Housebuilding before climate: what matters most to the Dutch?

Housebuilding before climate: what matters most to the Dutch?

The housing shortage is on everyone's mind. Recent research shows that almost half of people in the Netherlands consider building enough homes more important than reducing our fossil energy use. Yet that does not mean we are tired of the climate issue.

Housebuilding as top priority

A representative survey by energy company Zonneplan among 1,575 people shows that more than five in six respondents think housebuilding takes priority over reducing CO2 emissions. This confirms earlier research showing three quarters of first-time buyers consider housebuilding the most important election theme.

The housing shortage is simply seen as the most urgent problem. And that is logical: without affordable housing, many other social goals come under pressure.

Support for the energy transition remains strong

Interestingly, despite the focus on housebuilding, support for the energy transition remains undiminished. Almost half of those surveyed still see a fully CO2-free energy supply as an important challenge for the decades ahead.

More than 60 percent also disagree with the statement that climate change "can no longer be stopped anyway". People in the Netherlands are not tired of the climate issue, but they do want to set priorities.

Energy improvement and affordability go together

A common argument against energy improvement is the high cost. But experts say that fear is misplaced. Wind and solar energy are now cheaper than fossil energy. Anyone who invests in their own solar power, a heat pump or an electric car with a charging point earns that investment back.

On top of that, more and more banks offer a discount on the mortgage rate for a good energy label. As we discussed earlier in our article on ING's new mortgage model, improving your home can therefore genuinely lead to lower monthly costs.

Willingness to invest heavily does remain limited: only 30 percent think the Netherlands should stop using fossil energy as quickly as possible "regardless of the cost". That underlines the importance of smart, cost-effective solutions.

The investment climate for housebuilding

Alongside the wish for more housebuilding, the investment climate also plays an important part. In the run-up to elections it is interesting to see which political parties contribute to a climate in which private landlords can help solve the housing shortage.

Landlords' association Vastgoed Belang examined the housing plans of fifteen political parties. Their analysis shows the farmers' party BBB scores best on improving the investment climate with a total of +80 points. The party actively opposed regulation of mid-range rents and made tax proposals that strengthen the position of private landlords.

Other high-scoring parties are the liberal VVD (+59), Forum voor Democratie (+59), JA21 (+57) and the SGP (+42). At the other end of the spectrum sit the green-labour bloc and the socialist SP, both scoring -100 points.

What does this mean for you as a home seeker or owner?

If you are looking for a home, it is worth knowing that the housing shortage is widely recognised as an important problem. There is political attention for housebuilding, which will hopefully lead to more available homes in time.

Already a homeowner and unsure about energy improvements? The figures show that improving your home is good not only for the environment but also for your wallet. With lower energy costs, a mortgage rate discount and a higher property value, you often earn the investment back.

M&D Real Estate is here to help

At M&D Real Estate we understand the challenges of the housing market. Whether you are looking for an affordable home or considering improving the one you have, we are glad to think along with you.

For energy questions we work with our partner [Labelbewust](https://www.labelbewust.nl). They help you make smart, cost-effective choices that improve both your comfort and your energy label. That way you benefit from lower monthly costs and a higher property value.

Want to know more about the current housing market, energy options or mortgage choices? Get in touch for a personal consultation. We are happy to help you make the right choices for your situation.