Average house prices in North Holland rose by 1.8% in recent months, but Haarlem was reported to be the only region in the province where prices fell, declining by 2%. Prices increased by about 3.9% in both IJmond and Alkmaar. In Haarlem, 7% more homes were put up for sale than in the same period last year, giving buyers more choice. The larger supply included older, unrenovated homes that were often sold below the asking price.

Higher interest rates and uncertainty among buyers were also cited as possible factors in Haarlem’s decline. Real estate professionals said it was too early to conclude that the decrease was structural and that developments in the coming quarters would need to be monitored.