The market for second homes in the Netherlands has been growing strongly in recent years. In 2017, a total of as many as 4,330 recreational homes were sold. An increase of 15% compared to the previous year.
This is according to research conducted by Bureau Stedelijke Planning for the NVM. What could be nicer than to leave everyday life behind for a while and enjoy your own vacation home in a beautiful natural area, by the coast or in the woods? Nice walks, cycling and enjoying nature and each other.
Zeeland
According to NVM chairman Ger Jaarsma, Zeeland in particular has been popular in recent years. Moreover, more recreational homes are being built there than in other regions. "The demand for recreational houses is increasing there, while the supply is decreasing rapidly. Only in the higher segment is there still enough for sale. Of all recreational homes in the price range above 500,000 euros, almost half are offered in Zeeland." Although the Wadden Islands remain the most expensive region: with an average transaction price of €351,888 in 2017, recreational homes there cost more than double the Dutch average.
Investment
A recreational home is not only a wonderful place for yourself, but also to rent out to others. Increasingly, the second home is therefore seen as a good investment. According to Jaarsma, homes between 250,000 and 500,000 euros are then particularly interesting, depending on the location. "Total demand is also increasing most strongly in that price range. This certainly applies to the attractive areas, such as the Zeeland coast." If you buy a recreational home as an investment, you have to look carefully at rental possibilities, the quality of the house and location, financing and annual costs.
Holiday park
It is also possible to buy a home in a vacation park. In doing so, Jaarsma says it is good to look at the quality of the park and the homes. Indeed, more and more outdated vacation parks are being remediated or transformed. Projects such as the Vital Holiday Parks program on the Veluwe are clearly bearing their first fruit, according to Jaarsma. This program aims to realize diverse and high-quality supply of vacation parks on the Veluwe. "Other provinces such as North Brabant and Zeeland are also preparing policies to remediate or transform outdated supply. In particular, the big players in the market for recreational homes are investing heavily."
Trends
In the exclusive high-end segment, as we see in Zeeland, permanent occupation is allowed. Living and recreation come together in these small-scale luxury projects. "This trend is becoming increasingly visible in two manifestations," Jaarsma knows. "On the one hand, we see an increase in vacation parks at, for example, the Efteling, the Beekse Bergen and Slagharen. On the other hand, vacation parks are increasingly offering day attractions and new facilities. 'Water fun investments' are a clear discernible trend and 'family entertainment centers' we see more often as part of resorts."
Future
The future of the recreational home thus looks bright. Although the NVM does expect the supply in the lower segment in particular to continue to decline and the average transaction price to rise as a result. Jaarsma therefore advocates more new construction. Transformation and redevelopment of existing parks is also important, according to the NVM chairman. "NVM brokers can have an excellent advisory role in this, because they know what the market demand is and what the trends are. In addition, NVM brokers advise consumers on the purchase of a recreational home."
