Netherlands housing market sees steep drop in new‑build sales, rising prices and higher investor turnover

In the first quarter of 2026 Dutch new‑build homes fell 19.1% year‑on‑year to 5,126 units, marking the third consecutive quarter of declining sales. At the same time the average price of a new‑build property rose 4.6% to €516,000, staying above the €492,000 average for existing homes.

Statistical data shows that since 2022 investors are selling a larger share of their housing stock. Private investors, especially small ones, increased their annual sell‑off rate to almost 7% in 2025, a shift linked to higher financing costs, stricter regulation and fiscal changes that make holding properties less attractive.

Local authorities also face pressure to expand housing quickly. In Alphen aan den Rijn a planned 90‑unit tower near Ridderhof shopping centre has been criticised for lacking parking, traffic and safety studies, highlighting the tension between rapid construction and adequate urban planning.

Overall, the combination of falling new‑build sales, higher prices and accelerated investor divestment underscores growing challenges for first‑time buyers and policymakers in the Dutch housing sector.