We're now in the second wave of coronavirus. What does that mean for the housing market in Utrecht? Homes in Utrecht are still selling well. It's busy, and the changing rules on transfer tax are causing demand to shift.
Contents
- Utrecht housing market
- Changes in the market
- What are buyers looking for on the housing market?
- Neighbourhoods are becoming little villages
Utrecht housing market
There are currently almost 37,000 people looking for a home in Utrecht. At the moment, including new-build supply and homes sold subject to conditions, we have 1,250 homes on the market. In the past 4 months approx. 1,750 have been sold. The average price per square metre has risen by 12.9% in a year. Those are very hefty amounts and numbers. It also shows that the housing market is nowhere near flat on its back. At the moment we can choose from an average of 1.1 homes that meet our requirements. At the start of the coronavirus crisis we saw demand increase and the number of homes increase. We're now seeing demand and supply back at a comparable level.
Changes in the market
The change in transfer tax has put extra pressure on the housing market. All the small investors wanted to buy one more home to let just before the end of the year. First-time buyers, on the other hand, wanted completion in 2021. This led to an even bigger battle between first-time buyers on the one hand and investors on the other. Loan-for-use agreements (bruikleenovereenkomsten) were signed and Groninger aktes drawn up, all to put forward the best possible offer with as little tax as possible.
What are buyers looking for on the housing market?
Many buyers are looking for a house where a good home workspace can also be created. People are at home more and would like to move as quickly as possible. Our housemates turn out to be less fun when they're sitting opposite you at the kitchen table all day. Good outdoor space is also becoming more and more important. You also notice that buyers no longer feel such a need to live right in the middle of the city. Neighbourhoods such as Zuilen, Ondiep, Rivierenwijk & Hoograven are becoming increasingly popular. You're quickly out in the green and you have just that bit more space. You notice that the neighbourhoods are increasingly taking on the role of a village.
Neighbourhoods are becoming little villages
Now that we're working from home more and more and only rarely need to be in the city, the small neighbourhood shops are seeing their turnover grow. &Meer on the Straatweg, for example, saw its turnover increase. Winkel vol Winkeltjes was also busier than ever during the first period. The shop continues to be well visited. Jeroen and Carlijn of The Food Club also noticed that people started spending more when they were allowed to open again. Familie van Rijk turned their shop around. With bars and restaurants closed, more cosiness for at home. These days we queue up outside the shop. Brandstof on the Amsterdamsestraatweg is no longer a cosy lunch café now. But they have a good walk-through system for picking up tasty sandwiches. I do enjoy the village feel.
