Housing Construction Delays Plague Dutch Municipalities

A significant number of Dutch municipalities are falling behind schedule on their housing construction plans, exacerbating the country’s ongoing housing shortage. Research indicates that over a quarter of planned homes have not yet broken ground, despite ambitious commitments made during recent municipal election campaigns.

Construction Targets Missed

According to research by NOS and regional broadcasters, of the over 357,000 homes municipalities planned to build between 2022 and 2026, only 264,000 – approximately 74 percent – have been completed as of March 4, 2026. Nltimes.nl

Although some municipalities have exceeded their targets – Zoeterwoude built 642 homes against a goal of 215, and Oudewater constructed 329 homes compared to a target of 120 – others are significantly lagging. Montfoort completed only 30 of the 430 homes planned, and Enkhuizen built 57 of 400. Rheden, Waterland, Heemstede, and Bloemendaal too failed to meet their construction goals. Nltimes.nl

Regional Efforts on Texel

On the island of Texel, authorities are working to address housing challenges through a regional agreement with the province and the broader housing program for the Kop van Noord-Holland region. Texel.nl This initiative aims to normalize the housing market situation on the island.

Texel is also focusing on building diverse housing options, including affordable owner-occupied homes, social housing through Stichting Woontij, and offering building plots through the municipality. Texelsedorpen.nl New developments are designed with climate adaptation and sustainability in mind, featuring gas-free, nearly energy-neutral homes with ground source heat pumps. Texelsedorpen.nl

National Context and Obstacles

The housing shortage was a central issue in the campaigns leading up to the municipal elections four years ago, with many councils making substantial commitments to increase housing supply. Nltimes.nl

Despite municipalities generally expressing satisfaction with their performance (82 percent considering it satisfactory, good, or excellent), significant obstacles remain. Nltimes.nl These obstacles were not specified in the source material.

Texel’s New Construction Pipeline

As of 2021-2025, Texel has a pipeline of new construction projects, with environmental permits granted or building notifications submitted for a total number of homes yet to be realized. Texel.incijfers.nl