The number of homes rented out by private owners in Amsterdam fell by 18% from 63,375 at the start of 2023 to 53,510 at the start of 2026, according to CBS figures. The decline continued for a third consecutive year, with 5,520 fewer homes than a year earlier, and was larger than in other cities. The overall rental stock remained stable because housing associations and foundations rented out slightly more homes.

Housing professor Peter Boelhouwer said sales of former rental homes benefit buyers able to afford them but reduce options for students and other newcomers reliant on private rentals. Tenant advocate Gert-Jan Bakker said the shrinking supply is not solely due to the Affordable Rent Act, citing higher taxes, rising interest rates and the ban on temporary leases. Alderman Zita Pels said the law remains important to protect tenants, while acknowledging that sales to owner-occupiers can create opportunities for first-time buyers and pressure groups dependent on rental housing.