2020-10-20 10:31:51

The Netherlands has a long tradition of housing policy. Affordability (price), availability (supply, volume) and quality of the housing stock have been the main objectives of this policy for decades. In the past years, several instruments were used to achieve these goals, such as the rent regulation, the domain of housing associations, the mortgage interest deduction, the transfer tax and the notional rental value. Housing policy is therefore a dynamic process that never really ends. Several reforms have already been implemented in the housing market in recent years. New policy measures will undoubtedly be taken in the coming years. Frequently mentioned themes are the phasing out of the subsidization of homeownership, the pursuit of competitive rents, the stimulation of the middle segment of the rental sector and a stronger focus of the corporate sector on housing for low-income households. Pre-conditions are accessibility and affordability for lower incomes.