Finding a suitable home is not only a financial challenge for many young adults. The tight housing market also appears to influence important life choices, such as when people want to start a family. Research by the Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute shows that high house prices and a lack of suitable family homes may contribute to people postponing their desire to have children.

Family homes are becoming increasingly difficult to afford

Since 2013, house prices have risen significantly faster than incomes. As a result, it has become more difficult for young adults to move to a home they consider suitable for starting a family.

Many young people, for example, remain in an apartment or smaller home for longer, while they would prefer a property with more space and a child-friendly living environment.

According to the research, this creates a gap between how people would like to live and the type of home they can actually afford or find. For some households, this may be a reason to postpone starting a family.

Birth rate is declining

The average number of children per woman in the Netherlands has clearly declined in recent years. In 2010, the figure was still around 1.80 children per woman. By 2024, this had fallen to approximately 1.43.

There are various social and personal reasons for this. The NIDI research indicates that the situation in the housing market may also play a role.

One notable finding is that women living in owner-occupied homes are more likely to have a child than women in other housing situations. According to the research, this percentage is even significantly higher among women living in detached houses than among women living in apartments.

Housing aspirations remain high

Despite the tight market, young adults do not appear to simply lower their housing expectations. Many people want sufficient space, stability and a suitable living environment before they start or expand a family.

This makes the housing market much more than just a financial issue. The availability and affordability of housing can ultimately influence choices regarding work, living together and starting a family.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we see that home seekers regularly look further ahead than just their current housing needs. Young couples in particular want to know whether a property will still suit their situation several years from now.

That is why, when buying a home, we do not only look at the maximum mortgage. We also discuss monthly costs, future housing wishes, location, property type and possible family expansion.

At the same time, a first home does not necessarily have to be the final family home. Sometimes a smaller property can be a sensible first step to build equity and move to a larger home later.

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.
(27 March 2026)