# Dutch municipal vacancy tax proposals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dutch-municipal-vacancy-tax-proposals > Updated: 2026-09-14T13:09:35.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. In response to housing shortages in the Netherlands, local authorities and political groups are exploring measures to penalize long-term property vacancies. In Almere, the municipality has announced that starting January 1, 2027, owners of residential properties that remain unoccupied for at least one year will face an annual fine of 2,000 euros. Councilman Paul Tang noted that while new construction is ongoing, existing stock must be utilized, suggesting the fine could rise to 16,000 euros by 2028. Real estate representatives have criticized the move, arguing that leaving properties empty for speculation is not in investors’ interests due to lost rental income. Similarly, in Barendrecht, the VVD political group has proposed investigating a vacancy tax to discourage unjustified long-term emptiness. Group leader Jacinta Floor requested data on properties empty for six months, one year, or two years, while noting that temporary vacancies due to renovations or estate settlements should be distinguished from intentional vacancy. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: VVD Barendrecht proposes vacancy tax to combat housing shortage VVD Barendrecht is urging the local government to tackle housing shortages by investigating a potential vacancy tax for properties left empty for extended periods without being listed for sale or rent. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vvd-barendrecht-proposes-vacancy-tax-to-combat-housing-shortage ### 2026-08-27: Almere introduces fines for vacant residential properties Almere, Netherlands, will introduce a 2,000 euro annual fine starting in 2027 for residential properties left vacant for over a year to combat the national housing shortage. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/almere-introduces-fines-for-vacant-residential-properties --- Cite as: Dutch municipal vacancy tax proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dutch-municipal-vacancy-tax-proposals