The Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) is calling on the House of Representatives to accept Housing Minister Hugo de Jonge’s law, which establishes an income requirement for the sale of houses. While the law doesn’t appear to be aimed at a majority just yet, the association believes it is indeed necessary for people with low and middle incomes to get a desirable home.
The reason there is so much division in the House has everything to do with the principle involved in the matter, thinks political journalist Leendert Beekman. And then above all between the liberal parties and the social-Christian parties. “They say they should defend the vulnerable position of buyers on a tight budget,” Beekman explains. “Tomorrow it will be put to a vote.”
The bill revolves around the fact that if there is a demonstrable shortage of low-cost owner-occupied houses in a municipality, the municipality can apply for a housing permit. “This means you can set various requirements that a buyer must meet before buying the home,” says Beekman. “For example, that a house is attributed to people who study or are involved in health care.”
No space
The legislation is also intended to accommodate young people who otherwise would not be able to find a job. Then it concerns houses that are worth less than 355,000 euros. “There is now disagreement about this within the coalition,” Beekman continues. ‘The VVD wants to change the law so that it only affects newly built homes. D66 MP Faisal Boulakjar also disagrees. “As a seller, you are therefore at the mercy of the municipality, which determines who you can sell your home to,” he told Beekman.
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
