What do the new European housing plans mean for students?

The European Commission wants to tackle the housing crisis, including for students. But, warns professor of housing Peter Boelhouwer, ‘the real solutions must be found within the Netherlands itself’.

On Tuesday, the European Commission presented its plans to tackle the housing crisis. Brussels usually steers clear of the housing market, the Commission wrote. But the crisis has now become so severe that it feels compelled to intervene.

The European Commission has also pledged to help young people and students find ‘affordable and decent housing’. This includes new investments in student housing and a relaxation of certain regulations.

Peter Boelhouwer, professor of Housing Systems at TU Delft, sees this as a positive development: “In the long run, these plans could help, but that depends on how they are implemented. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Is it just as difficult for students in other countries to find housing?

“Yes, that’s the case pretty much everywhere, although of course it varies from country to country and from city to city. In the Netherlands, the problem is more severe. Universities in other countries often have campuses where students are housed. They have dormitories where students can sleep. That’s not really the case here. As a result, students in the Netherlands are more dependent on the private market and housing associations such as DUWO.”

How do you think these plans could help students?

“There will probably be more funding for student housing. But I think the impact of that will be smaller in the Netherlands than in other countries.”

Why is that?

“Financing isn’t such a big issue in the Netherlands. Housing associations can borrow relatively easily and cheaply. In countries where funding is harder to come by, the difference could be greater – if they can access money from European banks to invest, that could make a big difference.”

And what about the easing of regulations?

“Many of the plans are primarily aimed at the middle segment of the housing market. The question is what that will mean for students. They are mainly in the social housing sector, and not much is changing there. The conditions for construction might become more flexible, but we’ll have to see how that takes shape. And of course, that additional funding could also help in the Netherlands. Every little bit helps.”

How soon will we notice any of this?

“That’s still a long way off. By the time this has an effect, we’ll be years down the line. I also think we need to look for the key solutions within the Netherlands itself. Due to all the regulations and taxes, renting out property has become increasingly unattractive. Housing associations are suffering heavy losses. They still have some capital, but that’s at risk of running out in the coming years. If that happens, they won’t be able to invest anymore either.

“If these associations get more money from Brussels, that could certainly have a positive impact – they could build more, including student housing. But in the end, structural changes are needed within the Netherlands. Otherwise, it’s like mopping the floor while the tap is still running.”