The Netherlands to relax rules on living in holiday homes amid housing crisis

With the continued shortage of affordable housing, the Netherlands has submitted a proposal that would allow residents to legally reside in holiday homes for up to 10 years. 

Dutch government mulls long-term holiday home residency

Minister of Housing and Spatial Planning Mona Keijzer outlined the plan in a draft instruction to Dutch municipalities earlier this week, reports NOS. Under the proposed plan, people living in recreational homes since May 16, 2024, will be allowed to officially reside in a holiday home for 10 years, so long as there is a housing shortage.

While taking up residence in a vacation home is currently not allowed according to Dutch law, almost 60.000 people are registered at the address of a holiday home. “The actual number of permanent residents of holiday homes is probably higher,” Keijzer wrote in the announcement.

The new rules would allow Dutch residents to live in cottages at holiday parks, but would not include other temporary accommodations such as hotels, motels or Airbnbs. Homes must also meet the minimum safety and health requirements that apply to regular housing. 

Shortage of affordable Dutch housing continues

Last year, it was reported that less than 2 percent of homes are affordable with the average income in the Netherlands. Rising costs of rent also do not make it any easier. 

Introducing the new proposed plan would be intended specifically to help people who have no other options when it comes to Dutch housing. This follows soon after the introduction of a programme to pay municipalities to build affordable housing.

The recreational home plan has been published for consultation, allowing anyone to respond for eight weeks. Following this, the plan will go to the House of Representatives and the Senate before it is approved. If approved, the plan is expected to take effect in 2026.