Zoetermeer strengthens its approach to the housing shortage as a frontrunner in the national Area-Based Better Utilization program
Over the next two years, the municipality of Zoetermeer will be participating in the national Koploperprogramma Gebiedsgericht Beter Benutten (GBB) program. This makes Zoetermeer part of a group of 10 municipalities that are working together with the national government to make smarter and better use of the existing housing stock. In addition to adding extra floors, adding extensions, and widening foundations, the program also focuses on splitting homes, sharing homes, renting out rooms, and transforming buildings into homes.
Leader in making better use of existing housing stock
Zoetermeer was already designated a frontrunner in the field of roof extensions, wall cladding, and plinths (OAU) in 2024. Since then, it has been working with the national government on initial results and knowledge building. During Public Housing Day, Minister Keijzer (Public Housing and Spatial Planning) and the 10 municipalities kicked off the new Area-Based Better Utilization Frontrunner Program. With this new program, Zoetermeer will receive €100,000 in both 2026 and 2027 through a decentralization grant. In addition, the national government offers substantive support, including specialist guidance, research, scenarios, expert teams, and the organization of national intervision and administrative meetings.
Importance for the housing challenge
Making better use of the existing housing stock will make a significant contribution to reducing the housing shortage. Zoetermeer sees potential for approximately 1,500 additional homes through rooftop extensions alone. OAU also offers opportunities to strengthen existing and aging neighborhoods, including by making them more sustainable, adding a varied housing supply, and increasing support for facilities and public transportation. In addition, the program supports Zoetermeer in further exploring the possibilities surrounding new topics for the city, such as housing division, guest room rentals, and housing sharing.
Alderman Ronald Weerwag (Housing): "Zoetermeer is a New Town and, thanks to its participation in the program, can make smarter use of the space we already have. This allows us to add homes where possible and improve the quality of the neighborhoods at the same time."
Follow-up
Participation in the program supports the joint ambition of the municipality and housing associations to add 400 to 700 homes through OAU over the next 10 to 15 years. Efforts are also being made to encourage and facilitate homeowners' associations and market parties to start working with these forms of area-oriented better utilization.
