nuNov 15, 2026, 07:57

Affordable Rent Act not solely to blame for exodus from rental market

The Affordable Rent Act, implemented in July 2024, regulates rental prices based on housing quality to protect tenants and improve affordability in the Netherlands. While some critics blame the law for a decrease in private rental supply, experts note that broader economic factors like high interest rates and tax changes are more significant contributors to the current market shifts.

The Affordable Rent Act, introduced on July 1, 2024, by former housing minister Hugo de Jonge, aims to curb excessive rental prices and increase affordability through a standardized point system. By linking maximum rent directly to housing quality and size, the legislation seeks to protect tenants and restore balance to the market. Supporters, including the Woonbond and housing association Aedes, argue the act provides necessary clarity and legal protection, helping to ensure that rent aligns with property quality for middle-income housing.

Despite these benefits, the market faces significant challenges, as investors have moved to sell over 22,000 private rental properties since the law's introduction. While some critics blame the new legislation for this decline, experts suggest that high interest rates and increased taxes in box 3 are the primary drivers of this trend. They argue that protecting tenants from excessive rent should remain a priority, while the government must now focus on fiscal adjustments and new construction to encourage investors to return to the market and ensure a stable supply of housing.

Economy Business Netherlands

Read original ↗

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

Supermarkets prepare emergency stores for ‘phase black’, such as in the event of war or a major cyberattack

Dutch supermarkets are establishing contingency plans for an extreme emergency scenario known as a black phase to ensure food security during events like war or cyberattacks. Industry representatives aim to set up emergency stores so that all citizens remain within fifteen minutes of a food distribution point.

AI is the culprit in data breaches: 'You can discover weaknesses in half a minute'

The rise of artificial intelligence has made it significantly easier for cybercriminals to identify system vulnerabilities and create convincing phishing attacks, leading to a recent wave of data breaches in the Netherlands. Experts are calling for organizations to fundamentally improve their cybersecurity architecture and for consumers to remain highly vigilant against identity theft.

Alderman concerned about rising interest rates, but major investments continue: "Though later or more modest"

Amsterdam's finance alderman Hendrik Jan Biemond intends to continue planned city investments but indicates they may be executed more soberly or delayed due to rising interest rates. The city will implement cost-saving measures, including the reduction of 2,500 municipal staff positions, to manage a projected increase in debt and interest expenses.

Nvidia eyes Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas as successor to Jensen Huang

Nvidia is scouting Arm Holdings CEO Rene Haas as a potential replacement for co-founder Jensen Huang, who stepped down amid personal scandals. The leadership vacancy has created significant market uncertainty, impacting major tech companies listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange.

Amsterdam buys NS land: construction of 2,100 homes in Amstelvoorde can proceed

Amsterdam has purchased land from the Dutch Railways to develop the new neighborhood of Amstelvoorde, which will feature 2100 homes and various public facilities. This acquisition allows the city to expedite construction and maintain better control over the development process, with the first permanent housing units slated for completion in 2028.