Dutch Parliament passes motion for separate real estate tax regime

The Dutch House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) has passed a motion calling on the government to prepare a separate tax regime for real estate within the Box 3 system. This motion, introduced by JA21 member Michiel Hoogeveen, aims to ensure that a realization regime for real estate can be submitted as an independent legislative proposal if the broader 'Wet werkelijk rendement' (Actual Return Act) fails to pass.

The proposed realization regime would shift taxation from annual assessments based on unrealized paper gains to a system where taxes are only settled upon the actual sale of the property. This is intended to prevent investors from being taxed on fictitious returns, a situation industry representatives claim can lead to tax burdens exceeding 100 percent of net rental income.

The motion received 76 votes in favor, supported by a coalition including JA21, 50PLUS, VVD, SGP, ChristenUnie, BBB, PVV, and FVD. While Vastgoed Belang described the move as a significant step toward restoring the investment climate in the housing market, the motion is not legally binding, leaving the final decision on implementation to the cabinet.