Budget Day: investing in housing and introducing a new energy label

The cabinet wants to pave the way for even more housing construction. Therefore, the government is investing €100 million by 2030 in tackling the nitrogen problem. Support will be provided primarily to the construction of affordable housing for first-time buyers and those with middle incomes. This is evident from the Budget Day documents from the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK).

The government is bringing forward investments in later years to support the economy and keep construction going. Therefore, €50 million will be made available for new housing for vulnerable groups, such as the homeless, migrant workers, and the elderly. The government is also investing €50 million in the accelerated development of affordable housing. A total of €450 million is available for housing construction in 2021.

From shop to home
The government continues to encourage the conversion of existing buildings, such as vacant shops, offices, and business parks. Due to the coronavirus crisis, more retail and hospitality properties are becoming available for conversion into homes. The government is providing an additional €20 million to stimulate this, which should create approximately 9,000 homes.

Sustainability and energy labels
In 2021, individual building owners will have more options to contribute to making their homes more sustainable. A heating fund will be established, and the thresholds for increasing mortgages for sustainability improvements will be lowered. Energy labels will change as of January 1, 2021. A new assessment method will be introduced. Advisors will visit the property to assess its sustainability. This will provide the homeowner with a more accurate and comprehensive label. When transferring ownership of a property, the notary must verify the presence of the energy label: starting next year, this will be the new-style energy label.