For some Dutch first-time buyers, taking the step towards independent living is becoming increasingly difficult. In 2024, there were fewer new entrants to the housing market than a year earlier. Young people under the age of 25 in particular were less likely to leave the parental home. At the same time, owner-occupied homes are accounting for a larger share among first-time buyers. According to OZQUR Makelaardij, this shows how important good financial preparation and a realistic housing strategy are.

Fewer young people are leaving the parental home

In 2024, there were approximately 518,000 new entrants to the housing market, compared with 560,000 a year earlier. In particular, fewer young people moved from the parental home into independent accommodation.

Among young people up to the age of 25, this number fell from approximately 125,000 in 2023 to 96,000 in 2024. Among the group aged between 25 and 35, it is also clear that living independently cannot be taken for granted. The total number of people in this age category increased by 1.7%, while the number still living with their parents rose by 5.6%.

Owner-occupied homes account for a larger share

What stands out is that first-time buyers who do move into a new home are relatively more likely to choose an owner-occupied property.

In 2023, approximately 20% of homes occupied by first-time buyers were owner-occupied. In 2024, this share rose to 24%. At the same time, the share of homes owned by private landlords fell from 49% to 43%.

In absolute numbers, the number of owner-occupied homes occupied by first-time buyers increased by more than 3,000. By contrast, the number of private rental homes available to first-time buyers decreased by almost 13,000.

Part of this development is related to privately rented homes being sold and subsequently becoming available to people who will live in them themselves.

Not every first-time buyer is a young buyer

An important nuance is needed when interpreting these figures. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) uses the term first-time entrant more broadly than just someone buying a home for the first time.

People who move to the Netherlands from abroad for work or study, for example, are also counted as new entrants to the housing market. In 2024, this group even made up the largest share of all new entrants to the housing market.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we see that young first-time buyers in particular need clarity. In our view, the first question should not be: which home do I want to buy? Instead, it should be: what can and do I want to pay responsibly?

That is why we first look at income, mortgage possibilities, monthly costs and any available personal funds. We then determine which homes are actually within reach.

We also advise first-time buyers to broaden their search. An apartment, a smaller home or a property that is not yet fully finished can be a good first step. Those who are financially well prepared can also act more quickly and with greater focus as soon as a suitable property becomes available.

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.
(24 April 2026)