rssJul 30, 2026, 04:00

To spray with salt water or not to spray? Potato farmers struggle with drought

Potato farmers in the southern part of North Holland are struggling with drought and rising salt levels in irrigation water, forcing them to choose between using harmful water or letting crops wither. While those in the northern region have access to fresh water from the IJsselmeer, farmers like those in Zwanenburg and Haarlemmermeer face difficult decisions to save their harvests.

Economy Business Haarlem Netherlands

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Private landlords in Haarlem sell off property: 1,235 fewer rental homes last year

Private landlords in Haarlem sold off 1,235 rental properties last year, significantly reducing housing options for middle-income residents. The decline is attributed to stricter government regulations and higher taxes, which have made private renting less financially attractive across the Netherlands.

Haarlem takes financial risk with new Spaarne Gasthuis construction

Haarlem is assuming significant financial risk by providing a 100 million euro guarantee and committing to purchase the current hospital site for 25 million euros to keep the Spaarne Gasthuis in the city. The initiative ensures 24-hour emergency care remains in Haarlem, though the city has deferred requirements for building staff housing.

Regional transport workers to strike one day a week until Christmas

Regional transport workers in the Netherlands are planning weekly strikes until Christmas to push for better working conditions, including lower work pressure and improved pay. Municipal city transport in Amsterdam is excluded from the action, which primarily affects regional bus operators throughout the country.

House prices exceed half a million, but buyers have more choice again

Dutch house prices reached an average of 503,000 euros in the third quarter, a slight increase amid a 24 percent rise in available housing supply. Despite more properties being on the market, sales remained stable due to a mismatch between buyer demand and the prevalence of small, new-build apartments.

Sharp rise in homes for sale, but concerns over ‘mismatch’ and ‘shrinkflation’ in new construction

The Dutch housing market has seen a substantial increase in both existing and new-build home listings, offering buyers more negotiation room and choice. However, sales for new construction projects are declining as high building costs lead to smaller, more expensive units that often fail to meet buyer needs.