October News Update: Choose Housing, Learn from Abrod and Take Action Together
In this news update, we dive into the Dutch elections, see what the Netherlands can learn from neighbouring countries and share stories from pilots, hosts and tenants.
Election season has arrived, and housing is once again one of the central topics. For anyone familiar with homestay rentals, one thing is clear: the housing shortage demands real solutions. The good news is that all political parties now acknowledge this. If you want to vote in favour of homestay renting, you can do so across the political spectrum. The differences lie mainly in additional measures and how actively housing sharing is encouraged.
In this October update, we highlight the key developments: from election programmes and international insights to local pilots, practical questions from hosts and inspiring personal stories.
Elections and housing: broad support for homestay renting
With the Dutch general elections approaching, housing has taken centre stage. All parties recognise the urgency of the housing shortage and see homestay renting as part of the solution. Where they differ is in emphasis: some focus strongly on new construction, while others prioritise better use of the existing housing stock.
Hospi Housing summarised the different positions to help readers compare and form their own opinion. The fact that homestay renting now enjoys broad political support shows that housing sharing is no longer a niche idea, but a serious policy instrument.
Learning from neighbouring countries
The Netherlands is not alone in facing a housing shortage. Research by Platform31 and Delft University of Technology shows that neighbouring countries are often further ahead when it comes to encouraging homestay renting. There, policies tend to be more flexible, with fewer restrictive rules and more emphasis on trust and incentives.
In the Netherlands, awareness of the importance of better use of existing homes is growing, but concrete policy sometimes lags behind. The message is clear: look beyond our borders, learn from successful examples and reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers.
From policy to practice: pilots and local initiatives
Fortunately, positive developments are also taking place locally. Hospi Housing travels across the country to work with municipalities, housing associations and residents. From Overijssel and Drenthe to North Brabant, we actively put homestay renting on the agenda.
A strong example comes from Maastricht, where a housing association pilot led to the first “social match”. Host Thijs rents out a room to Wessel, who moved from Nijmegen for work. The pilot clearly shows how cooperation between housing associations and hosts can create new housing opportunities. On 8 December, during the Day of Public Housing, Hospi Housing will further highlight how better use of existing homes can unlock tens of thousands of housing options — without new construction.
Practical questions and personal stories
This month also raised practical questions from hosts. Some received a letter from the Dutch Tax Authority regarding renting out a room. In most cases, there is no cause for concern: homestay renting does not affect benefits or state pension entitlements, as long as it concerns a commercial rental relationship. We explain exactly what to do if you receive such a letter.
Finally, personal stories continue to show the human side of homestay renting. Like Hielkje (53) from Ede, who shares her home with a German student. What started as a spontaneous request turned into a meaningful living arrangement. Her story highlights why homestay renting is so often a win-win: affordable housing for tenants and connection and purpose for hosts.
Have fun reading - and go vote!
Daan, Joost & Maurits