The Netherlands wants to build a large number of new homes every year, but this requires substantial funding. According to De Nederlandsche Bank, a financing problem is emerging particularly in the private rental sector. Institutional and foreign investors are investing less than is needed to achieve the construction targets. According to OZQUR Makelaardij, this affects not only tenants but ultimately the entire housing market: when too few homes are added, pressure remains high on both rental and owner-occupied housing.

Billions needed annually for housing construction

The government wants to add approximately 100,000 new homes each year. Of these, 30% should consist of social rental housing, while owner-occupied homes and privately financed rental properties are also needed.

DNB estimates that approximately €40 billion in financing is required annually for this overall construction task. For new private rental homes alone, around €6.4 billion per year is needed.

The problem is that current investment levels are falling short of what is required.

Investors are investing less

Dutch institutional investors, such as pension funds, invested approximately €3.6 billion in private rental housing in 2025. They therefore finance a significant part of the required new construction, but DNB does not expect this group to be able to increase its investments much further.

At the same time, foreign investors have largely withdrawn from the Dutch new-build market. Their share fell from approximately one-third in 2022 to virtually zero in 2025.

Private investors have also become more cautious. Since 2023, they have been selling more rental properties than they purchase. Higher interest rates, changes to Box 3 and stricter rental regulations have made investing in rental housing less attractive.

Clearer policy should encourage investment

According to DNB, a more stable investment climate is necessary. Investors need predictable regulations, a clear long-term vision and fewer additional local requirements for new-build projects.

DNB also recommends continuing to closely assess the effects of the Affordable Rent Act on investment in new construction. The aim is to find a balance between affordable rents and sufficient returns to make new construction financially viable.

How does OZQUR Makelaardij view this?

At OZQUR Makelaardij, we believe the housing problem cannot be solved by looking only at owner-occupied homes. A healthy housing market needs sufficient supply across owner-occupied housing, social rental housing and private rental housing.

When investors withdraw and new-build projects are no longer financially viable, fewer homes are ultimately built. This can increase scarcity and keep both rents and house prices under pressure.

For home seekers, this means it remains important to keep several options open. For some clients, buying is immediately achievable, while others first depend on finding a suitable rental home. That is precisely why we always look at the complete financial and personal situation.

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.
(22 July 2026)