Fewer rent-controlled properties came free last year

Fewer rent-controlled properties came back on the market last year than in previous years, according to research by Nos television in a survey of 160 housing corporations.


The slow turnover in social housing means people in the bigger cities are waiting up to 15 years for a rent-controlled property, the survey shows.
Last year, just over 170,000 properties in the social housing sector came up for rent, compared with almost 182,000 in 2010 – a drop of 6.3%. In 2006, turnover was around 9%.
The Netherlands has 3.2 million rent-controlled homes – meaning the rent is less than around €650 and only people on low incomes are eligible to live in them.
The lower turnover is due to fewer homes being built and people living longer in the same (large) property because of the lack of alternatives. The new income limit of €34,000 is also discouraging people from moving house, Nos said.

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