The municipality of Amsterdam has once again failed to buildthe number of homes it has set itself as a goal. Last year, the construction of over 4,500 homes was started, while the municipality aims for 7,500 homes per year. A year earlier, that target was not met either, but it was met in 2022.
By 2024, the construction of 4,541 housing units has started in the capital. Most of these are social housing.
The homes will come in different price ranges and types, creating more supply for a variety of home seekers. Among the 4,541 homes under construction are:
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- 1,887 social housing units
- 1,006 mid-rent housing units
- 887 homes for sale
- 672 free sector rental housing units
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Middle rent continues to lag behind
The number of mid-rent homes is lagging behind demand. This is mainly due to difficult market conditions and the uncertainty surrounding the introduction of the Affordable Rent Act last year. Still, the number in 2024 is up substantially from 2023, when only 314 of these homes went into construction.
'Amsterdam builds on'
Alderman Reinier van Dantzig (Housing) emphasizes that the municipality is sticking to its plans despite the difficult market conditions: "Housing construction is under pressure. Nevertheless, I am proud of what is being realized in Amsterdam. Over 4,500 homes are under construction, and compared to previous crisis years and other cities, we are holding up well. We are also making progress with 800 temporary homes. Conditions remain difficult, but we continue to tug for every home."
Measures to enable housing development
This increase in the number of homes under construction is due in part to measures taken by the College of Mayor and Aldermen to support construction companies and housing associations.
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- Parties had the opportunity to have their land price recalculated and use the lowest value in their project.
- Projects that involved converting buildings into affordable housing received a 10 percent discount on land prices.
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These measures, among others, make it easier to build new housing. The college will also look at 2025 to see if additional measures are needed to boost housing construction.
Housing construction remains priority
Construction is underway according to the Housing Plan (2022-2028) with the goal of building 7,500 housing units each year. We are now halfway through that plan. Building production peaked in 2022, but in 2023 and 2024 the number of new homes decreased.
Over the past 3 years, a total of 18,000 homes have been put under construction, an average of 6,000 per year. By comparison, during previous crises, housing production was significantly lower. During the financial crisis in 2009, only 2,300 homes were put under construction.
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