The year 2026 marks a turning point in the Dutch housing market. Whereas last year we were still talking about extreme overheating, we are now seeing a shift. The market is cooling slightly, but the shortage remains. In this article, TNG Real Estate analyses the three most significant trends of the moment.

1. House prices in 2026: Moderate growth of 3%

According to the latest analyses from ABN AMRO the explosive rise of recent years has come to a halt. A price increase of around 3% expected.

Although house prices are continuing to rise, they are doing so at a more moderate pace. The main reasons? Stabilised mortgage rates and the fact that wage increases are bringing buyers’ borrowing capacity back into balance to some extent. For you as a buyer, this means a slightly less frantic bidding process.

2. Investors are exiting the market at a record pace

A key development is the position of the property investor. Reports in the NRC confirm what we were already seeing in practice: investors are selling off their rental properties en masse.

Stricter regulations and tax pressures have led to a decline in rental yields. This process (offloading) has two sides to it:

  • Opportunities for you as a starter: More existing homes are coming onto the market.

  • Rental market under pressure: The supply of rental properties is shrinking, which unfortunately means that rents in the private sector continue to rise.

3. Heat Map 2026: The focus is shifting to the region

Despite the slight drop in temperature, the new Housing Market Heatmap It is clear that the pressure is not easing. The shortage is no longer just a problem in the Randstad; record prices are now being recorded in regions beyond it too. The housing shortage remains, quite simply, a major challenge throughout the Netherlands.

What does this mean for your next step?

The property market in 2026 calls for a smart approach. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or sell your current one, the landscape has changed.

  • Do you want to sell your property?? Your home is still worth a lot, but a polished presentation and the right pricing strategy are now more important than ever.

  • Do you want to buy? The cooling-off period presents opportunities, but in popular areas you still need to be on your toes.

  • Are you an investor? It’s time to take a critical look at your portfolio.

A market full of opportunities, provided you choose the right strategy

The housing market of 2026 shows that the days of ‘blind bidding’ or simply ‘putting your house online’ are well and truly over. Now that the market is cooling and the dynamics between buyers and investors are shifting, a well-thought-out strategy is the difference between a dream result and a missed opportunity.

Whether you need a sales strategy that stands out in a more competitive market, or advice on acquisitions to outmanoeuvre the competition in the region: success depends entirely on the right preparation. At TNG Real Estate we don’t believe in coincidences. We combine the latest market data with a razor-sharp strategy tailored specifically to your situation.

Are you ready to decide on your winning strategy?
Please contact TNG Real Estate for a non-binding consultation