A new housing concept by StudentenkamerKopen.nl, in which students become joint owners of a property, is facing strong criticism from the municipality of Utrecht. It calls the initiative "bad" and fears higher housing costs and further erosion of the affordable room segment. Yet this criticism is striking, precisely because local and national governments themselves have been reducing the supply of student rooms for years - including through strict permit requirements for house sharing and the introduction of the rent point system.
Instead of being a threat, StudentroomKopen.nl actually offers an innovative solution to the housing shortage among students. Unlike the sell-out boom where properties are converted into expensive owner-occupied flats and student rooms disappear, this model preserves the rooms. The difference is that students - often with the help of their parents - no longer pay rent to commercial landlords, but become joint owners. This gives them more control, stability and protection from excessive rents or rogue landlords. In a completely legal way, according to lawyer Nicky Loekemeijer: "There is no architectural division, so you don't need a permit for this."
Where municipal regulations have eroded the room segment and pushed up rents, this concept offers a concrete alternative that both preserves the existing supply and does justice to the huge demand. The municipality's opposition is therefore more of an attempt at symptom control than a structural solution.
Sign up and stay informed about new student rooms and studios.
