The Netherlands has a large number of single-family homes, but the composition of households is changing rapidly. The number of people living alone is increasing, families make up a smaller share of the population and many older people remain in their family homes for a long time. ABN AMRO therefore warns that in some regions, a surplus of single-family homes could emerge in the longer term. According to OZQUR Makelaardij, this does not mean that single-family homes will suddenly become less attractive, but it does mean that location and future housing needs are becoming increasingly important.

Many homes, but fewer families

The Netherlands has approximately 5.2 million single-family homes. This represents around two-thirds of the total housing stock. At the same time, only about one-third of Dutch households now consist of families for whom this type of home was traditionally intended.

This balance was very different in the past. In 1970, approximately 60% of households consisted of families. Today, that figure is around 32%, while the number of single-person households in particular has increased significantly.

Many homes may become available later

An important part of this development is population ageing. Around 70% of people aged 65 to 74 were still living in a single-family home in 2022. Many older people would like to move, but cannot find enough suitable single-storey homes.

ABN AMRO expects that towards 2050, at least 900,000 single-family homes could become available as older residents leave their homes. At the same time, plans exist for approximately 270,000 additional family homes.

Especially in areas where the population is declining, this could result in a surplus over the longer term, potentially leading to vacancy or downward pressure on property values.

Does this mean single-family homes will become less valuable?

Not automatically. In many popular regions, there is currently a significant shortage of suitable family homes. A terraced house in a sought-after neighbourhood of Eindhoven can therefore develop very differently from a comparable property in a region with a declining population.

The warning mainly concerns long-term changes in housing demand, not a general decline in the value of all single-family homes.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we believe this is an important development to monitor. Property value is determined not only by how many homes are available today, but also by future demand for a certain type of property and location.

When assisting with a purchase, we therefore look beyond the current market price. We also assess the neighbourhood, amenities, accessibility, demographic developments and future resale potential.

For sellers, this means that national forecasts should never be applied directly to a specific property. The housing market remains local. A proper analysis of recent transactions and demand in the immediate area ultimately determines the property’s true market position.

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.
(5 June 2026)