Rental market shows first signs of recovery: vb&t is growing faster than the market

The Dutch rental housing market remains challenging. Supply is limited, demand for rental properties remains high and rents are under pressure. Nevertheless, the most recent figures show that the market is beginning to show tentative signs of movement. According to NVM and VGM NL, the number of letting transactions in the second quarter of 2026 increased compared with the previous quarter, whilst rents continued to rise.

At vb&t Verhuurmakelaars, we are also seeing this trend. In fact, our own figures show even stronger growth than the national market.

Over 1,100 properties let in six months

In the first half of 2026, vb&t let over 1,100 properties.

Whilst national figures show that the number of letting transactions remains historically low, we are seeing that house-hunters continue to respond actively as soon as suitable properties become available. The growth in our transaction volume demonstrates that, even in a tight market, there are still plenty of opportunities for tenants who are well prepared.

Our figures show growth of almost 11% between the first and second quarters of 2026. This means that vb&t is growing faster than the national market, where, according to NVM and VGM NL, quarterly growth stands at 8%.

Strong position in the Netherlands’ key rental cities

A key factor behind these strong results is our presence in a large number of sought-after rental cities.

Amsterdam tops the list with 217 letting transactions, followed by Eindhoven with 171 transactions and The Hague with 113 transactions. Cities such as Haarlem, Delft, Diemen, Maastricht, Breda and Den Bosch also contribute substantially to the total letting volume.

This is in line with the national picture. NVM and VGM NL report that Amsterdam and The Hague, in particular, are showing a clear increase in the number of letting transactions. Amsterdam also remains the largest and most expensive letting market in the Netherlands.

For those looking for a home, this means that vb&t is not reliant on a single region, but operates in several attractive residential areas. Thanks to this extensive network, we are able to offer new opportunities to tenants in various parts of the Netherlands on a daily basis.

Affordable options within the private sector

It is not just the number of transactions that stands out. The price levels within our portfolio also paint an interesting picture.

The average rent for properties let through vb&t in the first half of 2026 ranged from €1,391 to €1,481 per month.

This is lower than the national average in the private sector. According to NVM and VGM NL, the average rent in the private sector is €1,726 per month

This demonstrates that vb&t is not only active in popular residential areas, but also offers a relatively accessible range of properties within the private sector. In doing so, we serve an important target group of house-hunters who are looking for high-quality rental properties at an affordable price.

What does this mean for house hunters?

The rental market remains competitive and supply remains scarce. NVM and VGM NL emphasise that pressure on the rental market remains high and that rents continue to rise.

At the same time, our results show that there is certainly movement in the market. With over 1,100 properties let in six months, a strong presence in popular rental cities and a wide range of flats and houses, we help house hunters find a new rental home every day.

It is important to be well prepared. By registering free of charge, completing your profile in full and actively responding to new listings, you increase your chances of finding a suitable home quickly.

Outlook

The first half of 2026 shows that the rental market is exhibiting tentative signs of recovery. Whilst national market players are talking about a levelling off in the decline in the number of rental transactions, we at vb&t are already seeing clear growth in the number of lettings.

Thanks to our strong presence in the Netherlands’ largest rental cities, attractive pricing within the private sector and a wide range of properties, we expect to continue successfully guiding house hunters to their new homes in the coming period.

Link to source: https://www.nvm.nl/media/2hsi0enf/20260730-analyse-nvm-vgmnl-huurontwikkelingen-q2-2026-def.pdf