Smaller turnover decreases for removal companies

Turnover of removal companies in the Netherlands was 4 percent lower in the third quarter of 2010 than in the third quarter of 2009. This was the third successive quarter that turnover was down on twelve months previously. The decrease in the third quarter was much smaller, however, than the average decrease in 2009 when turnover in this sector fell by 19 percent.

Turnover and prices in the removal sector

House sales stable at a lower level

The substantial decrease in turnover in the removal sector in 2009 was connected with a strong drop in the number of homes sold. Because of the economic crisis, 30 percent fewer homes were sold than in 2008. As a result the house market became more stagnant and the number of people moving home fell, pushing down the demand for the services of removal companies. House sales rose slightly again in the first three quarters of this year.

Homes sold

Lower prices

In addition to a decrease in volume, lower prices have also pushed down turnover in the removal sector. The decrease in volume accounted for 16 percent of the decrease in turnover in 2009 and lower prices accounted for 3 percent. Since the third quarter of 2009, the price decreases have been levelling off. 

Marcel van der Geest and Robbert de Ruijter