Dutch households are generally satisfied with their homes. Recent research shows that, on average, residents give their homes a solid pass grade. Nevertheless, many people face difficulties in realizing their housing preferences, particularly due to long waiting lists for social housing and the high costs in the private rental and owner-occupied housing markets.
The study, conducted by Martijn Dröes (University of Amsterdam & Amsterdam School of Real Estate), Jan Rouwendal (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam), and Matthijs Korevaar (Erasmus University Rotterdam), examines how inequality between renters and homeowners is evolving in the housing market. The findings were presented to the Dutch House of Representatives in the factsheet “Inequality Between Renters and Homeowners Examined.”
A striking outcome is that a significant group of renters are dissatisfied with their current housing. Poor maintenance is often cited as a primary reason for this discontent. Additionally, young adults still living at home are increasingly struggling to take their first step toward independent living. This is largely due to the declining turnover in the social housing sector in recent years.
The researchers stress the importance of policy measures aimed at improving the quality of rental housing and promoting better flow within the housing market. These steps are essential to meet the growing housing needs of both new entrants and existing renters.
Factsheet: “Inequality Between Renters and Homeowners Examined ” >>> (in Dutch)
This is a re-post from Housing Lab, the knowledge platform for the housing market
Amsterdam, 23 April 2025