July 2025 Rent Hikes in the Netherlands: Average Increase 4.9%, Social Housing Up 5%
Every July, Dutch landlords adjust rents within government-set limits. In July 2025, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reported an average rent increase of 4.9%, as landlords maximised their statutory allowance. Social housing tenants saw the highest permitted rise of 5%, while non-regulated and private landlords also applied substantial increases. In this article, we break down the data, explain sector differences, highlight regional trends, and offer guidance on how tenants can navigate these changes.
What the CBS Data Reveals
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) tracks rent movements in the social and non-rent-controlled sectors. Excluding new contracts, the average July increase stood at 4.1%, up from 4.7% in July 2024. When including new tenancies, the overall average reached 4.9%. Key takeaways:
- Social housing landlords, primarily woningcorporaties (public housing corporations), raised rents by an average of 5.1%.
- Private social housing providers applied a 4.7% hike.
- In the non-rent-controlled (‘free’) sector, landlords raised rents by about 4.4%.
While the recently introduced mid-market sector (for households earning just above social housing thresholds) allowed a 7.7% increase, the category is too new for detailed CBS breakdowns.
How Rents Are Regulated
The Dutch government sets yearly maximum percentages for each rental category. For 2025:
- Rent and income-controlled social housing: capped at 5%.
- Mid-market housing: capped at 7.7%.
- Free sector: determined by landlord discretion within broader consumer price index guidance.
Income-controlled social housing targets lower- and middle-income households. Tenants whose income exceeds thresholds may still occupy a social dwelling but can be charged an additional fixed amount (often €50 or €100) on top of the percentage increase.
Sector-Specific Trends
Social Housing (Woningcorporaties) Public housing corporations manage about two-thirds of the social rental stock. Their average 5.1% increase reflects the government maximum plus operational cost pressures such as maintenance and energy efficiency upgrades.
Private Social Housing Private landlords in the social bracket applied slightly lower increases (4.7%), balancing tenant affordability concerns with profitability and rising interest rates.
Non-Rent-Controlled Sector (Free Sector) Landlords in this category are less restricted, though market competition often tempers hikes. The 4.4% average increase this July signals ongoing tight supply and strong demand in major cities.
Mid-Market Housing Launched in July 2024, mid-market housing fills the gap between social and free sectors. Though data is limited, an allowed 7.7% increase underscores its higher-income tenant base and different cost structures.
Regional Highlights
Rent rises vary by region. In Rotterdam, tenants experienced the steepest average rise of 5.3%, reflecting intense demand and limited stock. Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht saw hikes between 4.8% and 5.0%. Less pressured areas in the north and east recorded more moderate increases, generally between 4.2% and 4.6%.
Navigating Rent Increases as a Tenant
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Review Your Rent Increase Notice: Landlords must provide written notice at least two months before the adjustment. Check that the percentage aligns with the government cap for your sector.
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Apply for Huurtoeslag (Housing Allowance): If your income qualifies, you could receive housing allowance to offset higher rents. Eligibility depends on age, income, and rent level.
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Consider an Appeal: Tenants can challenge excessive rent hikes via the Huurcommissie (Rental Tribunal). Appeals must be submitted within two months of receiving the notice.
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Renegotiate or Move: Some landlords may be open to negotiation, especially for longer leases. If the new rent strains your budget, explore listings on Luntero for affordable alternatives.
Outlook for the Rental Market
Economic forecasts suggest inflation will moderate later in 2025, potentially leading to lower permissible rent caps for July 2026. Meanwhile, government proposals aim to expand mid-market supply and fine-tune income-threshold policies. Tenants can expect continued pressure on urban rents unless significant new housing is delivered.
Landlords also face rising maintenance and energy costs, which can justify higher rent ceilings. The social sector is under particular scrutiny, as policymakers debate rent control vs. investment incentives for woningcorporaties.
Conclusion
July 2025 saw Dutch rents rise by an average of 4.9%, with social housing hitting the 5% cap. Sector rules, regional demand, and broader economic factors shaped these hikes. By understanding your rights and exploring support options like huurtoeslag or Huurcommissie appeals, tenants can better manage rising costs.
Looking for your next home? Visit Luntero to browse the latest rental listings across the Netherlands and simplify your search today!
