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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?

The Dutch housing market showed several developments at the same time in the second quarter of 2026. The number of properties offered for sale increased significantly, sellers adjusted their asking prices more frequently, and the number of homes sold increased.

At the same time, bidding above the asking price remained common. In 70.5% of property sales, buyers paid more than the asking price. This happened slightly less often than in the previous quarter, but when buyers did bid above the asking price, the average amount was slightly higher.

The figures therefore show an interesting housing market. Buyers have more choice due to the increased supply, but a large proportion of properties are still selling above the asking price.

The Eindhoven housing market saw a clear increase in the number of property sales during the second quarter of 2026. While 603 properties were sold in the first three months of the year, this number increased to 775 in the second quarter. That represents 172 additional transactions, an increase of almost 29% in just one quarter.

Eindhoven is a popular student city and attracts many Dutch and international students every year. With educational institutions such as Eindhoven University of Technology and several universities of applied sciences, the demand for rental properties continues to grow annually. As a result, finding suitable housing can be quite challenging, especially if you need accommodation quickly. For many students, a rental agent offers the perfect solution.

The Dutch housing market is showing less extreme developments in 2026 than it did last year. Buyers are still frequently bidding above the asking price, but competition is gradually decreasing. In the first quarter of 2026, the average overbidding percentage was 4.7%, compared to 5.2% at the end of 2025. At the same time, the number of home sales fell to around 65,000 transactions, nearly 12% lower than in the previous quarter.

The Dutch government plans to adjust the rules around rental prices. Housing minister Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan wants to relax parts of the Wet betaalbare huur. This law was introduced in 2024 to curb high rents, but it also had an unintended effect: many private landlords sold their properties because renting became less profitable. As a result, the number of rental homes decreased.

The market is shifting. Less rush, more choice. Discover why strategy and presentation now make the difference when selling your home.

The housing market in Eindhoven has been under pressure for years. Due to the strong growth of the Brainport region, the large number of students, and international workers, the demand for affordable housing is high. At the same time, large parts of the city are designated as permit-required or even “locked” areas for room rentals.