House prices rose 16.6% in June when compared with the year earlier period, the lowest increase since July 2021, and a further sign that the market may be cooling down.

The June figure is the continuation of a downward trend which began in January this year, national statistics agency CBS said on Friday.

There were also fewer transactions in June, with just 15,661 properties changing hand. That is down 12% on a year ago. In the first six months of 2022, over 91,300 residential properties found a new owner, a drop of 23.5% on the same period in 2021.

The figures, which are based on land registry statistics, are different from those published by estate agents organisation NVM earlier this month. Its members reported house prices had increased by just 11% in the year to June.

The NVM also said the number of homes for sale increased by 42%, easing the housing shortage that has contributed to price inflation.

Regional

The CBS also looked at quarter on quarter regional variations. In the second quarter of the year, house prices were up by an average of 18.4%, with the biggest increase – almost 22% – reported in Flevoland.

By contrast, in Zeeland prices rises were limited to just over 16%.

Utrecht house prices rose most when it comes to the four biggest cities at 17.6%, just ahead of Amsterdam. In the Dutch capital, however, the number of transactions fell by 6.4%, as the supply continues to dry up, the CBS said.