Coalition MPs criticise ‘locals first’ housing strategy

MPs from the ruling VVD say plans by housing minister Hugo de Jonge to give local councils the power to limit more home sales to locals go too far, the Telegraaf reported on Wednesday.

De Jonge wants to allow councils to allocate 50% of all housing – both rental and cheaper owner-occupied – to people who already live in the locality

But this, say VVD MPs, is a bridge too far, because home owners may be disadvantaged by only being able to sell to a local. The plan would apply to all properties valued at no more than the national mortgage guarantee limit of €355,000.

‘This would affect the freedom to sell your own home,’ VVD MP Peter de Groot told the Telegraaf. ‘Let’s stick to giving priority when it comes to rental and newly-built property. And focusing government intervention on the housing market by building more property more quickly would also help.’

D66 MPs are also concerned about the plans, which go further than those published by previous housing minister Kasja Ollongren. She had called for a 33% limit.

‘We support the legislation but we have doubt about the increase to 50%,’ D66 parliamentarian Faissal Boulakjar said. ‘That is a major jump.’