The Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning has announced the (statutory) maximum rent increase for residential properties in 2025.
For the first time, rent increase percentages have been separated by category: social rent (‘low-regulated’), medium rent and free sector rents. Below is an overview of the key information.
Maximum rent increase free sector
For houses in the free sector (rental houses with more than 186 WWS points or a rent higher than €1,157.95), the maximum rent increase is based on the lowest percentage of the collective wage development or inflation (CPI), with a surcharge of 1%. Between December 2023 and December 2024, inflation averaged 3.1%, while wage growth was 6.7%. Therefore, the inflation rate is used as the basis for 2025.
This brings the maximum rent increase for independent houses - including single-family houses, studios, flats and houseboat moorings - to 4.1%.
Maximum rent increase middle rental
Since 1 July 2024, mid-rent homes (144 to 186 WWS points) have come under a regulated system. For these homes, the collective wage development is leading, with a 1% surcharge. As wage development in the aforementioned period was 6.7%, the maximum rent increase in 2025 is set at 7.7%.
This percentage applies to independent houses, studios and flats that:
Have a rent contract that started on or after 1 July 2024.
Had an initial rent in 2024 between €879.66 and €1,157.95, or in 2025 between €900.07 and €1,184.82.
Maximum rent increase social rent
For social housing (with a maximum of 143 WWS points), the maximum rent increase until 1 July 2025 remains unchanged from 1 July 2024. This usually amounts to a maximum of 5.8%, with income-related increases of € 25 to € 100 per month. Further information on this is expected in February 2025.
The 5.8% rate also applies to rooms, caravans and pitches.
Important points to note
If a lower rent increase results from the lease, that lower percentage should be communicated to the tenant, unless it exceeds the maximum percentages. In that case, the legal maximum applies.
Examples:
- If a percentage of 3% follows from the rent increase calculation, this must be adhered to.
- For a calculated percentage of 5% in the free sector, the maximum of 4.1% is used.
- For medium-rent, a calculated percentage of 8% is limited to 7.7%.
