The February Freeze: Supply Plummets as Rental Prices Reach New Heights (Jan 31 - Feb 07, 2026)

Published: February 09, 2026

As we enter the second month of 2026, the Dutch rental market is facing a "February Freeze." Our latest data for the week ending February 7 reveals a dramatic and worrying drop in new listings across the country. With the national housing shortage now estimated at a record 410,000 units [1], the "Great Rental Vanishing" is no longer a prediction—it is a lived reality for thousands of renters who are finding fewer options at higher prices.

1. The Supply Landscape: A Market in Freefall

The week ending February 7, 2026, shows a significant contraction in new inventory. Amsterdam, the traditional engine of the rental market, has seen its weekly output fall to just 361 listings, a sharp decline from the 500+ levels seen in January.

Table 1: Total new listings by city for the week ending Feb 07. [2]

News Insight: For the first time this year, Amsterdam's market share has dipped below 50%. This isn't because other cities are growing, but because the capital's supply is vanishing faster than the rest of the country. Renters are now fighting over a pool of inventory that is nearly 30% smaller than it was just three weeks ago.

2. The Price of Living: Amsterdam and Rotterdam Break Away

Despite the falling supply, or perhaps because of it, rental prices in the major economic hubs are continuing their upward trajectory.

The Lifestyle Analysis:

• The €2,100 Club: Amsterdam (€2,171) and Rotterdam (€2,142) have broken away from the rest of the market. Rotterdam, in particular, has seen a significant price surge, nearly matching Amsterdam's premium for the first time this year.
• The Administrative Shift: The Hague (€1,965) remains just below the €2,000 mark, offering a slightly more accessible (though still expensive) alternative for those working in the Randstad.
• The Value Hubs: Utrecht (€1,408) and Groningen (€1,097) remain the only major cities where the average rent is under €1,500. However, with only 111 listings in Utrecht, the competition for these "value" units is becoming extreme.

3. City Highlights: The "Rotterdam Surge"

• Rotterdam: With an average price of €2,142, Rotterdam is no longer the "affordable alternative" to Amsterdam. The city is seeing a surge in high-end, new-build listings that are targeting premium renters.
• Amsterdam: While volume is at a yearly low (361 listings), the median price of €2,250 suggests that the "floor" of the market is now firmly set above €2,000 for any decent-sized unit.
• Groningen: Remains the most accessible city at €1,097, but with only 34 listings, it is a tiny market that can be exhausted in a single afternoon.

4. Strategic Takeaways: Surviving the February Crunch

The data from Week 4 suggests a market that is entering a "survival of the fastest" phase.

1. The Income Barrier: To qualify for an average apartment in Amsterdam or Rotterdam this week, a household needs a gross income of at least €80,000 - €90,000. The "3x rent" rule is now a hard ceiling for many middle-class families.
2. The "Ghosting" Reality: With supply at record lows, agencies are being overwhelmed with hundreds of applications for every listing. If you don't apply within the first 30 minutes, your chances of even getting a response are near zero.
3. The Value Migration: Renters are increasingly looking toward Utrecht and Eindhoven for relief. However, the low listing counts in these cities mean that the "value" is only available to those who are perfectly prepared.

Final Advice: If you are searching in early February, you must be more aggressive than ever. The "February Freeze" means there are fewer homes to go around. Ensure your dossier is ready, your Notirent alerts are set to "instant," and you are prepared to view and sign on the same day. If your budget is under €1,600, your only realistic options are now Utrecht, Eindhoven, or Groningen.

Stay tuned to notirent.com for the latest data-driven insights into the Dutch rental market!

Data Sources & News References: [1] "Dutch housing shortage grows as investors turn their backs," DutchNews.nl, Feb 3, 2026. [2] notirent.com internal market tracking data, week ending February 07, 2026.