As of April 7, 2025, the purchase protection in the municipality of Groningen will be adjusted upwards based on current middle incomes and borrowing capacity. The limit will increase from €355,000 to €430,000. What does this purchase protection mean for you as a buyer? In this blog, we tell you more about it.
If you purchase a home with a WOZ value below the new limit of €430,000, you may not rent out the property or allow it to be used by others without a permit for the first four years.
Why is the purchase protection changing?
The municipality of Groningen wants to ensure that there are sufficient affordable homes for everyone. The housing market in Groningen is one of the tightest in the Netherlands. Alderman Rik van Niejenhuis explains: “We are taking measures to better regulate the housing market. Through purchase protection, we make it less attractive for investors to buy up homes for rental purposes. This leaves more room for first-time buyers.”
What exactly does purchase protection entail?
Purchase protection has existed since March 2022, but the value limit is now being increased. The value limit is adjusted annually to ensure it remains aligned with middle incomes and the amount people can borrow. This not only helps address the housing shortage but also contributes to a better living environment.
For homes covered by purchase protection, you are not permitted to rent them out for the first four years after purchase unless you have a permit. In some cases, you can apply for an exception, for example, for rental to family members, temporary use, or if the home is connected to a commercial property.
New rules for mid-market rental housing
In addition to the change in purchase protection, the rules for mid-market rental homes will also change as of April 7, 2025. From now on, only people with a middle income will be eligible for mid-market rental homes that fall under the home valuation system of the ‘Affordable Rent Act’ (Wet betaalbare huur). Do you earn more than a middle income? Then you cannot claim these homes.
Please note: These new rules only apply to new lease agreements and not to existing rental contracts.
What if you violate the rules?
Since January 1, 2023, you can receive an administrative fine if you do not comply with the rules of the housing regulation.
What does this mean for you in practice?
The full regulation will be published on April 7, 2025, on overheid.nl, or as soon as the city council has definitively approved the rules.
As you can see: we keep you informed of all important developments in the Groningen housing market!
N.B. The housing regulation does not apply to homes in the former municipality of Ten Boer.
