Oostzaan unveils affordable starter homes and new school in De Rietkraag project
Oostzaan is addressing the housing crisis for young residents with 23 affordable starter homes and a new school. The De Rietkraag project aims to keep young families in the village while improving local education facilities, with construction set to begin soon.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | De Rietkraag |
| Location | Oostzaan, Noord-Holland |
| Housing Units | 23 (22 owner-occupied, 1 social rental) |
| Price Range | €300,000 – €380,000 |
| Social Purchase Homes | 3 (priority for social housing tenants) |
| Home Sizes | 50 – 70 square meters |
| School Included | Yes |
| Construction Start | Expected in 2026 |
| Construction Duration | ~1.5 years |
| Participation Sessions | 6 (plus written consultation with residents and parents) |
| Key Adjustments | Green spaces preserved, traffic safety improved, affordability ensured |
| Environmental Permit | Application in preparation |
The Municipality of Oostzaan is responsible for local urban development, housing policy, and community engagement. In this project, it plays a key role in addressing housing shortages and improving educational infrastructure while ensuring resident input shapes the final plans.
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New construction project De Rietkraag enters next phase
The Municipality of Oostzaan is taking the next step in the development of the new construction project De Rietkraag. The project is nearing the end of the feasibility phase and is preparing for the next stage: implementation. The project consists of a school building and 23 starter homes.
With this, the municipality is responding to the growing demand for modern educational facilities and affordable housing. Research into traffic, environment, noise, and ecology shows that the plan is well-integrated into the area and that livability will be maintained. The design has also been adjusted with a focus on preserving green spaces.
Affordable starter homes
The current housing market makes it difficult for many young residents to find a home: affordable housing is scarce, and owner-occupied homes are often out of reach. Without affordable housing, young people in Oostzaan have no opportunity to enter the housing market and remain living at home longer or leave the village. With De Rietkraag, the municipality aims to increase opportunities for first-time buyers, promote housing mobility, and retain young residents in Oostzaan.
Following feedback from residents on the initial plans in March 2025, the housing program has been adjusted. The homes now fall well within the affordability threshold, which is highly unusual for this type of multi-room apartment. The municipality is proud of this achievement.
The housing program now consists of:
- • 22 owner-occupied apartments priced between approximately €300,000 and €380,000, ranging from about 50 to 70 square meters;• of which 3 are social purchase homes with priority for social housing tenants;• and 1 social rental home.The mix contributes to housing mobility, even within the social segment.
Extensive participation process
Throughout the project, six participation sessions have been organized, supplemented by a written consultation with local residents and parents.
Resident input has led to several adjustments to the plan and additional investments by the municipal council. For example, homes will be integrated into the school building, construction will take place on the current site, and the design has been adapted with a focus on green spaces, traffic safety, and affordability. The municipality will continue to engage with the community in the next phase.
Planning and next steps
The application for the environmental permit is currently being prepared. In the most favorable scenario, construction could begin this year. The construction period is expected to take approximately one and a half years.
Deputy Mayor Eelco Taams: “With De Rietkraag, we are taking an important step toward a future-proof living environment, with space for education and opportunities for first-time buyers. That we can achieve this within affordability limits is remarkable and shows what is possible. This makes the project especially valuable for Oostzaan.”