Housing shortage in student cities to remain high, deficit in Amsterdam continues to rise
A report by CBRE reveals that the student housing shortage in twelve major Dutch cities will worsen by 2034 as private rental losses outpace new construction. Amsterdam is expected to face the most severe shortfall, accounting for the majority of the national deficit.
Real estate consultancy CBRE reports that the shortage of student housing in twelve Dutch university cities will persist due to a decline in privately rented rooms. Although approximately 16,000 new student units are planned through 2034, they will be outpaced by the loss of nearly 38,000 private rentals. Factors such as stricter fiscal policies and new housing legislation are causing many private owners to sell their properties, leaving students to bear the brunt of the shrinking market. Currently, the net deficit stands at 21,000, with minimal progress expected in the coming years.
The situation varies significantly by city, with Amsterdam projected to face the most acute crisis. The city's shortage is expected to increase from over 6,000 units in 2026 to nearly 11,000 by 2034, accounting for 60 percent of the total deficit across the studied locations. While some cities like Enschede and Wageningen may see a surplus, the national outlook remains poor, resulting in a declining percentage of students living away from home.
Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.
