This is very interesting to me. I am a pensioner living in rented accommodation reserved for people over 55 years old. Having only worked for 10 years in the Netherlands, income provided by my combined private and state pensions is less than 1000 euros per month (after tax!). I pay 453 euros rent per month to my housing company: about 45% of my income. Because of this I'm entitled to help from the State's 'housing subsidy scheme', without which I would have great difficulty making ends meet. I hear the housing companies are doing okay; out of the poor(est), it seems.

By Michael Dawkes | July 15, 2009 11:39 AM

31,000? That can't be right. Most people in the NL don't make that much money at all

By Michael | July 15, 2009 3:10 PM

We need to consider what percentage we think is appropriate. The government takes about half of my money. In order to provide a home for my family of four, I need a large enough place to house them. I spend about half of my after tax income on housing (half!) and I do not live in a palace mind you, just a humble apartment.

By Matt | July 15, 2009 4:56 PM

I lived in Amsterdam for almost three years. The average person I knew there made about 3000 Euros a month, so how can they be paying 31000 Euros a year for housing?

By Tim | July 15, 2009 9:50 PM

The article referred to the average Dutch household ~ which could range upwards from one adult.

By J | July 16, 2009 8:59 AM