Experts forecast €400bn in inheritances over next decade
Economists at Rabobank and the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB) estimate that Dutch households will inherit roughly €400 billion between 2023 and 2033. Much of this wealth transfer will comprise family homes and savings, creating a significant influx of capital into the housing market.
Family wealth drives property prices higher
Access to inherited funds allows buyers to offer larger down payments, securing better mortgage conditions and outbidding first-time purchasers without such support. In areas where property is scarce, this dynamic is expected to add an extra 1–2 percent to annual price growth, on top of the 8 percent rise seen nationwide last year.
Widening gap between haves and have-nots
Households without wealthy relatives risk being locked out entirely. Young adults, single parents and low-income earners—who already struggle with rising rents and deposits—stand to gain little from this inheritance boom.
Policy options under debate
To prevent an entrenched divide, experts are calling on policymakers to consider measures such as:
- Revising inheritance tax brackets to curb large transfers
- Expanding social and affordable housing supply
- Introducing targeted grants or loan guarantees for first-time buyers
Calls for urgent action
“Without decisive reforms, the coming inheritance wave will exacerbate inequality in the housing market,” warned Wouter de Donder, senior economist at Rabobank. “We need a balanced approach that allows families to pass on wealth while ensuring broader access to homeownership.”
Government response
The Ministry of Finance acknowledges the challenge and says it is monitoring market developments closely. A package of housing policy updates, including potential tax adjustments and support schemes for first-time buyers, is due to be presented in the autumn legislative session.
