# 30% of Dutch people feel disadvantaged on housing

> A study by the Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau finds a considerable minority feel people like them are treated unfairly, mostly on housing and political representation.

Society · published 2026-10-26 23:17 · https://nlnow.nl/a/30-of-dutch-people-feel-disadvantaged-on-housing/

Most people in the Netherlands do not feel disadvantaged, but a considerable minority do, according to new research by the Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau (SCP). On housing, 30% of the population experiences disadvantage. On representation by politicians, it is 28%.

Those who feel short-changed are in fact more often in a weaker position, the researchers say: "Dutch people who feel they are getting the short end of the stick are more often in a less favourable position on, for example, the housing or labour market." On housing, 20% feel advantaged. Most people take a middle position.

People with an mbo (secondary vocational) education are more likely than highly educated people to say they feel disadvantaged. Many mbo-educated people without a migration background think people with a migration background are favoured. Mbo-educated people with a migration background think the first group has the advantages.

Both mbo groups feel disadvantaged on the housing market. Those without a migration background say refugees granted residence permits (statushouders) and asylum seekers are given priority. Participants with a migration background say they are less often eligible for a home.

Each group also believes judges favour the other over them. The researchers say these opposing experiences "can hinder mutual understanding between these groups, even though there is a lot of overlap in concerns".

The feeling shows in voting. People who feel disadvantaged are more likely to vote PVV or Forum for Democracy, or not to vote. Those who feel advantaged are more likely to vote for parties such as D66, Pro, VVD and CDA.

The study rests on a survey of 1,239 people and talks with 31 participants in four focus groups, split by education and migration background.

## Background

- **SCP (Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau)**: The Social and Cultural Planning Office is an independent Dutch government research institute that studies social developments, well-being and how people experience life in the Netherlands. Its surveys and reports cover topics such as housing, work, education and trust in politics, and they inform policymakers, journalists and the public.
- **mbo (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs)**: Senior secondary vocational education in the Netherlands, a practical, career-oriented track that follows secondary school. Students train for a specific trade or profession at levels 1 to 4, and can then start work or continue to hbo. It is one of the main education routes for young people after secondary school.
- **statushouders**: Refugees who have been granted a residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) after their asylum application was approved. This status gives them the right to live in the Netherlands, and they then follow integration courses known as inburgering.

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