Housing in the city
Leeuwarden’s housing market is under pressure due to a shortage of housing. We need to build more and cheaper housing more quickly. The local authority is therefore adjusting its housing policy for the city. The key points are given in an addendum (addition) to the Environment Vision, with ambitions for 2030 and a look ahead to 2040. This is described in the Housing in the City policy programme.
Environment vision Housing in the city
The addendum to the Housing in the City Environmental Vision sets out the ambitions of the housing policy and the associated goals.
Ambition
The ambition for Housing in Leeuwarden is to be a city offering value. This means a city with something to offer various target groups as well as sufficient affordable housing. But also a city where you can live well, in an environment where you feel at home.
Goals
We are working towards this ambition based on four goals:
- The versatile city. More housing for varied households and a mix of different housing per neighbourhood.
- The affordable city. More less expensive housing as well as a better distribution across the city.
- Special (good) living. Better quality home and space around the home.
- The compact city. Better quality living environment in the city, making use of existing houses and buildings.
Housing in the city policy programme
On 9 July 2025, the city council adopted Housing in the City Addendum 1 to the Environment Vision. On 26 August 2025, the Municipal Executive adopted the Housing in the city policy programme.
Housing in the city policy programme – part A
The four goals are further detailed in this programme. It also sets out why, for whom, how many, where, when and in what way the City of Leeuwarden plans to build housing in the city of Leeuwarden.
Housing in the city policy programme – part B
This sets out the rules and approach for each type of residential area. There are four types of residential districts:
- City centre
- Old city districts
- Post-war expansion districts
- New expansion districts
For each type of residential area, we explain who we want to add houses for and how many houses we want to build (or have built).
The addendum and the policy programme
The Housing in the city addendum and policy programme can be found in the following documents:
Questions
Please contact the City of Leeuwarden.
Quick to:
Environment vision Housing in the city
The addendum to the Housing in the City Environmental Vision sets out the ambitions of the housing policy and the associated goals.
Ambition
The ambition for Housing in Leeuwarden is to be a city offering value. This means a city with something to offer various target groups as well as sufficient affordable housing. But also a city where you can live well, in an environment where you feel at home.
Goals
We are working towards this ambition based on four goals:
- The versatile city. More housing for varied households and a mix of different housing per neighbourhood.
- The affordable city. More less expensive housing as well as a better distribution across the city.
- Special (good) living. Better quality home and space around the home.
- The compact city. Better quality living environment in the city, making use of existing houses and buildings.
Housing in the city policy programme
On 9 July 2025, the city council adopted Housing in the City Addendum 1 to the Environment Vision. On 26 August 2025, the Municipal Executive adopted the Housing in the city policy programme.
Housing in the city policy programme – part A
The four goals are further detailed in this programme. It also sets out why, for whom, how many, where, when and in what way the City of Leeuwarden plans to build housing in the city of Leeuwarden.
Housing in the city policy programme – part B
This sets out the rules and approach for each type of residential area. There are four types of residential districts:
- City centre
- Old city districts
- Post-war expansion districts
- New expansion districts
For each type of residential area, we explain who we want to add houses for and how many houses we want to build (or have built).
The addendum and the policy programme
The Housing in the city addendum and policy programme can be found in the following documents:
Questions
Please contact the City of Leeuwarden.