Blog | 25 February 2026
The Dutch housing market has been under severe pressure for years. The shortage of affordable housing affects an increasing number of households and influences the spatial, social, and economic development of cities. In this context, international employees — particularly expats and knowledge workers—are often cited as a group that reinforces scarcity. However, this discussion deserves nuance.
An essential role in the Dutch economy
International employees play a crucial role in sectors where the Netherlands faces major staff shortages and where specific expertise is scarce. Various recent analyses emphasize that so‑called “internationals”— a term for (knowledge) workers from abroad who come to work in the Netherlands — are a driving force behind innovation, knowledge development, and economic growth. This is especially true in regions such as Eindhoven, Amsterdam, and The Hague, where international companies and organizations are strongly represented. Data shows that their contribution is significant: many businesses rely directly on highly educated knowledge workers to continue operating and remain competitive.
What is causing the tightness in the Dutch housing market?
Housing scarcity is increasing because more people want to move while mobility is decreasing. The large‑scale WoON2024 study shows that pressure arises mainly from the declining number of homes becoming available and the rising number of single‑person households.
This existing scarcity means that international workers — who often need housing quickly — compete in the same pool as Dutch home seekers. The total shortage in the Dutch housing market is estimated at approximately 400,000 homes (according to ABF Research, 2025 via CBS).
How much influence do internationals have on Dutch housing prices?
Although internationals are frequently blamed for rising rental prices, facts show that their overall share in the Dutch housing market is limited: only 1.6 to 1.8 percent of all home-buying transactions via NVM real estate agents are attributed to internationals. Their influence is larger in the higher rental segment, with rental prices between €2,000 and €3,000 per month.
The impact of internationals can be significant locally, especially in municipalities such as The Hague, Amsterdam, and Eindhoven, where they tend to reside due to the presence of international institutions and companies.
Impact: socio‑economic effects and realities in The Hague and Rotterdam
Effects of good and poor Housing
When internationals are housed properly, this leads to reduced pressure on regular residential neighbourhoods, less nuisance, more stable living conditions, and greater acceptance. When this is not managed well, issues arise such as overcrowding, pressure on local facilities, and tensions in neighbourhoods. These challenges occur especially in the part of the market where affordable (social and/or mid‑segment) rental housing for workers is offered.
Influence on rental prices and gentrification
In cities such as The Hague and Rotterdam, where Hello Housing is active, it is clear that expats can influence rental prices in specific neighbourhoods. This occurs mainly in popular, centrally located districts with good public transport and international amenities. Their higher budgets can drive up prices in the private rental sector, indirectly creating pressure for Dutch home seekers. Although these displacement effects are often exaggerated, they cannot be denied, they require careful policy and distributed housing strategies.
Practices that do work
Three examples of effective housing policy are:
This is precisely where specialized housing providers with knowledge of local dynamics have strong added value.
Towards structural solutions and more social connection
The social impact of international employees on the Dutch housing market is complex and multifaceted. Their contribution to the economy is significant, and their impact on the housing market is noticeable regionally, but limited nationally. What is clear: safe, well‑regulated housing is essential to safeguard both economic growth and quality of life.
At Hello Housing, we focus on mixed housing concepts within regular residential buildings, spread across neighbourhoods. In doing so, we promote social connection, integration, and equality, without clustering expats in specific areas. In our view, this is one of the keys to a future‑proof housing market with room for both internationals and Dutch home seekers. Want to learn more about how Hello Housing supports international employees and their employers? Explore our corporate services or contact us directly.
