Investment Update: renewed momentum in the real estate market
“2026 has started as a year of renewed momentum in the Dutch real estate market”, writes Peter Koppers in Achmea real Estate’s new Investment Update. “The formation of a new governing coalition has brought clarity and movement to policy areas that are essential to our sector, such as housing delivery, sustainability, affordability and a predictable investment climate.”
Koppers continues: “In this context, the reduction of the transfer tax to 8% is a welcome stimulus. The coalition’s draft plans also include a further reduction to 7%, which could create additional room for investment in the rental housing sector. At the same time, it is regrettable that these measures have not been applied more broadly to healthcare and commercial real estate.”
The Investment Update provides an overview of the key market developments in residential, healthcare real estate and retail. Student housing features prominently in the Focus section. This deep dive highlights how structural undersupply, demographic pressure and shifting living preferences fuel demand for student accommodation. As such, student housing is emerging as a growing pillar within the broader residential market, combining societal relevance with financial resilience.
Koppers: “Looking ahead to 2026, we expect market rents to continue rising due to continued scarcity. Prime yields are anticipated to remain broadly stable, while institutional investors are gradually becoming more visible in the market after a period of caution. Transformation challenges in commercial real estate are also creating opportunities for value-driven investments, particularly if policy clarity persists and financing conditions continue to normalise.”