The Dutch housing market shows signs of itchy feet, as activity remained high in 2011.

According to Statistics Netherlands, residents in the Netherlands continue to be unsettled, with 870.000 people choosing to move location within their municipality last year, and 593.000 choosing to switch municipalities altogether.

The high numbers could be due to the difficulties in obtaining a mortgage, leading to more Dutch taking out short-term rental contracts. The economic recession could also be increasing the number of those searching for work in more distant locations.

The figures show that a marked decline in house moves since 2006 appears to have halted, with 2011 showing roughly the same movement as 2010.

The preference for taking rental contracts and the level of activity in the housing market is only likely to increase over 2012.