Bouwinvest invests in mid-rental homes in iconic Amsterdam project

The Bouwinvest Residential Fund has purchased 369 rental homes in the iconic project ‘Sluishuis’ on the Steigereiland in Amsterdam IJburg from developers VORM Ontwikkeling and Besix Red. The building, due to be built in the coming years, will consist of a mix of homes spread over the owner-occupied sector, the mid-rental sector, and the liberalised rental sector.

Due to the unique design by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels (BIG) and Dutch architect Barcode Architects the building will feel as a gateway to the island neighbourhood of IJburg. Sluishuis embraces its waterside location, with part of the building rising above the water like an archway. The waters of the IJ river flow underneath this arch into the U-shaped structure, where docks and greenery complete the maritime character of the building. Sluishuis is also easily accessible by car since it is located right next to the A10 ring road. Furthermore, the building scores excellently on sustainability criteria.

Bouwinvest focusses on mid-rental sector

Although more than 50 percent of the portfolio already consists of mid-rental sector homes (with a monthly rent between € 711 and € 1000), Bouwinvest wants to further increase its allocation to this asset class. In this market segment there is both high demand and a social responsibility to invest. Therefore, Sluishuis fits perfectly within the strategy of the Residential Fund, with rental prices for the majority of its homes starts at € 910 per month.

Michiel de Bruine, Director Dutch Residential Investments comments: “I’m excited that we’ve been able to realise mid-rental sector homes in such a characteristic building in Amsterdam. There is a lack of affordable rental homes for the middle class in Amsterdam, which pressures the inclusivity and vitality of our city. As an institutional investor with a long-term horizon, we feel the responsibility to contribute towards a solution to this problem.”

Delivery

The construction is expected to start in the third quarter of 2018. The delivery is planned for the first quarter of 2022.