The Dutch government is prioritizing the reduction of the housing crisis with an annual goal of adding 100,000 homes, two-thirds of which should be affordable. Minister Keijzer of Housing and Spatial Planning is hosting a summit today to establish “concrete and nationwide agreements” to expedite housing construction with fewer regulations.
Prime Minister Schoof will also attend. Last year, approximately 88,000 homes were added, including new constructions and conversions of large houses and office buildings.
However, the target of 100,000 homes was not met, and fewer homes are expected to be built this year and next due to a decline in issued building permits and a reduction in the construction of new homes. Financial support from the government is a contentious issue, as housing associations and municipalities claim 3 to 5 billion euros are needed annually to meet the target.
The government has allocated 1 billion euros annually for five years and a one-time 2.5 billion euros for infrastructure. Additionally, discussions continue about easing building regulations to simplify construction processes.
At the end of the summit, the agreements reached will be revealed, although actual results may take years to manifest.
Source: NOS