In the Netherlands, a policy has been implemented at national level that aims to shrink the social rented housing sector. However, the housing associations and a social housing sector of substantial size play a crucial role in the development of Amsterdam as a sustainable city. A change in thinking is required, away from shrinkage of the social housing sector and towards a dynamic balance in the long term. Collaboration at local and regional level remains essential here, as indicated by the agreements made between tenants, the municipality and housing associations in June 2015.

2.4 million social rented dwellings

There are 2.4 million social rented dwellings in the Netherlands, rented out by 360 housing associations and private non-profit organisations, all under state supervision. This corresponds to 31 percent of the national housing stock. This means that, in relative terms, the Netherlands has the largest social housing sector in Europe. The proportion of social rented housing in the larger cities is even higher: 46 percent of the Amsterdam housing stock consists of association homes, 24 percent of private rented homes and 31 percent of owner-occupied homes.

The average rent for all association homes in Amsterdam amounted to €485 per month as per 1 January 2015 (not including any individual housing benefits). The rent of social rented homes after a change of tenant is, on average, around 100 euros higher. In addition, every year housing associations offer some 2,000 free market rental homes in Amsterdam. Almost 35 percent of these homes have a monthly rent of under €971 and are thus accessible to middle-income households. The average rent of these homes is around €840. This is relatively affordable. In the private rental sector, the rents are much higher on average, namely €2,120 (according to the supplier Pararius).

The volume of the association sector, its distribution across the city and the mix of income categories have been able to prevent the emergence of major concentrations of poverty and deprived neighbourhoods. In fact, since the 1920s, Amsterdam, with the architecture of the Amsterdam School, has been seen as a mecca of social housing. Especially after the Second World War, the city experienced major growth in housing associations.