The financial position of homeowners in the Netherlands has worsened after a period of recovery. This is according to the National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG).The findings are based on a survey of around 2,400 people.
More homeowners are struggling to pay housing costs, and arrears on mortgage payments have increased. Concerns about energy costs have also grown. In the most recent surveys, conducted before the start of the Iran war, 27% of respondents expressed concern about energy bills. Since the conflict began in late February, gas prices have increased, driving up household energy costs.
The share of respondents who say their income is not enough to cover all expenses has risen to 8.8%. NHG states that this is the highest level since it began measuring in 2024, when the figure stood at 5.8%. In addition, 4.3% of respondents reported serious difficulty paying their housing costs, also a record level. The proportion of homeowners who have experienced mortgage arrears has increased from 5.3% in 2024 to 7.3% now.
NHG is known for mortgages that provide a safety net for homeowners who can no longer meet their payments. It reports that financial pressure is spreading. More middle-income households and younger homeowners are now affected. “Whereas previously a defined group experienced problems, this is now also affecting households that were previously considered financially stable,” NHG said.
The organisation also notes that more homeowners want to reduce energy costs by making their homes more sustainable. However, many face uncertainty about costs, potential savings, and payback periods. “By making sustainability more accessible and understandable, we can help lower housing costs and improve the sustainability of the housing stock. Government predictability is also an important factor when deciding to make homes more sustainable,” said NHG managing director Roald van der Linde.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
