House prices also higher in January

Prices of existing houses sold in the Netherlands in January 2009 were 1.2 percent higher than twelve months previously. In December, house prices increased 1.6 percent.

All types of existing homes were more expensive than in January 2008. With 1.7 percent, prices of detached and semi-detached houses increased most. End-of-terrace houses recorded the smallest price increase (0.6 percent). The most substantial price increase occurred in the provinces of North and South Holland. In the northern provinces and in the provinces of Limburg and Flevoland, however, prices were down on one year previously.

Compared to December 2008, prices of existing houses were 0.2 percent higher. Prices of semi-detached and detached houses increased, while prices of all other types of homes dropped relative to the preceding month.

The number of houses sold in January amounted to 8.7 thousand, a 29 percent reduction compared with the same month one year previously. Sales of houses declined considerably across all types of houses and all provinces. Monthly data on the number of transactions are available from 1995 onwards. The level of transactions in January 2009 was unprecedentedly low.

Statistics Netherlands and the Land Registry Office have published prices of owner-occupied dwellings since January 2008. The price index of owner-occupied dwellings reflects price changes of owner-occupied dwellings - excluding new construction - in the Netherlands sold to private individuals. Calculations are based on house values according to the Dutch Act on Property Assessment (WOZ). As from January 2009, calculations will be based upon WOZ values set on reference date 1 January 2007.

Prices of owner-occupied dwellings

Prices of owner-occupied dwellings

More figures can be found on the theme page Prices.