Amsterdam added approximately 12,000 homes in the past 2 years. The number of social rental homes also increased slightly. However, many residents still find it difficult to find affordable housing. This is shown by the biennial study Living in Amsterdam (WiA).
The city now has nearly 490,000 homes.
More owner-occupied homes, private rental sector does not grow
The private rental sector did not grow further during this period. However, more owner-occupied homes were added. This is mainly because landlords sell homes to residents who will live in them themselves. This reverses a trend, as in previous years investors bought many owner-occupied homes to rent them out.
Social rental grows slightly
The number of social rental homes increased from approximately 221,900 to 223,000. A larger share of tenants in the social sector spends less than 20 percent of their income on rent. Affordability has thus improved.
Alderman: intervention in housing market works
“These figures show that intervention in the market works,” says alderman Zita Pels (Housing). “Because we make agreements with corporations about the sale of social rental homes, our stock increases again. And through measures such as purchase protection and the Affordable Rent Act, homes become available again for people who want to live in them themselves.”
Middle incomes have difficulties
Households with middle incomes still find it difficult to find affordable housing. The share of middle-income households in Amsterdam is growing. In 2025, 19 percent of households belonged to this group. In 2023, this was still 14 percent.
Many of these households rely on housing in the private rental sector. Rents there are often high and continue to rise. At the same time, more owner-occupied homes come onto the market due to the sale of rental homes. Only a small part of these homes is affordable for low or middle incomes with only a mortgage. Many homes are bought by households who can contribute their own money.