rssSep 2, 2026, 16:00

Haarlem district designated for rapid construction of 6,000 homes: "A good step"

The Dutch government has designated the Schalkwijk district in Haarlem as a national priority area to fast-track the construction of 5,000 to 6,000 new homes. This initiative will support the municipality with faster permitting to address a severe local housing shortage, with a focus on creating affordable rental and ownership options alongside infrastructure improvements.

The Dutch government has designated the Schalkwijk district in Haarlem as one of five national priority areas for large-scale housing development. This initiative aims to accelerate the construction of 5,000 to 6,000 new homes by providing municipal support, including faster permit processing. The location was selected because it faces no significant issues regarding nitrogen regulations, electrical grid capacity, or water access, making it highly suitable for rapid expansion. Municipal officials emphasize that these new units will prioritize affordability, with 80 percent of the project dedicated to social and middle-segment housing. Beyond residential buildings, the plan includes significant infrastructure improvements, such as a renovated shopping center, the conversion of the Europaweg into an urban street, and a new public transport hub. Councilor Maarten Wiedemeijer highlighted the severe housing shortage in the city, noting that young residents often face wait times of up to a decade for social housing. The government expects these efforts to transform Schalkwijk into a vital urban center for the region.

Politics Economy Amsterdam Haarlem Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

More than 76,000 rental homes have already disappeared from the market – landlords complain about affordable rent legislation

Since the introduction of the Affordable Rent Act in 2024, over 76,000 rental homes have been sold off by landlords across the Netherlands, tightening housing supply. Rental prices are simultaneously rising faster than inflation, with Amsterdam, Amstelveen, and Haarlem remaining among the most expensive areas for tenants.

Private landlords are renting out fewer properties in the city: "A problem for students"

Private rental properties in Amsterdam have decreased by 18 percent in three years as landlords sell their units due to new rent control laws and increased taxation. While this shift favors buyers, it creates a significant housing crisis for students and individuals who cannot afford to purchase property in the city.

Seizure of 'Antifa server' at US request leads to questions and concerns

Dutch authorities have seized a server belonging to the Italian hosting provider Autistici/Inventati at the request of the United States. The U.S. government classifies the company as a terrorist entity, sparking concerns among Dutch digital rights groups and industry associations regarding the precedent for such cross-border legal actions.

No funding for Zuidasdok megaproject in new cabinet plans

The Dutch government has frozen funding for the northern part of the Zuidasdok project to prioritize the maintenance of existing national infrastructure. This decision delays one of the country's largest development projects, sparking concerns in Amsterdam over long-term economic and accessibility impacts.

Labor exploitation is rising, tackling it remains difficult: 'Justice system must lower the bar'

Reports of labor exploitation in the Netherlands increased to 401 in 2025, with significant spikes in the hospitality and agricultural sectors. Experts warn that few cases lead to prosecution due to high legal thresholds, calling for systemic reforms to better protect vulnerable workers from abusive staffing agencies.