build affordable housing faster in more locations

Construction must take place faster and in more places in the coming years. Two-thirds of the new construction will also be affordable. These and other agreements should lead to more homes being added.

During her housing summit today, Minister Keijzer (BBB) ​​sealed the agreements with municipalities, project developers and other organizations involved in housing construction.

According to the agreements, rules are simplified and permits are issued more quickly. As a result, the promise is, the time from permit application to delivery will be shortened from ten to seven years.

A place has already been found for approximately 75,000 new homes. About 63,000 new houses are being built in Utrecht, 6,500 in Lisserbroek and Nieuw-Vennep and 5,000 in Lansingerland.

These projects must be realized through a so-called ‘breakthrough approach’ by the Ministry of Housing. This means that the government, market parties, such as builders and project developers, and housing associations work closely together.

If something does not go well, parties must be open about matters such as finances. The idea is that this will remove bottlenecks more quickly. Ultimately, 100,000 homes should be added every year.

The previous government also wanted that, but it never succeeded. However, more and more was built every year. Last year, almost 90,000 new homes were added.

The fact that two-thirds of new homes must be ‘affordable’ means that for owner-occupied homes they will cost a maximum of 390,000 euros this year and for rental properties a maximum rent of 1,158 euros. These amounts are adjusted every year.

Project developers and construction companies say that they cannot finance all projects profitably at those prices. That is why the government and municipalities each contribute half of the additional money required.

Municipalities say that they can only do this if they receive extra money from the government. Whether that will happen will only become clear next year.

The Housing Association, which represents the interests of tenants, has not signed the agreements. The organization believes that the government should limit rent increases.

Pension funds also do not sign the agreement. They do not want to pledge money for housing construction.