For the fourth year in a row, fewer homes were created by converting existing buildings such as offices and shops, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In 2025, building conversions created 6,400 homes. This was down 19 per cent from 7,900 in 2024.
Conversions accounted for 7 per cent of all homes added to the housing stock in 2025, compared with 9 per cent a year earlier. Most of the growth came from new construction. More than 69,000 new homes were completed last year, roughly the same number as in 2024.
The number of homes created from former offices fell sharply. In 2025, 1,700 homes were added in converted office buildings, more than 1,000 fewer than a year earlier. Despite the decline, former offices still accounted for a quarter of all converted homes.
Meanwhile, slightly more homes were created by converting shops. In 2025, 1,255 homes were added in former retail properties, around 100 more than in 2024.
Based on an initial estimate, CBS reports that building conversions added nearly 3,000 homes in the first half of 2026.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
