It remains uncertain exactly what the collapse of the Dutch right-wing government will mean for plans to build 100,000 new homes a year, but commentators expect that most of housing minister Mona Keijzer’s current proposals will still go ahead.
Keijzer will remain in a caretaker role until elections and the formation of a new government. She has already scrapped the cabinet’s plan to freeze social housing rents for housing corporation tenants — a measure developers had warned would undermine investment in new construction and renovations.
Her plans to cut red tape and speed up the planning process are also likely to proceed. However, MPs do not support her proposal to soften the new rent control rules that came into force last July, which have led some investors to sell off property.
Developers’ lobby group NEPROM has called for continuity in the course Keijzer has already set, including the agreements made during the housing summit at the end of last year.
“Our joint commitment to delivering sufficient and suitable housing remains essential,” said NEPROM director Fahid Minhas. “Despite the government’s caretaker status, we expect the cabinet to continue taking responsibility. People who need housing cannot wait.”
Dutch construction sector lobby group Bouwend Nederland said in response to the cabinet collapse that now is the time for politicians to work together to address housing needs, infrastructure problems and the nitrogen pollution issue, which has delayed numerous building permits.
“We have national and local elections coming up, so local and national politicians can now work together,” said chairman Arno Visser. “And that means in practice, not just on paper.”
Keijzer is expected to present legislation to parliament shortly aimed at speeding up the planning process for new residential developments.
Illustration: Mona Keijzer. Photo: Phil Nijhuis