Netherlands far behind its target for building homes for senior citizens: ABN Amro

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The Netherlands is so far behind on its target for building more homes for senior citizens that it seems increasingly impossible to achieve, according to ABN Amro. The country's aging population means a growing demand for accessible and care-ready homes in an already tight housing market.

The government wants to build 290,000 homes for the elderly by 2030. To achieve that, an average of 36,000 homes must be delivered per year. According to the current construction plans, approximately 2,800 homes explicitly intended for senior residents will be built this year. In 2025, there are plans for 3,000 homes, and 2,500 in 2026.

"Although these numbers may still grow if new construction plans are announced, the gap with the target is unbridgeable," ABN Amro said.

Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland plan to build the most homes for senior citizens. "However, compared to the existing housing stock, the number of homes for the elderly in these provinces is extremely low. This also applies to the other provinces," the bank said.

Relatively speaking, Flevoland is building the most homes for senior citizens. New homes for senior citizens will amount to about 200 per 100,000 existing homes by 2030. "The number will also have to increase considerably in Flevoland to come close to the objectives."

According to ABN Amro, the shortage of housing suitable for senior citizens will increase significantly in the coming period. "The group of elderly people living in a home that does not suit their care and living needs is growing rapidly, which will further increase the demand for home care. The risk of accidents also increases." That will put further pressure on the already overburdened healthcare sector.

The construction of elderly-specific homes faces the same obstacles as housing construction in general. Interest rates have risen sharply since 2022, causing investment in residential construction to decline. Government measures like the planned rent regulation also impact the revenue model of residential investors, making them more reluctant to invest. "As if all this were not enough, developers are faced with a shortage of available new construction locations, an increase in construction costs, and difficult permit processes," the bank said.