ROTTERDAM, 25 October 2023 – The city of Rotterdam is taking significant steps to address the needs of residents and housing seekers through its newly approved Housing Vision, aimed at improving affordability, enhancing innovation and quality in new constructions, upgrading existing homes, and establishing a reporting centre for undesirable rental practices.
New housing strategy to meet growing demand
The increasing number of single-person households and rising housing prices in Rotterdam call for a serious approach. Alderman Chantal Zeegers (Climate, Construction, and Housing) emphasized the importance of housing, not just in terms of physical structures but as a communal effort to make the city a proud home for everyone.
Increasing affordability
With high demand across all housing segments, Rotterdam is focusing on expanding the middle segment. The city is encouraging the rapid construction of affordable homes by offering flexible regulatory measures and calling for innovative proposals to make better use of existing housing, such as adding extra floors (optoppen).
Future-proof neighbourhoods
To address issues like overdue maintenance, poor insulation, and foundational problems in many Rotterdam homes, the city plans to collaborate with homeowners' associations (VvE’s) and individual homeowners. Efforts will be directed towards sustainability and making these homes future-proof, as explained by Alderman Zeegers.
Fair housing market
Rotterdam is committed to ensuring a fair distribution of social housing and providing adequate support for those in vulnerable situations. Initiatives like the ‘Eerlijk te huur’ (Fairly for rent) platform are being introduced to maintain an accessible, inclusive, and equitable rental market.
Rotterdam's Construction Law
The introduction of a new Rotterdam Construction Law aims to facilitate the rapid development of affordable housing without compromising on quality or environmental concerns. This initiative is part of a larger plan to create better neighbourhoods and innovative living concepts within a densely populated city.
Key measures in brief
- Launching the construction of 3,500-4,000 homes annually through new builds and temporary housing.
- Ensuring 55% of new constructions are affordable until 2026, increasing to 65% thereafter.
- Introducing a new Rotterdam Construction Law to maintain the momentum of affordable housing development.
- Creating mixed neighbourhoods with various housing types to cater to all income levels.
- Implementing innovative living-care concepts and measures to facilitate resident mobility.
- Establishing a reporting centre for undesirable rental practices and educating tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities.
About the Rotterdam Housing Vision
The Rotterdam Housing Vision, developed with input from various stakeholders, outlines a long-term housing strategy up to 2040 and specific measures for the next five years. The Housing Accord, established by the city council in early 2023, forms the foundation of this vision. Further discussions in the city council are expected in March 2024.
For more information on the Rotterdam Housing Vision, visit: rotterdam.nl/woonvisie
