The shift from renting to buying is continuing at a strong pace. Investors sold more than 65,000 rental homes in 2025, while purchasing only slightly more than 27,000 properties. As a result, homes that had been rented out for years are becoming available again to private buyers. This creates opportunities for first-time buyers and other home seekers, but at the same time puts additional pressure on the rental market.

More landlords are deciding to sell

Especially since 2023, we have seen investors selling properties more frequently while purchasing fewer existing homes for rental purposes. In the final quarter of 2025 alone, more than 20,000 rental homes were sold.

One important reason is that renting out property has become financially less attractive for some private investors. Landlords point, among other things, to tax measures and the Affordable Rent Act, which has regulated a larger part of the rental market since July 2024.

The trend is continuing in 2026. The Dutch Land Registry reported that the share of homes owned by private investors fell within one year from 3.6% to 3.3% of the total housing stock.

Additional supply for homebuyers

For people looking to buy a home, this development also has a positive side. Properties that were previously used as rental homes are becoming available again on the regular owner-occupied housing market.

It is notable that the average selling price of such a former rental property in 2025 was considerably lower than that of homes that were already used as owner-occupied properties. The average difference was more than €124,000.

This does not automatically mean that a former rental property is cheaper than a comparable owner-occupied home. The type, size, location and quality of the properties sold can differ significantly.

The downside for the rental market

What may be favourable for buyers can have negative consequences for tenants. When a landlord sells a property to someone who intends to live in it themselves, that property disappears from the rental supply.

This can place even more pressure on an already tight rental market. People who are unable to buy but also do not qualify for social housing may be particularly affected.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we see former rental properties being sold as an interesting opportunity for home seekers. Apartments and smaller homes in particular can be suitable for first-time buyers. However, we advise buyers not to focus only on an attractive asking price.

With former rental properties, we look at factors including the condition of the property, the homeowners’ association (VvE), legal documents, any overdue maintenance and recent sales of comparable homes. This allows us to determine whether both the property and the price are genuinely attractive.

For landlords considering selling, we believe it is important to first assess the complete financial picture and then determine an appropriate sales strategy.

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.
(26 February 2026)