Dutch startup Microwoning.com secures €2.5M to fight housing crisis in the Netherlands

Netherlands-based Microwoning.com, a startup creating solutions for the housing shortage, announced that it has raised €2.5M in a Seed round of funding to further expand the number of microwoningen (micro homes) on private land in the country.

The startup aims to fight the housing crisis by providing an out-of-the-box solution – building in spaces where it used to be impossible.

The investment came from Jongerius Invest, along with a private investor. Sjoerd Jongerius of Jongerius Invest says, “Placing micro homes on private property is a great way to help more people find a place to live. Currently, we need to come up with creative solutions and we are happy to contribute.”

Building new homes on leftover private land

Founded in 2022 by Matthijs Rolleman, Microwoning.com builds modern homes ranging in size from 20m2 to 40m2, on unused plots of private property where it wasn’t previously possible. 

In order to ensure that as many new micro homes as possible may be realised, the startup handles the entire process from planning to realisation, including finance. This is in response to the housing issue right now and in the future as smaller households become more prevalent.

According to a statement from Microwoning, in order to address the housing shortfall in the Netherlands, Dutch law requires that 87,000 extra homes be built a year in 2023, 2024, and 2025. This number rises to 100,000 extra homes to be created annually starting in 2026. However, Microwoning is sure that unconventional ideas will aid in the battle against the housing crisis and is making every effort to realise tiny houses on private property.

Rolleman says, “Ever since placing the first microwoning in Gouda, the requests keep on pouring in, ranging from a couple of homes in someone’s back garden to hectares of potential building ground. Many people want to contribute to solving the housing crisis, but finding solutions by oneself can be challenging and expensive. This is why we take care of the complete process and the financing, in exchange for a share of the rental revenue. For us it’s important to stay within the limits of social housing rent fees, keeping the homes affordable and avoiding micro-slumlord-practices. The housing sector, including renters, need a social, honest and transparent story. This is what we offer.”

Permit applications for micro homes

Currently, permission requests for more than 500 micro homes have been made with about 40 local municipalities across The Netherlands. The startup is confident in its prospects of success and anticipates receiving the permissions in the next months.

Rolleman says, “We are convinced that with Microwoning.com we are laying the foundation of a market segment that will be in great demand all over the world, both during the current housing deficit and in the future: small homes suited to one or two residents, on private land. We are optimistic about the future and look forward to collaborating with relevant parties in the housing sector, in The Netherlands and in the rest of Europe.”