1. Affordable housing is a right.

Housing is a right, not a profit model. In a fast-growing city like Eindhoven, access to housing should not depend on income, luck, or timing. EVE believes that housing must be built based on what people need, not on what generates the highest returns. We want to regain public control over where homes are built, what kind of homes are built, and for whom. When the market falls short, we step in and invest. Growth should never come at the expense of basic security.

With strong housing associations, affordable homes, and real influence for residents, we make housing fair and predictable again. In Eindhoven, housing is not a privilege. With EVE, it is a right.

1. Active Public Leadership in Housing Development

We will establish a municipal development corporation that actively invests in and directs housing construction. This organization will invest in building projects, affordable housing, land acquisition, strengthening housing associations, and, where necessary, constructing homes itself. By sharing risks and investing public funds, housing development becomes more feasible for both developers and housing associations. Projects can start sooner, risks are reduced, and procedures become more efficient. In this way, we build more homes, faster, together.

2. Making Investment Easier and Sharing Profits Fairly

We will make it easier to invest in housing projects to achieve our goals. In return, the municipality will share in profits above a predetermined margin. This keeps projects attractive for developers while ensuring that public investments also generate public returns. These returns will be reinvested in affordable housing and in bringing land into public ownership.

3. Ambitious Affordability Standards with Less Bureaucracy

By taking stronger public control of the housing market, we can realize our ambitions. We will reintroduce the affordability standard of 85 percent, of which 30 percent must be social housing. We will also set clear requirements for minimum home sizes so that people are not forced to live in extremely small dwellings. Affordability must be guaranteed for at least 25 years. A clearer and simpler system will reduce unnecessary complexity and make it easier for developers and housing associations to build.

4. Strong Public Partners: Housing Associations

Housing associations remain our most important partners in providing social housing. We will prioritize them in housing production and strengthen their position relative to commercial market parties. We will also support them in improving their financial capacity. Together with the municipal development corporation, housing associations will play a central role in delivering affordable and accessible homes.

5. Supporting First-Time Buyers

EVE will create real opportunities for first-time buyers and protect them from being pushed out of the market. The municipality will take the lead in developing starter homes in the lower and middle price segments. These homes will include price caps, owner-occupancy requirements, varied housing types, and long-term affordability guarantees. Zero-interest starter loans will be used where truly needed and supported by the municipal development corporation. This will give first-time buyers realistic prospects again.

6. Encouraging Mobility and Tackling Vacancy

We will encourage housing mobility by investing in high-quality, accessible apartments so that older residents can move more easily, freeing up family homes. At the same time, we will actively address vacancy. Buildings should not remain empty while housing demand remains high.

7. Housing as a Foundation for Recovery and Perspective

For people who are homeless or living in insecure situations, having a stable home is essential for rebuilding their lives. Organizations such as Springplank040 currently help secure housing but must cover maintenance and renovation costs themselves, which is not sustainable. Through funding from the municipal development corporation, these investments will be publicly supported, allowing organizations to focus on guidance and personal support.

8. Strengthening the Position of Tenants

We will strengthen tenants’ rights by ensuring that the municipality actively supports participation and influence, including within housing associations. Instruments such as a local housing ordinance will be used. If minimum standards are not met, the municipality will intervene, even where it does not formally have a direct role. Tenants will not be left to face problems alone.

9. Genuine Early Participation

Meaningful participation at an early stage prevents delays later. We will make clear agreements with housing associations and developers about resident involvement. Developers who involve residents seriously and at an early stage will benefit from faster procedures or priority treatment. Those who neglect participation or fail to keep agreements will face stricter requirements or delays. The municipality will support developers in organizing effective participation processes.

10. Densification in Dialogue with Neighborhoods

Urban densification will be carefully distributed across the city. In each neighborhood, we will assess capacity, housing mobility, local needs, and available facilities such as infrastructure and green space. Densification will be gradual and integrated. We will also encourage diverse forms of living, such as co-housing and shared housing concepts, to better match different needs. Residents, housing associations, and cooperatives will have a meaningful voice in these developments.

11. Tackling Exploitation and Poor Housing Conditions

We will take firm action against exploitative landlords and substandard living conditions. Some neighborhoods have long suffered from housing-related nuisance and exploitation, which is unacceptable. We will protect tenants wherever possible and intervene decisively in cases of structural abuse, using measures ranging from substantial fines to expropriation when necessary.