Amsterdam finally forms a new coalition: D66, VVD and the Socialists

The Liberal democratic party D66 has finally reached an agreement on forming a coalition in Amsterdam, ten weeks after the local elections.

D66 will be joined by right-wing VVD Liberals and the Socialists. The political agreement includes reform of the ground rent system and more money for rented accommodation and for fighting poverty.

Ground rent

The new coalition has agreed to reform the ground rent (erfpacht) system and give house owners the opportunity to buy out the ground rent in one go.

Most land in the capital is owned by the council which charges house owners rent to use it. It has been a bone of contention for years, often making it difficult to sell a house and causing constant court appeals against the size of the rent.

The new buy-out will see the land remain the property of the council, but house owners no longer having to pay the annual rent.

Social housing

The Socialists were against changing the ground rent system, and are compensated by the agreement to build at least 500 new social housing units each year. The party will also provide the councillor in charge of housing for the city.

The full plans will be published later on Thursday.

 

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