Policy Document Housing in Utrecht: “The Step from Housing Market to Public Housing”

Alderman Dennis de Vries (Housing): “Housing is a fundamental right. As a government, we must ensure people can live affordably and comfortably. Over the years, we left the housing market to the market with consequences. Now we take back control, investing unequally for equal opportunities, focusing on those who struggle to find a home, like the homeless and low-income earners.”

Quick Addition of Affordable Homes 

The document prioritizes quickly realizing more affordable housing. Utrecht aims for 75% of new construction to be social housing, mid-range rentals, and affordable purchases. The focus is more on rentals since affordable purchases often become expensive upon resale.

The current pace of 3,000 new homes per year continues. To maintain this pace, lessons from temporary housing are applied, and collaboration with housing corporations is crucial for expanding social housing.

Besides new constructions, Utrecht optimizes existing housing by encouraging shared living, easing rules for splitting homes, and preventing vacancies.

Appropriate Living

The document also aims to ensure more Utrecht residents live in homes that fit their financial situation and needs, improving mobility in the housing market. This includes developing suitable housing for specific groups like the elderly and students, promoting affordable housing for middle incomes, and encouraging collective living forms.

“A constant dilemma is balancing available living space,” says De Vries. “Every home given to one person means another remains on the waiting list. We focus on vulnerable people as they are most affected by lack of housing, needing a home to recover. Delays lead to higher societal costs in care and support.”

Click on the image above to watch the video about the housing policy document. 

Undivided City

The municipality ensures housing standards and addresses issues, enforces affordable rent, and involves house hunters in planning. Emphasis is on community building as living involves more than just houses. Neighborhood-specific needs are prioritized to create diverse living environments.

De Vries: “We aim for affordable and suitable housing for all Utrecht residents. We take control of housing issues more than before, allowing market space but ensuring investments benefit the community, adding quality and diversity.”

From January 24 to March 7, 2025, everyone can view and comment on the draft policy document. The final version will be presented to the city council at the end of March.

The full document can be found here; a summary is available here.