New construction is often seen as an important solution to the shortage in the housing market. However, affordable new-build housing is not automatically equally accessible to every income group. New housing association properties mainly go to lower-income households, while newly built owner-occupied homes are often purchased by higher-income households. Housing costs also differ significantly depending on the type of property.

Affordable new-build housing mainly within housing associations

For new housing association properties, almost the entire supply falls within the affordable category. Between 2019 and 2024, this applied to approximately 91% to 95% of these homes.

For private rental properties, this share is considerably lower, at around half. Among newly built owner-occupied homes, only approximately 21% to 32% fall within the affordable category.

This means that affordable new-build housing may be available on paper, but the way in which homes are offered largely determines which target group actually has access to them.

New owner-occupied homes mainly for higher-income households

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) also sees clear differences in residents’ incomes.

For housing association properties, approximately 81% to 84% of residents are households with a low income. Private rental housing is mainly occupied by low- and middle-income households.

The picture is different for newly built owner-occupied homes. Between 58% and 66% of these homes are purchased by higher-income households.

Middle-income households relatively often end up in an owner-occupied home. In 2024, approximately 51% of middle-income households that moved into new-build housing chose an owner-occupied home, while 37% opted for private rental housing.

Private rental housing has relatively high housing costs

The purchase price or rent is not the only factor that matters. The relationship between housing costs and income is also important.

Residents of privately rented new-build homes spend, on average, the largest share of their income on housing. For more expensive private rental properties, the average housing-cost ratio increased to more than 40% in 2024.

For newly built owner-occupied homes, this percentage was considerably lower, at around 18% to 19%.

This shows that renting is not automatically cheaper than buying on a monthly basis.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we believe the term ‘affordable’ should always be considered in relation to income and monthly housing costs. A home may officially fall within an affordable category, but it can still be out of reach for an individual buyer.

That is why we do not only look at the purchase price for our clients. We also assess the maximum mortgage, preferred monthly costs, personal funds and future plans.

For middle-income households, buying can sometimes be more attractive than renting for a long period, especially when monthly rent is high. At the same time, a purchase must remain financially responsible and fit the buyer’s financial situation.

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.
(21 April 2026)