An unusual outlook for the housing market in 2026
Marnix Hazelhoff
13 Januari 2026
Reading time 4 minutes
The Dutch housing market in 2026 is expected to take on an exceptional character. After several years marked by very low transaction volumes and intense price pressure, current market expectations point to an uncommon combination of a high number of home sales and continued house price growth. This is striking, as higher transaction volumes typically reduce upward price pressure. Instead, the housing market is changing in pace rather than direction: more activity within a market that remains structurally tight.
More home sales driven by additional supply
One of the defining features of the housing market in 2026 is the expected increase in the number of transactions. More homes are likely to change hands than in previous years. This is largely due to an increase in existing housing supply, particularly homes that were previously rented out and are now being offered for sale.
This additional supply does not eliminate shortages, but it does improve market flow. Buyers are more likely to have multiple options to consider, rather than competing for a very limited number of listings. At the same time, new housing construction remains insufficient to address the long-term housing shortage. As a result, higher transaction volumes mainly affect market dynamics, not the structural imbalance between supply and demand.
House prices in 2026 continue to rise, but at a slower pace
Despite the increase in home sales, house prices in the Netherlands are expected to continue rising in 2026. However, the pace of growth is likely to be more moderate than in previous years. Additional supply helps ease price pressure slightly, but demand continues to outstrip availability.
Factors such as income growth, demographic trends, and relatively accessible financing conditions continue to support buyer demand. This makes a broad price decline unlikely. Regional differences remain significant: price pressure is strongest in urban and high-demand areas, while other regions may experience a more balanced market. On a national level, the trend remains upward, though less extreme.
Tight market conditions remain the common thread
Even with increased activity and higher transaction volumes, the housing market in 2026 remains fundamentally tight. The housing shortage is the result of years of insufficient construction and cannot be resolved by a temporary increase in home sales. First-time buyers and middle-income households, in particular, continue to face limited affordability.
For buyers, the Dutch housing market in 2026 offers more opportunities to participate, but careful financial preparation remains essential. For sellers, conditions remain favorable, although strong demand no longer guarantees excessive overbidding in every case. Pricing strategy and property quality are becoming more important again.
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2026 stands out as an unusual year for the housing market. High transaction volumes coincide with continued price growth, highlighting increased movement without true market relief. More activity, but no structural easing, defines the housing market in 2026.
