those statements from NVM are more than surprising. House price are going down in the whole world, in nearly all countries. Why would the price go down only 5% in 2009 ? It is likely to be much more !

By Krusty | July 9, 2009 1:24 PM

A typical statement to shore up the falling market! My view is that the recession has not bottomed out yet but it is a good time to buy particularly if you are a long term buyer.

By Ashok | July 9, 2009 4:07 PM

I very much doubt prices are going to go down as drastically as they are abroad. A lot of people simply cannot afford to sell their house much below the current prizes. If they do, they'll end up with a left over debt and will find it hard to buy another house. It is either sell at a price where you can at least cover your mortgage or stay where you are. I can see the volume of the trade go down considerably but prizes not as much.

By Rob Weber | July 9, 2009 4:36 PM

Home prices are likely to hold more steady in the Netherlands because there is a shortage. People are still moving here -- not leaving as they are in many European countries.

By Peter | July 9, 2009 5:37 PM

Agree with Rob Weber. Main push below reasonable sales price is if there are foreclosures or need to desperately sell asap. For regular owner buying is cheaper than renting after all.
Plus market is hardly homogenous – in most places I’d say price realistically dropped 10-20 % (comparing Original asking price and actual deal price) during last half year.

By Jimbo | July 10, 2009 9:09 AM