Living/housing

Albert Heijn has resumed deliveries of fresh and non-perishable products across the Netherlands, although some stores are still experiencing limited availability following a cybersecurity incident. Online ordering and customer services continue to remain unavailable.

De Nederlandsche Bank has renewed its call to abolish mortgage interest tax relief, with Director Olaf Sleijpen arguing that property market cooling does not alter the fundamental economic case for scrapping the policy. Speaking at the University of Amsterdam, Sleijpen stressed that the long-standing tax break artificially inflates house prices and unfairly favours homeowners over renters, adding that the Dutch economy could comfortably handle a drop in property values and lamenting a missed opportunity to phase out the relief when interest rates were ultra-low.

Dutch households could soon pay electricity grid charges based on when they use power, under a new proposal designed to reduce pressure on the overloaded electricity network and create room for more connections.

Homebuyers in the Netherlands gained slightly more choice in the third quarter as the number of homes for sale increased, helping to ease pressure in the housing market and slow price growth.

More than 300,000 Dutch households and small businesses may be paying for electricity grid connections that are larger than they need. The ACM says many could save money, but warns that reducing connection capacity could make it harder to upgrade again later because of grid congestion.

The latest Michelin Guide for the Netherlands sees two establishments gain a second star, while seven new venues earn their first. De Librije in Zwolle successfully retained its three-star status following a challenging year for the team. The country's total count of starred restaurants remains unchanged at 119.

The Dutch Association of Real Estate Agents (NVM) supports plans for a mandatory register for real estate agents but argues that registration alone is not enough. The organisation is urging the government to include education and professional competency requirements to better protect consumers and strengthen trust in the housing market.

State Secretary Jo-Annes de Bat says flexible electricity consumption should become the norm in the Netherlands as growing grid congestion delays new connections and strains the country's power infrastructure.