System Dynamics Reconciles Housing Association Players

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In Haaglanden, the Netherlands, during a particular swing of the housing market, construction of new greenfield residential suburbs suffered delays, whereas urban transformation of old and sometimes decaying housing projects from the 1950’s was just starting. But urban transformation is dependent on the possibility of moving residents to other houses. With urban transformation and new greenfield development out of phase, the housing market was rapidly becoming congested and house hunters witnessed decreasing possibilities.

The parties involved, municipalities and housing associations, were entangled in conflict whether to slow down urban transformation or not.

Municipalities in general favored continuation of the schedule, as state subsidies depended on timely delivery.

Housing associations, on the other hand were more sensitive to their clients diminishing chances on the housing market. A system dynamics project helped parties to assess the order of magnitude and timing of the alleged effects of both policy options, to improve dynamic insight and finally to reconcile.

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