I have more than 20 years of experience assisting expats in finding homes. Amsterdam’s popularity as a place to live has surged, but the housing supply hasn’t kept up with the demand. Unlike many cities where more people own homes, Amsterdam is different. Only about 30% of properties in the city are owner-occupied.

Now, in my professional opinion, I’ll dissect the situation step by step to provide a clear understanding. The majority of properties in Amsterdam are used for social housing, offices, and other purposes, which significantly limits the number of available homes for purchase. This supply-demand mismatch makes it tough, but not impossible, for people to find suitable places to live.

A Natural Shortage explained

  • Homes Are Getting More Expensive
    Houses in Amsterdam are becoming fancier and pricier. This is good news if you can afford to buy a great home, but it’s a problem for many others. We don’t see an end to it – prices in the middle and upper segments, going over 500,000 euros, are expected to keep going up. Meanwhile, the lower-priced homes are in high demand, with an average of 11 people wanting to buy each one, which means prices are going up there too.
  • Building New Homes Is Slow
    In a lot of places, making new houses helps when there aren’t enough. But in Amsterdam, it’s not happening fast. Why? Well, there’s not much space, strict rules about building, and it costs a lot to build, so it’s tough to match the growing need.
  • Tangled Up in Rules
    Amsterdam’s housing market is caught in a web of rules and regulations. Some are important for the environment and safety, but too many can tangle up construction and slow things down. This only adds to the challenge of finding a suitable home.

In a nutshell, Amsterdam’s housing problem is complex. With only approximately 30% of homes owned and the rest used for social housing and other purposes, the city faces unique challenges. Finding solutions to make Amsterdam more accessible to everyone is essential. Keep in mind, that I don’t have a crystal ball, and like all complex topics, government policies play a significant role. Hopefully, we’ll see progress, but it might not be immediate.

Why a Certified Real Estate Agent Matters

Amsterdam’s housing market is quite competitive. That’s why having a certified and well-known real estate agent with you, like me, is super important. Homes for sale can come and go fast, and a pro can be a big help. Agents like me understand the market well. We can act quickly when new homes are listed and help you make smart choices.

In the Netherlands, real estate agents get paid by either the seller or the buyer, not both. So, selling agents prefer working with people who have professionals on their side because it makes deals more likely to succeed. Having a trusted agent can be the secret to finding your dream home in Amsterdam’s challenging housing market.

If you’d like to chat or have any questions, feel free to reach out via info@burgemeestervastgoed.nl.