Land-policy instruments are important to local governments for the implementation of densification. This article explores the factors behind local governments’ motives that determine the use of specific land-policy instruments to achieve densification. The aim is to increase understanding of how available land-policy instruments are applied in practice by local governments to realise housing development at inner-urban locations. In-depth analysis comparing two Dutch municipalities shows that common underlying factors explain municipal land-policy applications, while available instruments are used differently. Insights into these factors help to explain local governments’ behaviour regarding land-policy instruments.@en