In this blog, we aim to provide comprehensive insights on how Dutch housing associations set and prioritise their long-term goals. We’ll delve into the process of defining a desired portfolio, examine the importance of prioritising social goals for housing associations, and explain the methods they use to establish these goals.

Defining and prioritising goals is essential for Boards to manage competing demands while remaining financially viable.

Why prioritise?

Housing associations need to prioritise their social goals for several important reasons:

  1. Resource allocation: Resources such as funding, land, and manpower are limited. Prioritising ensures these resources are used effectively to address the most urgent needs.
  2. Regulatory compliance: Housing associations must adhere to laws and regulations, including the Dutch Housing Act. Prioritising helps ensure they meet legal requirements and avoid penalties.
  3. Balancing competing demands: Housing associations often navigate competing competing from various stakeholders, including tenants, government agencies, and the community. Prioritising allows them to address the most critical issues first.
  4. Financial viability: Last but certainly not least, housing associations must consider financial viability. Over the years, financial headroom has decreased, and it is expected to remain under pressure in the upcoming years.

By prioritising their goals, housing associations can effectively manage their resources, comply with regulations and balance competing demands.

How to prioritise

  1. Define the desired portfolio:
  • Conduct a local housing needs survey to gather data on current and future housing requirements in the regions that you operate.
  • Consider demographic changes, income developments, and market share perspectives to forecast demand for different housing types.
  • Establish a 10- to 15- year planning horizon to outline the desired future composition of the housing stock, including types of homes, rent price categories, energy labels, and target groups.

Desired portfolio

A desired portfolio helps housing associations to create clear, long-term goals for their housing stock. By outlining the desired portfolio, they can better align their investment activities with their strategic goals. This includes the number and types of homes, rent price categories, energy labels, and target groups that the housing association aims to achieve over a period of 10 to 15 years.

Creating a desired portfolio involves:

  • Assessing the current and future housing needs.
  • Considering income developments and demographic changes.
  • Aligning with existing policies and strategic plans.
  • Setting specific goals for the number and types of homes, energy efficiency, and affordability.

By comparing the desired portfolio with the current portfolio, housing associations can identify areas that need improvement and plan accordingly.
  1. Establish the framework and restrictions:
  • Identify and document local agreements, regulations, and policies that the housing association must comply with.
  • Consider any constraints related to zoning laws, building codes, environmental regulations, and funding limitations.
  • Ensure the framework aligns with broader strategic goals and community development plans.
  1. Provide insight into the costs:
  • Conduct a financial analysis to estimate the costs associated with achieving each goal outlined in the desired portfolio.
  • Assess the financial impact of construction, maintenance, renovation, and energy efficiency improvements.
  • Evaluate the potential funding sources, such as government grants, loans, and rental income, to ensure financial viability.
  1. Prioritise the goals:
  • Organise a strategic session with key stakeholders, including board members, management, and community representatives, to discuss and prioritise the goals.
  • Use criteria such as urgency, impact, feasibility, and alignment with the housing association's mission and values to rank the goals.
  • Consider the potential benefits and trade-offs of each goal to make informed decisions.
  1. Translate the conclusions into a strategic portfolio plan:
  • Develop a comprehensive strategic portfolio plan that outlines the prioritised goals, timelines, and actions.
  • Define responsibilities and allocate resources to ensure the successful implementation of the plan.
  • Integrate the strategic portfolio plan into your multi-year budget to align financial forecasts with your strategic plan.

Incorporate performance indicators and monitoring systems to track progress and make any necessary adjustments

Interested in learning more about goal prioritisation?

Meet us at and chat with Annique Verkoeijen, Frank Vermeij, Thomas Landmann or David Kronbichler.

Join our knowledge breakout session: A new approach to financial planning on 19 March at 02.05pm.

Want expert help with your Board session on prioritising goals (step 4). Visit us at stand 126 on the exhibition floor for a chance to WIN a FREE Board session.

Questions about prioritising goals?

Don't hesitate to reach out to Annique or David using the details below.

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