Over Half of Dutch Residents Report Housing Stress Amid Market Shortage
A new study by Dutch bank ING shows that 52% of people living in the Netherlands have experienced housing stress—the anxiety and urgent need to find suitable accommodation in a market that lacks vacancies. With a shortage of some 400,000 homes nationwide, renters are facing steep competition, extended searches, and, in many cases, unwelcome compromises.
In this article, we explore what housing stress means for individuals and families, highlight the latest data from ING and the Dutch association of real estate agents (NVM), and offer practical tips for tenants navigating the tight Dutch rental market.
What Is Housing Stress and Who Is Affected?
Housing stress refers to the mental and financial pressure that arises when people struggle to secure or maintain adequate housing. According to ING, it often manifests in situations such as:
- Divorce or separation, when one partner must find a new home quickly.
- Financial difficulties, including loss of income or unexpected expenses.
- Life transitions, like graduating students seeking post-academic housing.
ING’s survey found that:
- 40% know someone forced to leave their home.
- 14% have personally relied on friends or family for temporary shelter.
- 6% have opened their own homes to someone in need.
Most temporary living arrangements last around six months, but the emotional toll can linger far longer.
Rising Tension in Shared Living
When housing options run out, many renters turn to shared housing—either moving in with relatives or subletting a room. While cost-effective, sharing a home can introduce new stressors:
- Lack of privacy and personal space.
- Conflicting schedules and habits (day/night rhythms).
- Disagreements over household chores, energy consumption, and bills.
- Strained relationships when hosting friends or family.
ING reports that 72% of both hosts and guests delay major life decisions—such as marriage or having children—until they regain independent housing. Meanwhile, 30% admit they long for an “empty nest” but can’t achieve it under current conditions.
Market Supply: A Glimmer of Relief?
Despite the shortage, recent data from the NVM (the Dutch Real Estate Association) shows the number of homes for sale between July and September 2025 reached approximately 46,000—the highest quarterly listing since 2008. Factors driving landlords to sell include:
- New regulations like the Affordable Rent Act, which limit rent increases.
- Higher taxes on rental income.
- Stricter landlord-tenant rules.
Regions in the north and south saw the biggest price increases, while Amsterdam’s average home price dipped by 0.3%. The growing supply of sale properties has helped stabilize transaction prices around €496,000.
However, an increase in homes for sale does not immediately translate into more rental properties. Many former landlords prefer selling to private buyers, and new builds take time to become available.
Calls for Policy Action
Both ING and NVM urge the Dutch government to implement realistic, need-based solutions:
- Increase construction of rental and starter homes, prioritizing areas with the greatest demand.
- Streamline permitting processes to accelerate new developments.
- Eliminate unnecessary regulations that slow down construction and deter smaller landlords.
- Support landlord rentals (such as part-time subletting of owner-occupied homes) to expand the rental pool.
Lana Goutsmits-Gerssen, chair of NVM Wonen, stresses that “the housing market doesn’t need promises, but policies that work.” She calls for collaboration across national, regional, and local levels to rebuild confidence in renting and ensure landlords continue to invest.
Practical Tips for Renters Facing Housing Stress
While policy changes take time, potential tenants can take proactive steps today:
- Start your search early: Begin looking for a new home at least three months before you need to move.
- Broaden your search area: Consider nearby towns or suburbs with good public transport links.
- Leverage digital platforms: Use trusted portals like Luntero to set up alerts and track new listings.
- Prepare your dossier: Gather proof of income, savings statements, references, and identification to submit applications quickly.
- Understand huurtoeslag (housing benefit): Eligible renters can apply for a monthly allowance to help cover rent—check details on the official government site.
- Explore co-living options: Some purpose-built co-living properties offer private bedrooms with shared common areas at competitive rents.
Looking Ahead
Housing stress affects more than half of Dutch residents—from students and young professionals to families and retirees. As the government, developers, and landlords seek long-term solutions, renters must adapt and stay informed.
Finding the right home in the tight Dutch rental market can be challenging, but with preparation and the right resources, you can minimize stress and secure stable accommodation for the future.
For the easiest way to browse verified rental listings in the Netherlands, visit Luntero today!
