Homesharing can Unlock 170.000 New Rooms with Dutch Housing Corporations

A recent study conducted by Platform31 shows Dutch housing corporations can add an additional 170.000 living spaces by better utilizing their existing housing stock.

A recent study conducted by Platform31, commissioned by De Vernieuwde Stad (DVS) and facilitated by the Aedes association of housing corporations, reveals that housing corporations could create an additional 170,000 living spaces over the next ten years by better utilizing their existing housing stock. This could potentially double the number of living spaces provided, offering much-needed relief for housing seekers. This blog outlines the strategies identified by Platform31, the parties involved, and their potential actions.

Four Promising Strategies

1. Building Upwards

Housing corporations could realistically add 46,000 additional housing units by building extra floors on existing buildings over the next decade, amounting to 2% of their total stock.

2. Promoting Homestay Rentals

This strategy is notable for its simplicity and direct impact. Allowing and encouraging tenants to rent out rooms could quickly assist 40,000 housing seekers. The main obstacle is the lack of clarity about the rules, which can be addressed through public education and better regulatory alignment.

3. Sharing Homes

Currently, 70% of all available homes are rented to single individuals. However, sharing larger three and four-bedroom apartments among two or three people can accelerate the availability of housing. This approach could transform 60,000 units into shared homes within a decade.

4. Splitting Homes

While adding units through subdivision occurs more frequently outside corporate ownership, especially in rural areas, it still represents a potential for creating 25,000 new homes by dividing existing larger houses.

Addressing Obstacles

Numerous barriers—technical, organizational, regulatory, societal, and financial—need to be tackled. Here’s what can be done:

Housing Corporations

Should prioritize strategies and associated actions, and adapt internal processes that hinder opportunities. Also they should learn from peers, for example housing corporation Parteon who launched their new Homestay Rental approach in the summer of 2024 and housing corporation Wooncompagnie that started a pilot together with Hospi Housing at the beginning of this year. Last but not least, housing corporations should ensure that current residents also benefit.

Municipalities

Need to prioritize the needs of housing seekers over existing residents, relax standards for parking, aesthetics, and streamline procedures. They should also allow more households per housing unit in environmental plans and eliminate permits for homestay rentals, home sharing, and home splitting.

The National Government

Should provide subsidies to pioneers to cover startup costs and time. They should also supply model contracts, showcase successful examples, clarify what is legally and planning-wise permissible and financially incentivize cohabitation to free up housing.

Home Sharing as the New Normal

At Hospi Housing, we are encouraged by such research. It underscores the potential of home sharing and the necessity to work diligently with all partners in the coming years. For a detailed insight into the study and more information on how these strategies can be implemented, view the full report here: Platform31 Report on Housing Utilization.

We are confident in a future where home sharing becomes increasingly the norm. Together, we can create more living spaces. Want to join? Sign up at Hospi Housing.