The Dutch rental market is facing increasing pressure. Not only are rental prices rising, but the income requirements imposed by landlords are also making it increasingly difficult for many people to find a suitable rental property. According to recent figures from Pararius, the average monthly rent in the private rental sector has now reached €1,914. To qualify for such a property, tenants often need a minimum gross monthly income of €5,742. OZQUR Makelaardij considers this a concerning development for people looking for a home.

Why Do Landlords Set Such High Income Requirements?

When renting out a property, landlords want as much assurance as possible that tenants will be able to consistently pay their monthly rent. For this reason, many landlords apply an income requirement of approximately three times the monthly rent, excluding utilities and additional charges.

With a monthly rent of €1,914, this means that a prospective tenant must earn at least €5,742 gross per month. Although this income requirement is not legally mandatory, it is commonly applied in practice.

While these requirements provide landlords with financial security, they also exclude a large group of prospective tenants from the rental market.

Renting Is Becoming Increasingly Difficult, Even on an Average Income

According to the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB), the average gross annual income used as a benchmark in the Netherlands is approximately €48,500 in 2026. This amounts to around €4,042 gross per month.

For someone earning this income, the standard income requirement for an average private-sector rental property is more than €1,700 higher than their monthly earnings.

This creates a challenging situation. Buying a property is difficult for many households due to high property prices and mortgage lending requirements, while renting in the private sector is also becoming increasingly expensive.

Single-person households, first-time buyers and middle-income households, in particular, are facing growing restrictions in the housing market.

Fewer Applications for Rental Properties, but the Problem Remains

Interestingly, according to Pararius, the average number of applications for private-sector rental properties has fallen to 23 per property. This is the lowest level since the second quarter of 2021.

However, this does not necessarily mean that the housing shortage is easing. High rental prices and the associated income requirements may discourage prospective tenants from applying for properties they cannot financially qualify for.

The challenge therefore lies not only in the availability of housing but also in its affordability and accessibility.

How Does OZQUR Makelaardij View This Development?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we believe that a healthy rental market should remain accessible to both first-time renters and middle-income households. At the same time, we understand that landlords need sufficient assurance regarding the financial stability of prospective tenants.

We believe it is important to look beyond standard income requirements. Carefully assessing an individual’s financial situation, employment stability and overall affordability can help both landlords and tenants make responsible decisions.

We also advise people looking for a home not to focus exclusively on the rental market. Depending on their income, savings and personal circumstances, buying a property may be an attractive long-term alternative.

Because OZQUR Makelaardij offers both property purchase guidance and mortgage advice under one roof, we can help our clients carefully evaluate their options and make informed decisions.

What Does This Mean for People Looking for a Home?

Rising rental prices highlight the importance of understanding your financial options before starting your property search. Anyone paying a substantial amount in monthly rent would be wise to explore whether buying a property could be financially feasible.

Of course, a mortgage comes with different financial obligations and additional costs, but in certain situations, buying a home may offer a suitable alternative.

Renting or Buying? What Is the Smartest Choice Right Now?

Rental prices continue to rise, and finding an affordable rental property is becoming increasingly difficult. Today, renting an average property in the Dutch private rental sector often requires a gross monthly income of more than €5,700.
But is renting still the best option? Or could now be the right time to buy a home?

Buying a property offers several advantages:
✅ You build equity as you repay your mortgage.
✅ You may benefit from an increase in your property’s value.
✅ A fixed mortgage interest rate provides greater certainty about your monthly interest payments.
✅ You invest in your own future rather than paying rent every month.

Naturally, the right choice depends on your personal and financial circumstances. In some situations, buying a home may be more financially attractive than renting, even when you might not expect it.
Are you looking for a rental property, considering buying a home, or curious about your mortgage options?
At OZQUR Makelaardij, we are here to help. From finding the right property to arranging your mortgage, we provide everything under one roof.

OZQUR Makelaardij | Buying • Selling • Renting • Mortgages
At Home in Your Future.
Yucel Samanci
Property Purchase and Sales Agent at OZQUR Makelaardij, specialising in property acquisition strategies, negotiations and assisting Dutch, Turkish and expatriate clients.
8 October 2026