Rising Home Prices in Netherlands: Twice Median Income No Longer Enough

Discover how the dream of owning an average home in the Netherlands is slipping away as prices soar, now requiring more than double the average income.

In the Netherlands, the dream of owning an average home is becoming increasingly out of reach for many as the cost of homeownership continues to rise. According to calculations by data company Calcassa, buying an average owner-occupied home in the country now requires more than twice the average income.

At the end of 2023, the price of an average home in the Netherlands stood at 452,000 euros. Under the new lending standards implemented this year, a household would need an annual income of 95,000 euros to secure a mortgage for that amount. This is more than double the average income of 44,000 euros per year. For those looking to purchase an apartment, the required income is 80,000 euros. This makes homeownership unattainable for single-income households.

The housing market in the Netherlands is expected to become even more expensive this year, with ING predicting a price increase of between 5 and 8 percent. However, rising wages and lower interest rates are expected to provide individuals with more borrowing capacity. Additionally, government measures aimed at reducing competition from investors are benefiting first-time buyers, as reported by De Hypotheekshop last week. In February, there was a 30 percent increase in mortgage applications from first-time buyers, marking the highest number of applications from this group in four years.

The rising cost of homeownership in the Netherlands is posing challenges for many individuals, particularly single-income households. While government measures and favorable economic conditions are providing some relief to first-time buyers, the affordability of housing remains a pressing issue in the country.