House prices in the Netherlands have risen and affordability has worsened over the past 20 years, but the trend is not exceptional within the European Union, according to new housing market research by ABN Amro.

The Netherlands remains one of the more affordable countries in the EU for home buyers, the bank said, noting that couples on an average income can still purchase a home, although it is increasingly difficult for single people.

The Netherlands ranks seventh in the EU for real house price growth, with an increase of 48% over the past 10 years. Although this is well below the top three — Portugal (+85%), Hungary (+80%) and Lithuania (+56%) — Dutch house prices have risen far faster than in neighbouring countries.

In Belgium, prices increased by just 6.8% over the same period, while in Germany the rise was 14.1%.

The Netherlands also spends more than any other country on housing subsidies, such as mortgage interest relief and reduced property transfer tax, “though these appear to have limited impact on affordability,” the bank said.

“Arrears in the Netherlands are among the lowest in the EU, while homes are among the largest and most energy efficient,” the bank said.

While the Netherlands is short of around 400,000 homes, the shortage is a Europe-wide issue, according to the bank’s economists.

Meanwhile, Dutch home owners lobby group VEH has published research showing that half of would-be first-time buyers are delaying making major decisions about their lives because of their housing situation.

Some 60% of those who are postponing important decisions say they are delaying having children because of their unstable housing situation, compared with 40% five years ago.

The VEH is urging the government to pull out all the stops to ensure enough housing for youngsters.