Meer nieuwbouwwoningen te koop, maar minder kopers

Anyone looking to buy a new-build home in the Netherlands currently has more options than in recent years. However, having more choice does not necessarily make it easier to find a suitable property. Prices, available living space and sometimes lengthy construction periods can make buying a new-build home less attractive.

This is also reflected in housing market figures for the third quarter of 2026. According to Dutch estate agents' association NVM, the number of new-build homes for sale has reached its highest level in more than eleven years, while sales continue to lag behind. What is causing this, and what should buyers consider?

New-Build Housing Supply Reaches Its Highest Level Since 2015

At the end of the third quarter of 2026, approximately 21,500 new-build homes were for sale through the estate agents included in the figures. This represents a 17% increase compared with the previous year and the highest level since late 2015. Around 8,200 new-build homes were newly listed during the quarter, approximately 1,000 more than a year earlier.

Sales have not kept pace with the increase in supply. Approximately 6,000 new-build homes were sold during the third quarter, compared with around 6,400 in the same period last year. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter in which new-build home sales were lower than in the corresponding period a year earlier.

Although demand for housing remains high, not every new-build property meets buyers' preferences or financial circumstances.

New-Build Homes: What Do You Get for Your Money?

For many buyers, the property search starts with a clear budget. This is where buying a new-build home can become a difficult decision. The median selling price of a new-build home was approximately €504,000 in the third quarter, unchanged from the previous quarter. However, the price per square metre increased by 4.8% year on year to approximately €5,320.

This means that living space in new-build homes has become more expensive compared with a year earlier. For buyers looking for an additional bedroom, a home office or a garden, the amount of available space can be an important factor.

New-build homes are generally well insulated and energy-efficient. They also tend to require less maintenance during the first few years. An existing property may offer more living space or a more favourable location for the same budget, although maintenance and renovation costs may need to be taken into account.

It is therefore worth considering monthly housing expenses and additional costs alongside the purchase price.

Why the Large Supply of New-Build Apartments Stands Out

Apartments account for 63% of the new-build properties included in the figures. Many apartments are being developed in urban areas, while some buyers are specifically looking for a house with a private garden.

For first-time buyers, people living alone and those looking to downsize, an apartment can be a suitable option. Price, location and layout remain important considerations. When several developments offer similar apartments, buyers also have more opportunities to compare properties.

The number of square metres is not the only consideration. A practical layout, sufficient storage space and a usable balcony or terrace can make a significant difference to everyday living.

Long Construction Periods Make New-Build Homes Less Appealing

With an existing property, it is often possible to establish a completion date relatively quickly. With a new-build home, it may take considerably longer before the property is ready.

For buyers who already own a home, this can have financial consequences. During construction, they may face overlapping housing costs or need bridging finance. Mortgage interest rates also affect how much buyers can borrow and their monthly repayments.

Construction delays are another consideration. Planning procedures, objections and limitations in electricity grid capacity can affect project schedules. Some developments also only begin construction once a certain percentage of the homes has been sold.

Buyers should therefore check the expected completion date and understand the financial implications of any delays.

Existing Properties or Ready-to-Move-In New-Build Homes?

Not every new-build home comes with a long waiting period. Some properties have already been completed and are ready to move into. These homes can be viewed in person, giving buyers a clear impression of the rooms, layout and finishes.

Existing properties can also be an interesting alternative. In some areas, additional apartments are entering the market as investors sell former rental properties. These properties, often referred to in the Netherlands as uitpondwoningen, may offer an alternative to new-build apartments.

Which option is more financially attractive depends on the individual property. An existing home may have a lower purchase price but higher maintenance or energy costs. New-build homes generally have lower costs in these areas during the first few years, although their purchase prices may be higher.

What Should You Look for When Buying a Home?

The asking price and floor area do not tell you everything about a property. Its layout and location also determine whether it is suitable. A home may appear spacious on paper but have an impractical layout. Equally, a smaller property can offer a surprising amount of comfort when the available space is used effectively.

When buying a new-build home, it is important to understand exactly what is included in the purchase price. This includes the level of finishing, any optional upgrades and the expected completion date. For existing properties, the condition of the building and any potential renovation work deserve particular attention.

What Does the Larger Supply Mean for Buyers?

With more new-build developments on the market, buyers have a wider range of properties to compare. This does not automatically mean that prices will fall, but it does provide more opportunities to find a home that suits their budget and requirements.

When comparing new-build homes, consider the following:

Price per square metre: how much living space does your budget provide?
Additional costs: what will you pay for upgrades, finishing work or overlapping housing expenses?
Completion date: when is the property expected to be ready, and what happens if construction is delayed?
Layout and location: does the property suit your current circumstances and future plans?
Existing properties: are there homes in the same area that better meet your requirements?

It is worth comparing several new-build developments alongside existing properties. Differences go beyond the purchase price and may include living space, location and how soon you can move in.

Building More Homes Does Not Always Mean Building the Right Homes

More new-build homes do not automatically lead to more sales. Property type and price also matter. When many similar apartments are offered for sale while some buyers prefer houses with private gardens, properties may remain on the market for longer.

A greater variety of homes could also improve movement within the housing market. When people move into properties that better suit their stage of life, their previous homes may become available to other buyers.

Conclusion: More Choice, but Compare Carefully

The supply of new-build homes has reached its highest level in more than eleven years, while sales continue to lag behind. For buyers, the larger supply means more choice, making it even more important to compare properties and developments carefully.

Anyone considering a new-build home should compare its price, available living space and expected completion date with existing properties in the same area. This makes it easier to identify which home best suits their budget and housing needs.

Source: Vastgoedmarkt