Homeowners in the Netherlands will pay an average of 5.3 percent more in property tax this year, with some municipalities imposing increases of several tens of percent. The figures come from the annual housing cost survey carried out by the Dutch Homeowners’ Association (VEH). The organisation warns that further rises are likely in the years to come.
According to VEH, the average municipal tax bill will be €47 higher than in 2025. The increase is primarily driven by higher property taxes, while waste collection and sewer charges are expected to rise by an average of 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively.
A number of municipalities stand out. Alphen aan den Rijn is raising its property tax by almost 40 percent. Others are lowering their rates. Residents of Bloemendaal face the highest property tax in the country at €1,072 per year, while Texel remains the cheapest at €136. VEH also estimates that in more than half of all municipalities, total annual housing-related municipal charges now exceed €1,000. Bloemendaal again tops the list, with total costs reaching €1,715.
VEH Director Cindy Kremer expects further increases, noting that many municipalities have struggled with deficits for years. She argues that national funding is under pressure while local authorities are being given more responsibilities. “This is reflected in the property tax rates, which allow municipalities to balance their budgets. This means homeowners will soon be footing the bill,” she said.
VEH is urging the next government to provide municipalities with sufficient funding. According to the organisation, this would allow them to carry out their statutory duties, including youth care, without “endless property tax increases”.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
