International workers in the Netherlands are buying more homes but they still only account for a tiny fraction – less than 2% – of sales via NVM estate agents.

New figures from the association do show, however, that their share of the home buying market has more than doubled since 2020.

Dutch politicians have repeatedly blamed the number of foreign workers in the Netherlands for the shortage of housing, and say they are forcing up prices.

Rising rental prices are one of the reasons why internationals are increasingly buying rather than renting, the NVM said, a claim backed up by mortgage brokers who specialises in the international community.

“A rent of €3,000 a month can make it financially attractive to buy,” said NVM spokesman René Loman. “It does, however, depend on people’s financial situation and other factors such as how long they plan to stay.”

NVM members, who control some 70% of the market, have been recording the type of buyer since 2019, divided into first time buyer, internationals and others. The category international includes all foreign workers and business owners, plus students.

International residents in Amstelveen buy a bigger percentage of homes than any other location. Veldhoven, Eindhoven, Amsterdam, Uithoorn, Haarlemmermeer, The Hague, Almere, Zandstad and Haarlem complete the top 10.

In three-quarters of sales, the property cost more than €400,000, but this is partly due to higher prices in the locations where internationals buy, the NVM said.