paroolSep 24, 2026, 14:19

Amsterdam added over 1,300 social housing units but falls short of targets

Amsterdam increased its social housing stock by 1,322 permanent units over the past year but failed to meet its targets for new construction starts and temporary housing development. Alderman Zita Pels has called for increased financial support from the national government, arguing that current funding models are insufficient to sustain the necessary pace of expansion and sustainability upgrades.

Amsterdam added 1,322 new permanent social housing units to its stock over the past year, marking a total growth of 1,875 units over the last two years. Despite this progress, housing alderman Zita Pels notes that the city is falling short of its targets for both new construction starts and the development of temporary flexible housing. While 1,515 new social housing projects commenced this year, the city had aimed for a higher annual target of between 1,900 and 2,500 units. Additionally, the installation of solar panels on rental properties has slowed significantly due to uncertainty regarding the future of national net-metering policies.

Alderman Pels warns that current financial models for housing corporations are becoming unsustainable without further government support. Limitations in rental income make it difficult to fund both new construction and necessary sustainability improvements for older buildings. Consequently, the city has joined housing corporations and tenant organizations in requesting that the central government abolish profit taxes for social housing providers to ensure future growth, affordability, and the ongoing energy renovation of the existing housing stock.

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

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