Falling between two stools? Middle-income groups in the Dutch housing market

Abstract

The Dutch social rental sector is known for its large size and its broad target group. It houses not only lower income groups, but also households with a middle or higher income. However, recent regulations have restricted access to the social rental sector for middle-income households (gross annual income above €34,229). This paper explores the housing market effects of this new policy. It shows that many middle-income households have in fact few alternative housing market options, since affordable homeownership and private rental sector dwellings are in short supply.