The private rental market is not only under pressure in the major cities. In smaller and medium-sized municipalities, increasing numbers of rental properties are also disappearing because investors are selling their homes. The major difference is that outside the larger cities, hardly any new rental properties are being added. As a result, the mid-market rental segment risks becoming smaller, even though these homes are important for households that do not qualify for social housing but are also not yet able or willing to buy.
Rental properties are moving into the owner-occupied market
More and more investors are choosing to sell a rental property once the tenant leaves. The property then usually becomes available to a buyer who intends to live in it themselves.
In some municipalities, this is already having a significant impact. In Krimpen aan den IJssel, approximately 21% of the private rental stock could disappear. In Venray, the figure is around 19%, while in Gouda and Westervoort it is approximately 16%.
For buyers, this creates additional supply. For tenants, however, the same development means that fewer rental homes remain available.
Hardly any new rental homes are being added as replacements
In major cities, sold rental properties are partly compensated for by new construction from institutional investors. In smaller towns and cities, this happens far less often.
In municipalities such as Venray, Heerenveen, Assen, Emmen and Doetinchem, hardly any new private rental homes have been added by institutional investors in recent years. At the same time, investment is becoming increasingly concentrated in cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven.
As a result, an important link in the housing market risks disappearing outside the larger cities.
Middle-income households are particularly affected
Private rental housing is important for people who fall between social housing and the owner-occupied market. This includes first-time buyers, people living alone, employees who relocate for work and people who need new accommodation quickly after a divorce.
When these rental properties disappear, fewer options remain. Moving directly from living at home or social housing into an owner-occupied property is simply not financially achievable for everyone.
At the same time, the sale of rental properties also creates opportunities. Government data shows that a significant proportion of homes sold by investors ultimately end up with owner-occupiers and first-time buyers.
How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?
At OZQUR Makelaardij, we believe a healthy housing market should offer sufficient choice between renting and buying. Selling rental properties can create opportunities for first-time buyers, but if no new rental homes are structurally added to replace them, a different problem emerges.
For home seekers, we therefore always look at the individual situation. In some cases, buying is financially more attractive and achievable, while in other situations renting offers more flexibility.
For owners and investors who are uncertain whether to continue renting out or sell, we advise against looking only at the value of the property. Returns, taxes, regulations and future expectations should also be taken into account before making a decision.
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.
(10 august 2026)
