Households in the Netherlands see disposable income grow by 2,2 percent

Based on figures for the first quarter of 2025, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has reported that Dutch households have experienced a higher disposable income due to better wages and an increase in social benefits. 

Dutch households have more money to spend

Households in the Netherlands saw their real disposable income grow by 2,2 percent in Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period last year. To determine this figure, adjustments were made to the net disposable income for price increases.

According to CBS, the growth was mainly due to wage increases, higher collective labour agreement wages and increased social security benefits. Total salaries rose by 6,5 percent, while the number of jobs grew by 1 percent and collective labour agreement wages went up by 5,4 percent. 

Households eligible for social benefits saw a 6,3 percent rise in the total amount received as this is often linked to the minimum wage which went up by almost 6 percent compared to the same period last year. However, households also paid 4,8 percent more in taxes and social security contributions. 

Mortgage debt in the Netherlands increases

While the statistics agency previously predicted that the economy would grow by just 0,1 percent in the first three months of 2025, the new estimate is closer to 0,4 percent. The reason for this larger-than-expected growth is due to upward adjustments in trade balance and household spending.

This economic growth also drove a rise in mortgage debt. With more homes sold and rising house prices, mortgage debt increased by 11 billion euros in Q1 compared to the previous quarter. However, the economic growth also means that the mortgage debt as a percentage of GDP remained the same as the previous quarter (79,1 percent) - the lowest level since 2001.