Every year, about 1.73 million Dutch people pack their belongings and move to a new home. This is a significant number and begs the question: Why are so many people moving? Is it about a bigger home, a better location or about drastic changes in their lives? In this blog, we dive into the underlying reasons for these moves. Do you want to move soon and are you looking for a reliable mover? Check out the Daly Verhuizingen website for professional help with your move.
1. Stage of life and family composition
One of the most common reasons for moving is a change in the family situation. A couple buying their first home, families expanding and needing more space, or older people who want to live smaller, all drivers that affect the housing market.
Young couples often look for a first home after a period of renting.
Families with children move to larger houses, often with a garden and in a child-friendly neighborhood.
Seniors move to single-storey homes or care facilities to age comfortably.
2. Work and career
A job can force or entice people to move. Sometimes it's about better employment, a promotion or simply a desire to live closer to work and reduce travel time.
People move to cities where there are more career opportunities.
Expats and international employees come to the Netherlands for work and are looking for suitable housing.
Self-employed people and home workers are moving to homes with extra office space.
3. Housing needs and quality of life
Not everyone moves out of necessity; Many people are simply looking for a better home or a nicer living environment. This may have to do with peace, nature, facilities or safety.
People are leaving busy cities to live in a village or on the coast.
Sustainability and energy-efficient living are playing an increasingly important role in the relocation decision.
Some are looking for more space and privacy, for example a home with a larger garden.
4. Living together or separating
Moving is often the result of a change in relational status. People move in together, get married or have children, but divorces and relationship breakups also lead to many moves.
Cohabitants look for a new house that suits both of them.
In the event of a divorce, at least one of the partners often has to find a new home.
Students move together to shared housing or leave the parental home.
5. Financial reasons
The financial situation of households can change drastically, which affects housing choices.
People who start earning more are looking for a more luxurious home.
Financial setbacks sometimes force households to live smaller or cheaper.
Mortgage interest rates and house prices play a role in the decision to move.
6. Housing market and rental contracts
The dynamics of the housing market itself are also a factor. First-time buyers are trying to get hold of a home, while others choose to sell their house because of favorable house prices.
Temporary leases mean that people have to move regularly.
Homeowners sell their homes for profit when house prices rise.
Social tenants move out when they exceed the income limit.
Are you curious about the exact figures and trends regarding removals in the Netherlands? See here how many people move according to current statistics from Statistics Netherlands.