Dutch local authorities have failed to deliver more than a quarter of the homes they pledged to build over the past four years, according to research by NOS and regional broadcasters.

Of the more than 357,000 homes councils aimed to complete between 2022 and 2026, just 264,000 have so far been built, or 74%.

Housing shortages are once again a key issue in the campaign for the local elections on March 18, as they were four years ago when many councils promised an ambitious building drive.

Some councils have far exceeded their targets. Zoeterwoude planned to add 215 homes but delivered 642. Oudewater aimed for 120 homes and built 329.

In Enkhuizen, however, 57 of a promised 400 homes have been delivered, which the council linked to lengthy preparatory studies and legal appeals. Amsterdam too has missed its own target of 7,500 new homes a year, but construction levels are up in 2026, the Parool reported on Wednesday.

Of the councils that responded to NOS inquiries, 61% are behind schedule, 17% are on track and 13% are significantly ahead of their targets.

Regional differences are also marked. Frisian councils have realised more than 90% of their plans, while in Noord-Holland and Utrecht less than 70% of promised homes were built during the current council term.

More than 80 councils cited time-consuming objections and appeal procedures by local residents as a key reason for delays. “Such procedures take a lot of time and hold up the start of construction,” Krimpen aan den IJssel said.

Nitrogen rules were mentioned by 64 councils with Bloemendaal saying constantly changing national policy had caused delays. Other factors include rising construction costs, grid congestion and staff shortages.