Rents rise as private-sector supply picks up
New market data show both higher rents and more homes being offered.
Average rents rose by 4.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2026 compared with a year earlier. At the same time, the number of rental homes offered increased by more than 38 per cent, according to Rent.nl.
The figures come from Rent.nl's Rent Index, which collects housing supply data from various platforms and estate agents. According to the index, the number of rental homes offered rose sharply in the third quarter of 2026 compared with the same quarter in 2025. Average rent was 4.2 per cent higher; the average price per square metre changed little nationally.
That picture does not entirely differ from the official rent statistics. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) previously reported that rents were, on average, 4.4 per cent higher in July than a year earlier. For private-sector homes, the increase was 4.5 per cent. Those CBS figures concern existing tenancy agreements and changes of home, while Rent.nl mainly measures current supply. The results are therefore not directly comparable.
The increase in supply does not automatically mean that people looking for a home can find one more easily everywhere. Supply is unevenly distributed across municipalities and price ranges. In an earlier quarterly analysis, Rent.nl reported that growth was concentrated mainly in the more expensive segment, while the supply of student rooms declined. In its latest index, the platform says it sees no major shift between social housing, mid-market rents and the private sector.
Transaction data from NVM and VGM NL also show a mixed picture. Nearly 2,900 existing private-sector homes were let in the second quarter: 15 per cent more than a year earlier and 8 per cent more than in the previous quarter. According to the industry organisations, that number remained historically low. The average rent was €19.32 per square metre, 9.4 per cent higher than a year earlier.
Part of the development is linked to the Affordable Rent Act, which since July 2024 has allowed more homes to be brought under a regulated rent ceiling. As a result, landlords may decide to sell homes or offer only more expensive properties. That mechanism is often cited in the sector, but the figures cited do not in themselves prove what share of the price increase is attributable to it.
For tenants, affordability remains the decisive issue. A larger supply may increase competition between landlords over time, but higher monthly rents may wipe out that benefit. Moreover, the sources measure different parts of the market. The national picture is therefore not that the rental market is simply recovering, but that supply, prices and segments are moving simultaneously and unevenly.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Rent.nl reported more homes being offered and higher average rents in the third quarter.
- CBS and NVM/VGM NL measure different parts of the rental market.
- The Affordable Rent Act affects the rules for some rental homes.
Left
Arguments The figures mainly show that housing remains too expensive for many households. The government must protect tenants and build many more affordable homes, even if this limits landlords' returns.
Values Affordability, financial security and tenant protection.
Consequences Without further regulation, higher housing costs and the displacement of middle-income people are likely.
Centre
Arguments Regulation and new construction must go hand in hand. The government must make the rules predictable, while municipalities and market participants must create more homes.
Values A balance between affordability, legal certainty and sufficient supply.
Consequences A more stable investment climate may increase supply, but the effects will only become visible in the longer term.
Right
Arguments The figures show that intervening in rents and returns can disrupt supply. From this perspective, building more, reducing regulations and allowing room for private renting are more effective.
Values Property ownership, market forces and freedom to invest.
Consequences More supply may ease the pressure, but without protection tenants may face higher rents in the short term.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The key figures were checked directly against Rent.nl, CBS and VGM NL. Differences between the datasets are made explicit in the text.
- confirmed Average rents rose by 4.2 per cent in the third quarter of 2026. — Rent.nl reports this increase compared with the third quarter of 2025. source
- confirmed The supply of rental homes offered rose by more than 38 per cent, according to Rent.nl. — This is stated in the Rent Index Q3 2026. source
- confirmed CBS reported a 4.5 per cent rent increase for private-sector homes. — CBS compares July 2026 with July 2025. source
- confirmed NVM and VGM NL recorded nearly 2,900 existing private-sector homes let in the second quarter. — The industry organisations also cite the annual and quarterly changes. source
Editor's note
The increase in rents and the growth in measured supply are certain. The sources measure different segments; a nationwide recovery in affordability cannot be inferred from them.Sources
- Huurindex Q3 2026 — Rent.nl
- Woninghuur stijgt gemiddeld met 4,4 procent — CBS
- Huurmarktcijfers Q2 2026 — VGM NL
More on this in Dutch media
- De Telegraaf — „huurmarkt vrije sector”
- AD — „huurmarkt vrije sector”
- de Volkskrant — „huurmarkt vrije sector”