The Dutch housing market started 2026 with house prices rising once again. In January, prices of existing owner-occupied homes were on average 5.4% higher than a year earlier. At the same time, we can see that the pace of price growth has been slowing for several months. More homes were also sold. What does this mean for buyers and sellers? OZQUR Makelaardij outlines the key developments.

Homes become more expensive again

In January 2026, existing owner-occupied homes were on average 5.4% more expensive than in January 2025. Compared with December 2025, prices increased by 1.2%.

What stands out is that the annual price increase has become smaller for the tenth month in a row. At the beginning of 2025, price increases were still above 10%, while this percentage gradually declined towards the end of the year.

This does not mean that homes are becoming cheaper. Prices are still rising, simply at a slower pace than before.

House prices well above the previous peak

The housing market has gone through several phases in recent years. In July 2022, house prices reached what was then a peak, after which prices declined for a period of time.

From mid-2023 onwards, the market turned again and prices began to rise. By January 2026, prices were on average 15.3% higher than at the previous peak in July 2022.

As a result, pressure on housing affordability remains high, especially for first-time buyers and people entering the housing market for the first time.

More homes sold as well

It was not only prices that increased. In January, the Dutch Land Registry recorded 18,893 residential property transactions. That is 5.5% more than in the same month a year earlier.

The average transaction price of an existing owner-occupied home was €493,875. It is important to distinguish between the average selling price and price developments. The average selling price can be influenced by the type of properties sold during a particular period.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we see the slowing price growth mainly as a sign that the market is gradually changing. In some areas, buyers may gain slightly more room, but that does not mean competition has disappeared. Good-quality homes in popular locations can still attract a great deal of interest.

We therefore believe it is important for buyers to know in advance exactly what they can and are willing to pay financially. We then look at recent sales, the quality of the property and the local market situation to determine a responsible offer.

For sellers, a rising market does not automatically mean that every asking price is achievable. A proper valuation and sales strategy remain essential to achieve the best possible result for a property.

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.
(23 February 2026)