For households with an average income, buying a home has become much more difficult in recent years. While a typical income in 2015 still provided access to a large part of the housing supply, that share has fallen sharply. Single-person households and first-time buyers in particular are reaching their financial limits. According to the CPB, the gap between what people can borrow and what homes cost has now increased significantly.

Fewer homes affordable on a single income

The CPB examined the accessibility of the owner-occupied housing market between 2015 and 2024. The analysis was based on a typical household income of approximately €50,000 gross per year.

In 2015, a household with such an income could still finance approximately 61% of the housing supply. By 2024, this had fallen to just 21%.

For single-person households, the situation is even more difficult. According to the CPB, in 2024 only around 2% of the housing supply was affordable for someone with one typical income.

The main reason is that house prices rose much faster than incomes during this period. With an average house price of almost €451,000 in 2024, a household with a typical income faced a financing gap of more than €100,000.

First-time buyers are hit hardest

For first-time buyers, this development is particularly noticeable. They usually do not yet have equity from a previous home and often have a lower income than older homeowners moving up the housing ladder.

As a result, first-time buyers are more often dependent on their own savings, a second income or financial support from family.

The problem is not limited to the Randstad either. According to the CPB, accessibility has declined in all regions. On average, the situation is even more difficult in larger cities.

Borrowing more does not solve the problem

At first glance, allowing buyers to borrow more may seem like a possible solution. However, both the CPB and De Nederlandsche Bank warn against this.

If buyers gain more financial capacity while the housing supply remains limited, this can lead to higher bids and ultimately to even higher house prices. In addition, the financial risks for households increase.

Increasing the housing supply therefore remains important. The CPB mentions new construction and making it easier to divide existing homes into multiple units as possible ways to reduce pressure on the market.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we see every day how important good financial preparation is. Especially for first-time buyers and single-person households, it is not wise to start looking at mortgage possibilities only after the desired property has already been found.

We therefore advise clients to determine in advance how much they can borrow, what level of monthly costs feels responsible and how much of their own money is available. Based on that budget, the search for suitable homes can then be much more targeted.

When purchasing a property, we also look not only at the maximum amount someone can bid, but at the market value of the property. Being able to borrow more does not automatically mean that it is sensible to offer more.

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we help you reach your dream home in 5 steps

01 — Getting acquainted & identifying your housing wishes
We start with you. We get to know you, build trust and clearly identify your housing wishes and most important criteria.

→ Understand first, then search.

02 — Determining your budget & possibilities
Together with the buying agent and financial advisor, we determine your mortgage possibilities, budget and ideal search range.

→ Know what is possible before we start searching.

03 — Viewing together
You focus on how the property feels. We take a critical look at the technical condition, location, possibilities and points of attention.

→ You decide whether it feels like home. We look at the rest.

04 — Determining the value & bidding smartly
We analyse comparable properties that have been sold, discuss the property with the selling agent and assess the expected appraisal value. We then determine the bidding strategy together and submit the offer.

→ Not just bidding, but making a well-founded offer.

05 — From accepted offer to the notary
Offer accepted? We then review the documents and purchase agreement, monitor all important deadlines and guide the entire process through to the notary.

→ We stay in control until you receive the keys.

Yucel Samanci
Buying and selling agent at OZQUR Makelaardij, specialised in purchasing strategy, negotiations and assisting Dutch, Turkish and expat clients.
(3 March 2026)