House prices rise, but not everywhere
In the third quarter, existing homes sold were on average 3.4 per cent more expensive than a year earlier, while prices fell in thirteen municipalities.
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Prices of existing homes sold rose by an average of 3.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2026 compared with a year earlier. The picture varied sharply by municipality: in Woudenberg, prices rose by 14.6 per cent, while homes in Best were 4.6 per cent cheaper.
The figures come from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the Land Registry (Kadaster). They measure changes in transaction prices for existing homes, not the value of all homes or the affordability of housing for households.
The largest rises were recorded in Woudenberg, Oldebroek and Asten. In Woudenberg, prices were 14.6 per cent higher than a year earlier; in Oldebroek the figure was 14.1 per cent and in Asten 14.0 per cent.
Show the figures
| The Netherlands | |
|---|---|
| Q1 2025 | 10.9% |
| Q2 2025 | 9.7% |
| Q3 2025 | 7.8% |
| Q4 2025 | 6.2% |
| Q1 2026 | 5.2% |
| Q2 2026 | 4.2% |
| Q3 2026 | 3.4% |
At the other end of the scale, prices fell by 4.6 per cent in Best. Prices were also lower than a year earlier in Hillegom, Texel, IJsselstein and Veldhoven. In total, this involved thirteen municipalities, compared with six municipalities recording a fall in the second quarter.
Nationally, the rise in prices continued to level off. According to CBS, the year-on-year increase fell from 7.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2025 to 5.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, 4.2 per cent in the second quarter and 3.4 per cent in the third quarter.
Regional differences do not automatically mean that housing has become affordable in municipalities where prices are falling. A lower price may coincide with few transactions, a different mix of homes sold or local circumstances. CBS also warns that the four largest cities were calculated using a different method from most other municipalities.
For buyers, the national rise means that financing and personal funds remain under pressure. For existing homeowners, average property values are increasing, but this only creates financial room when they sell or remortgage. The central question therefore remains not only where prices are rising, but also who has access to the market.
Also show where in Europe and in the world
Both sides of the figures
▲ Bright spots
- The national rise has levelled off from 7.8 per cent in the third quarter of 2025 to 3.4 per cent in the third quarter of 2026, according to CBS.
▼ Concerns
- Transaction prices fell in thirteen municipalities, including a 4.6 per cent fall in Best; regional differences are therefore substantial.
Critical note
The price index measures existing homes sold and does not directly indicate what households can afford; lower prices in a municipality may also be related to the composition and number of transactions.
Who notices what
- Households
- Buyers are paying more on average, while local developments can vary considerably.
- Businesses
- Builders, estate agents and mortgage lenders face markedly different regional markets.
- Investors
- Investors must take account of slowing national growth and widening local differences.
- Government
- Municipalities have additional reason to monitor housebuilding and affordability locally.
Every point comes from the article’s sources and was included in the fact check.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The average transaction price of existing homes sold rose by 3.4 per cent year on year.
- Prices fell in thirteen municipalities.
- The largest rise was in Woudenberg; the largest fall was in Best.
Left
Arguments Typically emphasises that rising house prices mainly benefit existing owners while leaving first-time buyers, tenants and households without assets at a disadvantage.
Values Housing security, equal access and affordability.
Consequences Would favour more affordable construction, regulation and public housebuilding to ease price pressures.
Centre
Arguments Emphasises that regional differences and additional construction are decisive, and that policy must safeguard both housing supply and financial stability.
Values Caution, feasibility and balance between buyers and owners.
Consequences Warns against measures that could unexpectedly disrupt transactions or construction investment.
Right
Arguments Typically emphasises property rights, housebuilding and the role of market incentives in increasing supply.
Values Ownership, freedom of choice and economic growth.
Consequences Fears that heavy regulation will reduce supply and discourage investment in housing.
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 figures, municipalities and trend were checked directly against the CBS publication. The text makes clear that these are transaction prices, not a measure of affordability.
- confirmed Existing homes sold were on average 3.4 per cent more expensive in the third quarter than a year earlier. — CBS publication dated 11 November 2026. source
- confirmed Prices in Woudenberg rose by 14.6 per cent. — CBS table showing price changes by municipality. source
- confirmed Prices in Best fell by 4.6 per cent. — CBS table showing the largest falls. source
Editor's note
This is a primary publication by CBS and Kadaster. The figures concern the third quarter of 2026 and measure transaction prices, not affordability or the total housing stock directly.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „huizenprijzen woningmarkt”
- NU.nl — „huizenprijzen woningmarkt”
- De Telegraaf — „huizenprijzen woningmarkt”