Mixing Dutch neighbourhoods through the sale of social housing

Abstract

Mixing in neighbourhoods is a goal that has been stated by national government for many years. One of the ways to reach the desired mix is by selling homes owned by social landlords or housing associations. Since the new millennium “for dwell” (also known as Clients’ Choice Programme) has gained popularity and a growing market share. However, the results in terms of the established mix and in terms of related and desired effects, are subject of discussion. This paper gives an overview of the desired goals of the sale of social rental housing in the Netherlands. The desired mix and the related effects are pulled to the foreground. Based on both literature study as well as drawing up on findings from previous studies into the effects of the sale of social housing, the effects of the sale of social housing will be discussed in the light of “mixing”. The literature used is solely focused on Dutch empirical findings. The previous studies that are used, focused on the effects of sale and the option to buy amongst tenants of social housing. The findings in this paper point at minor possibilities to reach any different mix than the existing one through the sale of social housing. Two main factors are used to explain the little effects: time and accessibility. The discussion draws attention to new (EU based) legislation limiting the influx of different tenants in social housing and thereby limiting the possibilities for mixing by sale of social housing even further in the future.