The 7 types of Homesharing of Platform31

In 2023 organisation for urban and regional issues, Platform31, published the 7 types of homesharing. With more and more municipalities and housing corporations active in this field, these variants increase in value.

Knowledge and network organization Platform31 has long emphasized that by promoting shared housing, we can contribute to solving the housing shortage. This not only aids those looking for homes but also alleviates the annual construction tasks and does not impinge on scarce space, nature, and CO2 budgets. Moreover, it brings a range of social benefits. In 2023, Platform31 published the 7 shared housing variants. With increasing interest from municipalities and housing corporations, this model is growing in relevance. It's high time for a detailed discussion.

Mismatch Between Supply and Demand

To tackle the housing shortage, it has been agreed to add 100,000 homes annually to the housing stock by 2030. Various obstacles mean we won't achieve this number through construction alone. But the good news is: we don't have to. On average, we have 53m2 per person in the Netherlands. This not only represents a doubling compared to a few decades ago but is also considerably more spacious than our neighboring countries (Germany = 46m2 and England = 38m2).

Many municipalities primarily have single-family homes, while the majority of home seekers are now singles and couples. In large cities, but also in surrounding municipalities, this mismatch between supply and demand is very pronounced. To become less dependent on building new houses, the national government and municipalities are increasingly focusing on shared housing. Platform31 distinguishes between 7 variants, varying in investment in terms of time and money. In this blog, we will go through each of these variants.

The 7 Shared Housing Variants

Let's delve into the specific shared housing variants identified by Platform31, each offering unique opportunities and challenges for both residents and policymakers. These are important concepts that contribute to solving the housing issues in the Netherlands.

Lodging (inwoning)

Lodging is the easiest way of shared housing and means that someone moves into another household, for example, an adult moving back into their parental home. This form offers a quick and often inexpensive housing solution. Often, there is no rental contract or compensation involved. However, it requires good agreements on privacy and cohabitation, which can sometimes lead to tensions.

Homestay Rental

It won't surprise you that this is our favorite. And for a reason: it is a simple measure against little cost with potentially huge impact. In homestay rental, a main resident rents out a room in their home to a subtenant, often with shared use of facilities such as the bathroom and kitchen. This form can provide extra income for the host and is flexible, but requires clear communication about house rules to make cohabitation run smoothly.

In most municipalities, homestay rental is allowed without a permit. It also usually has no impact on the benefits or allowances you receive. You pay no rental income tax on amounts up to €6,324 (2025). Hospi Housing not only helps you find a suitable tenant but also ensures you are well prepared and have a clear view of what homestay rental can yield for you.

Friendscontracts

Friends-living is aimed at groups of friends who rent a home together. This reduces costs per person and enhances living pleasure through social interaction. The challenge here is finding homes large enough for multiple adults and managing the lease agreement that everyone agrees with.

Some housing corporations are tackling lodger rental and friends living simultaneously. Both forms are relatively easy to implement and require no structural changes. Rijswijk Wonen is one of those corporations that recently started both a lodger rental pilot and friends living.

Room-by-Room Rental

This involves renting out individual rooms in a home to different tenants. This is especially popular among students and young professionals. It requires good management by the landlord to ensure that communal areas remain tidy and functional.

Soft Splitting

Soft splitting involves internally dividing a home into multiple independent units without legally splitting them. This can alleviate the housing shortage by providing more people with independent living space within the same building. However, it's important that these adjustments comply with building and fire safety standards.

Structural Splitting

In structural splitting, a building is physically divided into multiple independent units. This often requires substantial renovation and approval from the municipality. It makes optimal use of existing buildings and offers good investment opportunities, but requires significant preparation and investment.

Cadastral / Legal Splitting

This is the process by which a building is not only physically but also legally divided into separate units that can be sold and purchased independently. This maximizes flexibility for owners and investors, but the process is complex and requires legal and cadastral expertise.

Opportunities and Challenges

The potential of shared housing in the Netherlands is immense and offers both economic and social benefits. By better utilizing homes, housing corporations can create 170,000 additional living spaces in the coming years. For this, it is important that municipalities, housing corporations, the national government, and other stakeholders remove obstructive rules and actively work to promote shared housing.

In the report, "Corporations see quick opportunities for better utilization of their housing stock," Platform31 and Aedes make a series of recommendations on how housing corporations, municipalities, and the national government can utilize this potential and what they need to do.

What Housing Corporations Can and Should Do:

• Choose and prioritize one or two strategies
• Take the time to properly test a concept and commit to the long term
• Involve the entire organization and adjust processes as necessary
• Let existing residents benefit and take them along in the process
• See how other housing corporations are doing and learn from them
• Engage the help and expertise of organizations experienced in this field

What Municipalities Can and Should Do:

• Make it clear what requires a permit and what does not
• Make only those things that truly need it subject to permits
• Allow more households per dwelling and abolish permits for lodger rental, home sharing, and splitting
• More often prioritize the interests of home seekers over those of existing residents

What the National Government Can and Should Do:

• Make subsidies available for pioneers and projects around home sharing
• Ensure information is clear and widely accessible
• Encourage cohabitation instead of everyone living separately
• Provide a long-term vision and plan

What Hospi Housing Can Do for Housing Corporations

Since its start in 2019, Hospi Housing has been committed to homestay rental and home sharing. Hospi Housing is now active throughout the Netherlands and works closely with municipalities, housing corporations, and the national government to combat the housing shortage.

Thanks to this extensive experience, Hospi Housing has developed an integrated approach to test homestay rental and homesharing within a housing corporation. This approach consists of various components, including exploring the possibilities, setting up information provision, preparing the organization, and of course, informing, enthusing, and guiding tenants.

Want to know what Hospi Housing can do for your organization? Let us know, and we will contact you!