Housing Withdrawal Permit

If you want to convert a residential property to a commercial use, demolish it, merge it with another dwelling, or use it for short-stay lodging, you need a housing withdrawal permit (onttrekkingsvergunning) from the municipality. This applies to any change that removes a property from the housing stock.

You apply at your municipality, which evaluates whether withdrawing the dwelling is justified given the local housing shortage. Some municipalities require a financial compensation to offset the loss of housing. Processing times and conditions vary by municipality, and applications are frequently denied in areas with high housing pressure.

Requirements

  • Target group: Owners of residential property
  • Reason for withdrawal: Demolition, merger, change of function (e.g. to office or practice space)
  • Permit: Withdrawal permit required under the Housing Act 2014 (Huisvestingswet 2014)

Procedure

  • Notification: Submission of notification to the municipality
  • Competent authority: Local municipality
  • Assessment: Municipality assesses whether withdrawal is acceptable given the local housing market

Restrictions

  • Grounds for refusal: Municipality may refuse permit in case of severe housing shortage
  • Compensation obligation: In some cases compensation in the form of replacement housing may be required