New Trends in the Dutch Housing Market

Abstract

Every few years the planning agencies in the Netherlands draw up a prognosis for the future housing needs on the basis of economic and demographic scenarios. It is our contention that, in applying this approach, the agencies neglect to take sufficient account of the influence of cultural dynamics. Against this background, a recent recommendatory report by the Dutch Council for Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM-raad 2009) drew attention to three socio-cultural trends which are currently manifesting themselves on the Dutch housing market: 1. A growing interest in living with like-minded people and in common-interest housing concepts; 2. The rise of transnational living (permanently or temporarily living abroad) and people having multiple residences; 3. An increasing mix of housing and other functions and services (care, energy, leisure, retail), which is opening up the housing market for new players. This contribution explores the background and the expressions of these three trends that will have a significant influence on the demand for housing in the future, in spatial terms as well as with regard to quantity and quality. It turns out that the trends raise new dilemmas in spatial planning and housing policy. In order to solve these dilemmas, a different way of thinking is needed.