Netherlands housing affordability declines for median earners

Despite a 14 percent increase in the number of available homes in the Netherlands over the past year, homeownership remains increasingly difficult for those with a median income. Research by De Hypotheker indicates that the proportion of available housing for single earners with a median income dropped from 2.1 percent in 2025 to 1.2 percent in 2026.

For dual-income households, the availability of housing fell from 35.9 percent to 32.2 percent during the same period. While salaries have risen, house prices continue to outpace income growth. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the average selling price of an existing home in June was 496,235 euros, a 4 percent increase from the previous year.

Financial constraints are further compounded by rising mortgage interest rates and a decrease in maximum borrowing capacity. For a single person with a projected median gross annual income of 48,000 euros, the maximum loan amount is estimated at 213,542 euros, representing a decrease of 1,541 euros compared to the previous year.