The Netherlands continues to face a significant student housing shortage despite progress in new construction projects, according to the 2024 National Student Housing Monitor. The report, conducted by ABF Research in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and student housing umbrella group Kences, outlines plans to complete 30,000 new student housing units between 2022 and 2032.
This increase in construction has helped stabilize the overall housing deficit, but projections indicate that by 2032, the country will still face a shortfall of over 42,000 student units. In response, the report suggests additional measures, including permit-free room sharing and host-based renting, to fully address the gap.
In the provinces of Drenthe, Groningen, and Friesland, several new student housing projects have been completed recently. One of the most notable developments is Proxima in Groningen, which opened in July, offering modern amenities to help meet student demand. Friesland has also seen new housing initiatives in cities like Leeuwarden, designed to alleviate pressure on local markets.
The report also placed a focus on students enrolled in vocational training programs (MBO), who account for around 10% of non-home-based students. The housing needs of this group are increasingly recognized, with plans to include them more comprehensively in future analyses.
Additionally, the monitor revealed that 56% of student rooms are allocated through peer-selection systems, where current tenants choose their future roommates. While fostering a sense of community, this system may create barriers for some students. The report calls for more inclusive allocation policies to ensure equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their educational background.
Understanding students’ preferences is also a key part of the report, as housing providers aim to align new developments with modern needs. The data is expected to guide future investments in both new construction and renovations. The report emphasized that student housing plays a critical role in students’ well-being and personal development.
