property
Land Release: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Amsterdam city council has opened the first round of applications for 150 plots on former industrial sites in Noord and near De Pijp.
How we reported this
The City of Amsterdam released 150 building plots for sale on 10 July 2026, targeting buyers who meet strict residency and income rules for the first phase of the Noord redevelopment zone.
Amsterdam faces a documented shortage of 45,000 homes, with average sale prices at EUR 580,000 citywide and Canal Belt properties routinely exceeding EUR 1 million. The new plots sit on land previously used by the former NDSM shipyard and adjacent sites along the IJ river, where the council aims to add 2,000 homes by 2032.
Eligibility rules
Only households registered in Amsterdam for at least three years qualify, with priority given to first-time buyers earning under EUR 65,000 annually and families with children under 18. Applicants must commit to occupying the completed home for ten years and cannot own other residential property in the Netherlands. The rules exclude investors and second-home seekers, a direct response to pressure from housing groups in De Pijp and the Jordaan who have protested speculative purchases.
Plots range from 120 to 180 square metres, with sale prices set between EUR 180,000 and EUR 240,000 depending on size and proximity to the river. Buyers must finance construction themselves or through approved builders, and all homes must meet energy-neutral standards by 2028.
Application process
Interested parties submit forms through the municipal portal at amsterdam.nl/landrelease until 15 September. The council will draw lots among eligible applicants in October, with winners required to secure building permits within six months. Those who miss the deadline can join a waiting list for later phases near the Houthavens and in the emerging Buiksloterham district.
Prospective buyers should check their registration status with the Gemeente Amsterdam population register before applying and prepare proof of income and residency. The housing department has scheduled two information sessions at the Noord city hall on 22 July and 5 August for anyone needing clarification on the income caps or construction requirements.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.