New Housing Policy Tilburg for 2025-2030

The main goal is for everyone - from first-time buyers to seniors - to be able to find a suitable, affordable home. The policy will be submitted to the municipal council on 25 September 2025.

The main goal from the municipality of Tilburg in the new housing policy 2025-2030 is for everyone from first-time buyers to seniors - to be able to find a suitable, affordable home. The policy will be submitted to the municipal council on 25 September 2025. Parallel to the development of the new policy, the Hospi Housing campaign ran to promote homestay rentals. More on that later, first the policy itself.

What’s in Tilburg’s new Housing Policy?

1. 10.000 extra homes by 2030

Tilburg must build faster: at least 10.000 new homes in six years, or 2.000 completions per year - an ambitious step up from earlier targets.

2. The 30/40/30 mix keeps housing affordable

• 30 % social rent
• 40 % affordable owner-occupier and mid-rent (up to €405.000 or max. 186 WWS points)
• 30 % free sector

This ratio must be met city-wide and per neighbourhood, ensuring a healthy income mix everywhere.

3. Densifying within the existing city

New housing will concentrate on designated infill locations - the Knowledge Quarter, Tilburg-North, Tilburg-South, the city centre and the Eastern Flank - rather than expanding at the urban fringe.

4. Keeping up the pace with a “continuity strategy”

A dedicated Building Council prioritises promising projects, monitors capacity and unblocks bottlenecks; temporary flex homes will speed things up where needed.

5. A stronger position for local house-hunters

The revised Housing Act lets municipalities grant up to 50% local priority in social rent or affordable new-build; Tilburg is exploring this. Purchase-to-let bans and owner-occupancy requirements remain to deter investors.

6. Tailored solutions for focus groups

Beyond new-build, Tilburg encourages house sharing, subdivision, rooftop extensions and specialised schemes for older people, students and care recipients.

Hospi Housing homestay rental campaign

Tilburg became the second city in North Brabant (after Eindhoven) where Hospi Housing launched a 2023 campaign - together with the municipality of Tilburg, Tilburg University and Fontys - to promote homestay rentals as a remedy for room shortages. Homestay rentals were already legal, with flexible rules allowing up to two tenants permit-free. Key results so far:

• > 2,000 students sought rooms via the platform.
• 150 hosts fully registered; more than half are over 50.
• 40 matches in 2024; 80 expected in 2025.
• 400 students now live with host families (up from 220 in 2021).
• Average lodger-room rent: €544 (≈ €77 below regular room prices).

Enthusiasm among residents is high, and a solid host network is firmly in place - making homestay rentals an increasingly important part of Tilburg’s housing mix.

Looking ahead

With clear production and affordability targets, robust anti-speculation measures and a focus on inner-city quality, Tilburg aims to tame its housing shortage. Semi-annual progress reports will keep residents, council and market parties informed. Anyone wanting to contribute can do so via area sessions and the Building Council. One thing is certain: the coming years will see every effort made to ensure each Tilburger can find an affordable, suitable home.