Amendment to the Strengthening Housing Policy Act sent to the Council of State

The amendment is now sent to the Council of State for advice. After the Council of States advice, it can proceed to the House of Representatives. This allows the Senate to consider the bill and the amendment simultaneously, enabling the law to come into effect as quickly as possible.

Two amendments are fully reversed by this amendment. This applies to the amendment imposing an absolute ban on priority for status holders and the amendment ensuring the minister handles (technical) building permits if municipalities delay their decisions. Additionally, the amendment modifies an amendment regarding municipalities right of first refusal to align it again with property rights protection. As intended by the amendment, the right of first refusal is arranged to counteract land speculation.

The amendment was open for consultation in October. The consultation showed broad support for the proposed changes. The amendment was changed on one point. The total duration of a right of first refusal is restored to 16 years, as it currently is, instead of the previously proposed 20 years.

The Housing Policy Strengthening Bill is necessary to address the housing shortage. The law ensures that authorities can control how many, where, and for whom they build. This happens with more speed and equal opportunities for urgent housing seekers.