Private sector rents to rise 4.4% next year, mid-market by 6.1%

Homes in the mid-market sector (rated as being worth 144 to 186 points in the Dutch housing system) will rise by up to 6.1%, and social housing by 4.1%, Keijzer said.

The rental increase for social housing is determined by inflation in the previous three years, plus a top-up of 0.5%. Inflation averaged 3.6% over that period.

Mid-market housing rent increases are based on either inflation or average wage rises in the preceding year, plus 1%. This year, wages rose by an average of 5.1%, hence the higher increase. The current maximum rent in the mid-market sector is €1,184 a month.

In the non-rent-controlled sector, rent increases are based on the lower of either wage rises or inflation over the previous year, plus 1%. Inflation averaged 3.4% in the year to December 2025.

Landlords are legally allowed to put the rent up once every calendar year, and July 1 is the most popular choice.

The government introduced new rent control rules in July 2024, expanding the number of properties covered by the system. Combined with higher taxes and the abolition of short-term rental contracts, the changes have prompted many small landlords to exit the market.

Maximum rents in the Netherlands determined by a system of points, based on size, amenities and extras such as a luxury kitchen as well as location and energy label.