News update March: more and more Housing Corporations start with Homesharing

Every month Hospi Housing writes an update about the world of homestay rental and homesharing. In March we zoomed in on the increasing interest of housing corporations towards the concept of homesharing.

Every month, Hospi Housing writes a news update about homestay rental and homesharing. We share stories from hosts and tenants, look at trends and developments, and offer tips and tricks about renting and letting. The March update focused on the growing interest from housing corporations in shared housing. Which is good news!

40,000 Additional Living Spaces through Homestay Rental

The interest was high at the end of February during a webinar organized by Platform31 and the Ministry of Housing about the opportunities of homesharing in the social housing sector. Nearly 100 representatives from housing corporations all over the Netherlands attended to share experiences and learn from each other. This interest fits into a trend where more and more corporations are actively engaging in shared housing. And that's good news.

Platform31, a knowledge organization for urban and regional development, has long emphasized the benefits of shared housing. With homestay rental alone, housing corporations could create 40,000 additional living spaces. It also helps housing seekers, alleviates the annual construction requirement, and does not burden scarce space, nature, and CO2 budgets. The social benefits are an added plus.

Parteon, Rijswijk Wonen, Wooncompagnie, and other front-runners

While many housing corporations are still figuring out what shared housing can offer them and their tenants, a few are already making headway. By taking a leading role, Wooncompagnie in Purmerend and Parteon in Zaanstad have even convinced their municipalities. Rijswijk Wonen combines the home rental pilot with friends living and is starting this month.

Hospi Housing is proud to collaborate with several front-runners among the housing corporations. More corporations will join in the coming months. This is a positive development, as shared housing variants like home rental and friends living offer benefits for the target group of social housing tenants. It provides more financial security, prevents loneliness, stimulates social interaction, and positively affects the well-being of both the host and the tenant.

Getting Started with Shared Housing as a Housing Corporation

Home rental and friends living are the lightest forms of shared housing, making them a logical starting point for corporations. You can quickly and cost-effectively make a significant impact. Hospi Housing can assist corporations with this.

Through pilots and collaborations with housing corporations across the Netherlands, Hospi Housing has developed an approach. Important elements include setting clear work and process agreements, providing information to tenants, and preparing the organization. From our experience, we know that for a successful pilot, these components cannot be separated from matching supply and demand.

If you're a housing corporation looking to do more with home rental or shared housing, contact us, and we can explore the best approach for your corporation.

Real-life Stories from Hosts Sharing a Rental Home

Journalist René Cazander from AD visited Nelleke (63) and Manu (33) in Woerden, who share a rental home from Cazas Wonen. After a difficult home situation, Manu ended up with Nelleke, who didn't need much time to decide. "It brings a lot of good." Read the full article about Nelleke and Manu here.

René van den Heuvel has been a tenant with Woonin in Utrecht for 14 years and recently started renting out a room in his home to a student. He explains, "The room was unused, and there are plenty of people looking for living space. It does cost me some privacy, but I prepared for this by fixing a few things and rearranging the house. And it also benefits me because, in addition to the extra rental income, I get to experience another culture."

"In my first search, I looked for what kind of person I wanted to house. You can view someone’s interests through the profiles on the Hospi Housing website. That's how I matched with Fela from Mexico. Her stay here also sparked her interest in my knowledge of the Buteyko breathing method. So, we both benefited. I'm now hosting a student for the second time, a friend of Fela’s. And once again, the arrangement is through Hospi Housing."

Are you a tenant of Cazas Wonen or Woonin? Good news! Both corporations allow home rental and actively encourage it. If you rent from another corporation, check if part of your home can be rented out, or contact us for further assistance.

Explore the Possibilities of Shared Housing

Hospi Housing is the largest platform for home rental in the Netherlands. We help tenants and hosts connect and always strive for the perfect match. We consider someone’s profile and preferences to introduce potential housemates. Hospi Housing is active throughout the Netherlands and works closely with municipalities, housing corporations, educational institutions, and other relevant organizations.

Do you have a spare room and are considering renting it out? Or just want to know what options you have? Register for free and schedule a digital meeting with one of our staff. We are eager to look into what is possible in your situation.

If you work for a housing corporation, municipality, or other organization and are interested in home rental, friends living, or shared housing, Hospi Housing collaborates with more than 50 public and semi-public organizations nationwide and has a wealth of experience. Contact us, and we’d love to explore the possibilities together.