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.