaag.
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