The causes for the large shortage are the well-known problems in the construction sector: the investment climate that has become more unattractive due to higher interest rates, expensive land and a shortage of construction locations. “It previously appeared that we will not achieve the overall government target for 900,000 new-build homes in 2030, but the shortage is much greater for homes for the elderly,” says real estate economist Paul Bisschop of ABN AMRO.
Housing associations have been doing well in recent years given the higher number of permits granted, in contrast to private builders. But their goal of 300,000 new-build homes by 2030 also seems to be difficult to achieve, because it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to buy land. “This is an especially big problem for elderly homes. These must be close to facilities and here there is little land available that is also affordable,” says Bisschop.
According to the bank, the lack of new homes increases the risk of accidents because elderly people stay in unsuitable homes for too long. In this way, the pressure on healthcare is increasing, while staff are also spending more time on care at home because the elderly remain where they already lived. In addition, it hinders the flow in the housing market. ABN AMRO therefore wants the government to do something about the poor availability of building land.
Flevoland has the highest number of new homes for the elderly, around 200 per 100,000 existing homes. “But the number will also have to increase considerably in Flevoland to come close to the objectives,” ABN AMRO writes. The provinces of Groningen (130) and Zeeland (120) follow at an appropriate distance.
Tags: number homes elderly government target
