The Netherlands Proposes Long-Term Residency in Holiday Homes to Ease Housing Shortage
The Netherlands is grappling with one of the tightest housing markets in Europe, where rising rents and scarce affordable properties leave many tenants struggling to find a place to live. In a bid to alleviate this pressure, Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning Mona Keijzer has put forward a proposal that would allow residents to legally occupy holiday homes—known as vakantiehuisjes—for up to ten years. This measure, if approved, could unlock tens of thousands of additional living units across the country.
Understanding the Holiday Home Proposal
Currently, Dutch law prohibits permanent residence in holiday homes. Many recreational parks and cottages are zoned strictly for short-term stays, like vacations or weekend getaways. Yet, an estimated 60,000 people are already registered at these addresses, with the actual figure likely higher. Under the new plan:
- Residents who have lived in a holiday home since May 16, 2024, could formalize their status for up to 10 years.
- Municipalities (gemeenten) would grant permits if a local housing shortage is officially declared.
- Only fully equipped cottages meeting regular housing standards—such as proper insulation, sanitation, and safety measures—are eligible.
By legalizing these existing long-term stays, the government hopes to provide immediate relief to households with no other viable options.
Key Eligibility and Safety Requirements
To maintain living standards and public safety, holiday homes must comply with the same basic regulations applied to traditional housing. This includes:
- Minimum floor space and ceiling height rules from the Bouwbesluit (Building Decree).
- Adequate heating, ventilation, and insulation to ensure energy efficiency and comfort.
- Certified electrical installations and safe drinking-water connections.
- Fire safety measures, including smoke alarms and clear escape routes.
Municipalities will inspect properties before granting long-term permits. Homes failing to meet requirements must be upgraded or remain ineligible for residency.
Potential Impact on the Housing Market
- Rapid relief for those in need: Granting up to ten years of residency could instantly increase the available housing stock, helping young professionals, low-income families, and international workers.
- Moderate rent moderation: While holiday parks often demand higher nightly rates, fixed ten-year leases could stabilize prices and offer a buffer against steep market rents.
- Boost to rural and coastal regions: Many recreational parks are located outside major cities, distributing population pressure more evenly across provinces.
However, critics warn that relying on holiday homes is only a stopgap solution and that investments in new affordable housing remain essential. The government has simultaneously launched programs to financially incentivize municipalities to build rental units for social and mid-range income brackets.
The Consultation Process and Timeline
The draft regulation has been published for an eight-week public consultation, inviting feedback from residents, park operators, and industry stakeholders. After the consultation period concludes, the proposal will be reviewed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. If all goes according to plan, the long-term residency rules could take effect in 2026.
Considerations for Tenants and Park Operators
For tenants considering a move to a holiday home:
- Verify that the property meets building and safety norms before signing any long-term lease.
- Check whether the municipality has declared a housing shortage in your area.
- Understand that amenities like local schools, healthcare access, and public transport may vary by location.
Park operators interested in adapting their sites:
- Assess infrastructure upgrades needed to comply with residential standards.
- Prepare for municipal inspections and potential zoning adjustments.
- Evaluate the financial model: long-term leases versus short-stay turnover.
Looking Beyond Holiday Homes
While the holiday home relaxation offers a pragmatic short-term boost, the Dutch government recognizes that sustainable solutions require increasing the overall housing supply. Ongoing initiatives include:
- Subsidies for municipalities to construct affordable homes under social rental schemes.
- Streamlined building permits to accelerate property development.
- Reforming land-use policies to unlock brownfield sites and underutilized plots.
Together, these measures aim to address both the symptoms and root causes of the housing crisis.
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