haarlemsdagbladApr 26, 2026, 11:03

'Dutch people don't want to downsize, but they must.' Aging far from the only pain point in the housing market, according to economist

Economist Joep Steegmans of Leiden University warns that home ownership is increasingly becoming a privilege for the wealthy due to demographic trends and a persistent housing shortage. He notes that while Dutch citizens are reluctant to move to smaller homes, demographic shifts make downsizing necessary to address the current market crisis.

Economy Lifestyle Netherlands

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

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