The Netherlands recorded a decline in the number of newly completed homes for the third consecutive year in 2025, according to the latest data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The figures highlight a growing gap between the government’s ambitious housing targets and the reality of the construction sector, making it increasingly difficult to address the nation’s chronic housing shortage.
The statistics office reported that nearly 80,000 new homes were delivered in 2025, compared to just over 82,000 in 2024. This remains significantly below the government’s stated goal of 100,000 new homes per year. The ongoing scarcity has left many people struggling to secure accommodation, driving property prices higher and creating a market where buyers frequently outbid asking prices by substantial margins.
Of the total completions, 69,000 were newly built properties. An additional 11,000 homes were added through property transformations, such as the merging or splitting of existing buildings. However, the demolition of 9,500 older properties resulted in a net increase of 70,000 in the housing stock, bringing the total number of homes in the country to 8.3 million.
Labour shortages and permit delays cited as primary causes
CBS Chief Economist Peter Hein van Mulligen attributes the construction dip largely to persistent labour shortages within the building sector. He also pointed to the lag effect of building permits issued in previous years as a decisive factor. Building permits reached a notable peak of 94,000 in 2024, after a relatively low period, and dipped again to 86,000 in 2025.
According to van Mulligen, increasing the volume of new builds is the only viable path to reducing the deficit. He noted that while property transformations account for 10,000 to 15,000 units annually, the bulk of demand must be met through new construction. He also suggested that reducing the lead time between permit approval and final completion would provide a much-needed boost to the sector.
Outlook and regional disparities
In December, housing minister Mona Keijzer acknowledged that the 100,000-home target for 2025 was likely out of reach, noting that significant work remained. Despite the current shortfall, the minister remains optimistic about the future, citing recent efforts to ease regulations and simplify procedures for new development projects.
Regional data shows a varied picture across the provinces. Noord-Holland led the country with 14,000 new completions last year. Conversely, Drenthe and Friesland recorded the lowest numbers, with each province adding only 1,300 new homes to its stock.
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