Despite the housing shortage in the Netherlands, one of the possible solutions -the transformations of non-residential buildings into housing- is on the decline (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, 2025). Even when the office market is oversaturated (Remøy et al. 2024). At the same time the government is looking to housing associations to create the much needed affordable housing, but the housing associations struggle to find new developments (Remøy et al. 2024). Transformations of already existing buildings can be sustainable solution to that problem. Surprisingly there is a research gap on the role of housing associations regarding transformations. There is literature on both housing associations and transformations, but research is lacking on how transformations are seen by housing associations. The literature on transformations is mostly focused on for-profit development. But there are differences between housing associations and other developers. This is mostly reflected in their valuation of projects (Hoomans, 2019).
Therefore, this thesis will focus on the differences in driving values between non-profit and for-profit organisations. This study will use a qualitative research method. The instruments in this research used are interviews and an expert panel. The interviews are used to create an understanding of both the assessment process and the prioritisation of different values regarding transformation projects. The findings of the interviews are cross-analysed to find the overlapping, missing and conflicting driving values between the parties, while the focus group discussion with a heterogeneous group tests the findings of the analysis.
These results give insight in the driving values for transformations by housing associations. From this a conceptual valuation tool is presented for housing associations when considering a transformation project. Further recommendations to policymakers are also made as the driving values can be used for promoting transformations.