As of January 1, 2022, the purchase protection (opkoopbescherming) has been in effect in the municipality of Amsterdam for homes below a certain WOZ value (property tax value). At launch in 2022, the threshold was €512,000 and was increased to €641,000 in 2024.
Purchase protection is an extension of the self-occupancy requirement (zelfbewoningsplicht). It allows municipalities to designate specific, high-demand neighborhoods where properties cannot be purchased solely for rental purposes. This measure applies to homes in the affordable and mid-range segments, which must be clearly defined by the municipality beforehand.
The aim is to give first-time buyers and people with middle incomes a better chance to purchase a home. The measure is currently set to remain in place for five years.