Much fewer families moving house

The number of  people moving house in the Netherlands was 45 thousand lower in the first four months of 2009 than in the same period last year. This decrease of over 8 percent is nearly completely accounted for by couples and families, and is connected with the economic recession.

People moving house

Fewer homes sold

The decrease in the number of house moves is related to the strong decrease in the number existing homes sold. Nearly 40 percent fewer houses changed hands in the first four months of 2009 than in the same period last year. Potential home buyers are postponing their moves as a result of the economic crisis.

Couples and families particularly affected

Couples and families in particular are affected more by the decrease in the number of house sales than single people. This is because more couples and families already own a home and want to sell it before they move on in the property market. Single people are mostly young, and more likely to be first time buyers.

Indeed, the number of single people who moved house hardly changed, while the number of people who moved as part of a family was 15 percent lower in the first four months of this year than in the same period last year. 

People moving house and house sales (excl new construction), 12-month averages

Arie de Graaf