Only Five Dutch Municipalities Have Average Housing Prices Under €300,000 in 2025

Only Five Dutch Municipalities Have Average Housing Prices Under €300,000 in 2025

The Dutch housing market continues to show record-high prices, putting pressure on prospective homebuyers across the country. In 2025, the average transaction price for a home in the Netherlands reached a record €480,000, up €29,000 from the previous year. Despite minor price dips in a few regions, only five of the 342 municipalities now offer average purchase prices below €300,000. This article explores the most and least expensive municipalities, the regional trends driving these shifts, and what it means for buyers and renters navigating today’s competitive landscape.

National Average Soars to €480,000

According to data from the Dutch land registry (Kadaster) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the average price of a home transaction climbed sharply to €480,000 in 2025. While 19 municipalities recorded a slight year-on-year decrease, the overall market remains robust, fueled by low interest rates, high demand, and limited supply. The gap between the most and least expensive areas has widened to over €835,000—more than a fourfold difference.

The Affordable Five: Municipalities Under €300,000

Only five municipalities now maintain an average purchase price below €300,000. These pockets of affordability are largely concentrated in the provinces of Limburg, Groningen, and Zeeland, where urban density is lower and housing stock tends to be older. The five municipalities are:

1. Kerkrade (Limburg) – €270,000
2. Heerlen (Limburg) – €284,000
3. Pekela (Groningen) – €288,000
4. Brunssum (Limburg) – €291,000
5. Terneuzen (Zeeland) – €298,000

For buyers priced out of major cities, these regions offer a more accessible entry point into homeownership. However, limited amenities and fewer employment opportunities can be a trade-off. Many first-time buyers are balancing affordability with proximity to urban centres.

Cities with Sky-High Prices

At the opposite end of the spectrum, two municipalities now exceed an average transaction price of €1 million. North Holland continues to dominate the top ten list of priciest areas, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Randstad region and its affluent suburbs. The top five most expensive municipalities in 2025 are:

1. Blaricum – €1,100,000
2. Bloemendaal – €1,000,000
3. Laren – €978,000
4. Wassenaar – €904,000
5. Rozendaal – €867,000

Other notable mentions include Heemstede, Bergen, De Bilt, Gooise Meren, and Landsmeer. Demand for properties in these areas remains high, driven by top-tier schools, green spaces, and convenient access to Amsterdam and The Hague.

Regional Price Trends and WOZ Value Shifts

While Amsterdam still leads in property valuations—averaging €7,100 per square metre compared to the national average of €3,320 per square metre—growth outside the Randstad has been faster. The WOZ value (the government’s assessed property value used for local taxes) increased by over 60% in cities like Lelystad and Den Helder, as buyers seek more affordable options beyond the major conurbations. In contrast, Amsterdam’s WOZ growth of 25% signals that some prime urban markets may be stabilising after years of rapid inflation.

This migration to peripheral areas highlights changing buyer priorities: remote working, larger living spaces, and a lower cost of living. Municipalities with good transport links and ongoing infrastructure investments are particularly attractive, even if their current average prices remain below the national average.

What This Means for Buyers and Renters

For prospective homeowners, understanding these regional dynamics is crucial:

• First-time buyers may find the five affordable municipalities a stepping stone, but should consider long-term capital appreciation and local job prospects.
• Investors looking for rental properties might target fast-growing areas outside the Randstad where demand is rising and yields can be higher.
• International renters and expats often prioritise access to urban centres; the premium paid in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam can be offset by hiring agencies or platforms that specialise in furnished and flexible leases.

Renters, too, face upward pressure on prices, especially in metropolitan areas. Knowing where the most and least expensive rentals cluster can help you budget and prioritise neighbourhood features.

Conclusion

The Dutch housing market in 2025 presents a tale of two halves: a handful of affordable municipalities contrasted with a growing list of million-euro markets. Whether you're aiming to buy your first home or seeking a strategic rental investment, staying informed about local price trends is essential.

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