MPs have voted against draft legislation giving local authorities the legal powers to force owners to sell cheaper properties to people on lower incomes.

The rule, which would have applied to property valued at up to €355,000, was designed to increase the number of houses in this price range, giving people on middle incomes a better shot at becoming homeowners, housing minister Hugo de Jonge said.

Coalition parties VVD and D66, as well as JA21 and Groep van Haga had already voiced their opposition, saying the measure would infringe on the rights of homeowners. The PVV added its weight to the opposition during Tuesday’s vote.

A plan to give local authorities more power to allocate rental housing to people who have ties to the area and work in key professions, was passed by a majority.