Moving from city to village does not automatically mean cheaper living
Recent research from the NVM indicates that houses in villages are often more expensive than in cities, averaging 503,000 euros compared to 487,000 euros. Affordability is largely dependent on a village's distance from urban centers, with remote areas offering significantly cheaper options than those located near cities.
A study conducted by the Dutch Association of Real Estate Agents (NVM) and Brainbay reveals that moving to a village does not guarantee lower housing costs. Currently, the average home in a village is priced at 503,000 euros, compared to 487,000 euros in cities. This discrepancy exists because cities feature a higher concentration of more affordable housing types, such as apartments and terraced houses. The market in rural areas is currently as overheated as in urban centers, with prices in smaller villages rising by 4.5 percent over the last year.
The research indicates that affordability is primarily determined by a village's proximity to a city rather than its rural status. Properties near cities average 560,000 euros, while homes in remote areas average 444,000 euros. Consequently, house hunters seeking better value are more likely to find affordable options in isolated regions. Despite a recent increase in village housing stock, competition and sales dynamics remain largely comparable to urban environments, offering little relief for those seeking an easier home-buying process.
Based on reporting by nu. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
