The future of Dutch housing associations

This paper discusses the future of the social rented sector in the Netherlands. There are several reasons why the position of this sector is currently under close scrutiny. Whereas attention to social rented housing had lapsed by the start of this century, the growing housing shortage and stagnation in the restructuring of older urban areas brought this sector back into the political spotlight. Also the European Commission is having a major impact on the future position of the sector. The Commission has ordered the Dutch Government to establish a level playing field by abolishing the privileges of the housing associations. Against this background, this paper discusses the possible tasks and proper functioning of the Dutch housing associations.