The cost of renting a house in the non-rent-controlled sector rose 4.2% in the final quarter of last year – the first increase in two years, according to online housing site Pararius.nl.

The average rental price in the fourth quarter was €12.70 a square metre, Pararius said.
‘Negative news about the housing market has had a strong influence on people who are considering buying a house,’ director Jasper de Groot said. ‘The debate over mortgage tax relief is leading to unrest among potential buyers.’
Instead, people are looking for the flexibility that renting brings, De Groot said.