Highest number of new homes completed in ten years, but decline started

In the past year, more than 74,000 new homes were completed in the Netherlands, the highest number since 2012. Central Bureau of Statistics. Nevertheless, the number is not yet close to the government’s goal of building 100,000 new homes per year from next year.

Compared to the previous year, the housing stock increased by 0.9 percent due to new construction. In absolute numbers, the most homes were built in South Holland: over 14,500. That province is followed by North Holland (14,000) and North Brabant (12,000). In relative terms, Flevoland grew the fastest with 1.6 percent. That province also experienced the strongest population growth.

Of the cities, most homes were completed in Amsterdam: almost 6,800, which meant an increase in the housing stock there of 1.5 percent. More than 2000 new homes were built in Utrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam each. The relative growth was greatest in the municipality of Vlieland. The housing stock there increased by 7 percent due to the construction of 42 homes, bringing the total to 640.

The increase in the number of new-build homes completed is in line with the higher number of new-build permits granted in 2020 and 2021, after a strong decrease in 2019. The average lead time from the moment the permit is granted is approximately two years.

In addition to new construction, new homes are also being created by splitting homes and transforming offices. On the other hand, homes are also disappearing, for example due to demolition and merging. The total housing stock grew last year on balance to a total of 8.1 million homes.

The number of permits issued in 2022 was considerably lower than the year before. The Economic Institute for Construction therefore expects 2023 and 2024 70,000 new homes. It therefore seems that the government’s target will also be far from being achieved this year and next year.