A coalition of unions, banks, and student groups is challenging the Netherlands’ 30% ruling, a tax break for expats. It is claimed that the scheme gives international workers an unfair advantage in the housing market by allowing them to outbid locals, further driving up prices.
Now several Dutch organizations—including the Woonbond, Triodos Bank, CNV Jongeren, FNV Young & United, and student union LSVb—are calling on politicians to abolish the allowance.
According to the Dutch realtors’ association NVM, the number of homes purchased by expats has doubled in the past five years, though they still account for only 1.6% of owner-occupied housing nationwide. Their presence is concentrated in certain regions—such as Eindhoven and Hoofddorp—where they comprise up to 75% of residents. Expats typically have more to spend, with an average home purchase of €591,000 compared to €575,000 for Dutch buyers.
While business groups and realtors claim that international workers are essential to the Dutch economy and labor market—making housing pressures unavoidable—recent polling shows that Dutch voters are increasingly concerned about housing, healthcare, and migration.
