The Dutch housebuilding sector recorded its busiest three-month period for six years at the end of 2025, but the number of new homes still lags well behind the government’s target of 100,000 a year.

Figures from the statistics agency CBS showed 22,800 houses were built in the final quarter, an increase of 3,600 on the previous year.

However, the first three quarters of the year were relatively slack, bringing the total for the entire year to 70,000, while the total housing shortage is estimated at 396,000 – marginally less than last year.

The figures also show the number of houses in the pipeline – properties that have obtained planning permission but not yet been built – grew by just 1%, suggesting the rate of housebuilding is flatlining.

Another 4,700 homes were created from existing buildings, either by converting other building types or breaking up large properties, but 4,500 were demolished, merged or repurposed, making a net increase of 23,100 homes.

Profits for construction firms grew by 5.9%, more than double the rate in 2024 of 2.4%, which was the lowest figure for 11 years, while construction costs were down by 19% year-on-year.