Strategic insight meets innovation

Affordability, financial risk, and forward planning under uncertainty were the themes taking center stage at our Dutch Housing Association Client Day 2025. Held on May 22 at one of the Netherlands’ most sustainable venues, De Kas in Woerden.

The event brought together housing professionals to explore the tools, technologies and strategies needed to navigate an increasingly complex landscape. From CFOs to asset managers, participants gained hands-on insights into tackling today’s most pressing challenges in the Dutch social housing sector.

Addressing the core challenges: affordability, investment risk and rent freeze impact

Amid growing pressure around housing affordability and increasing financial constraints, several sessions directly addressed the concerns of Dutch housing leaders:

• Modelling housing affordability in practice
  A joint methodology developed by Ortec Finance and partner ABF Research demonstrated how to assess the real cost of housing—beyond rent—by integrating energy costs, service costs and strategic scenarios into WALS.
  
  
• Balancing financial ambition with risk
  Experts from Ortec Finance and Dutch partner ‘Accent Advies’ explored how to maintain robust investment strategies whilst remaining within regulatory risk boundaries.
  
  
• Staying ‘in control’ during shifting policy
  A dedicated session addressed the Dutch government’s proposed national rent freeze, and the uncertainty it presents in long-term planning. Led by Maarten van ’t Hek (Senior Business Specialist), the session examined how to keep medium-term budgeting aligned despite shifting political decisions effecting financial outlooks—and emphasised the importance of sector-wide collaboration in turbulent times.
  
  Participant feedback was these sessions were particularly pertinent considering the shifting policy frameworks and rising scrutiny from funders and regulators, commenting they were “highly relevant”, “timely” and “immediately applicable”.

Practical innovation in action

The event also focused on how emerging technologies can unlock additional value. The FinTech Innovation Lightning Talks, a dynamic format praised for its clarity and pace, included:

• How we use Hackathons as a source of innovation, led live by our Information Analyst, Zoë Verheul
  
  
• A video briefing on reducing cloud-based CO₂ emissions by Lisette van Leeuwen, Software Engineer
  
  
• An in-depth examination of climate risk and flood exposure in real estate portfolios by Business Specialist Matthijs Prevaes, highlighting how flood scenarios are being integrated into strategic asset planning
  
  
• Live insights from Hens Steehouwer, CIO at Ortec Finance, on machine learning applications in financial modelling
  
  
• A compelling segment on Guided Advice in Wealth Planning from the Global Wealth Solutions team

Attendees found this format “fast-paced and rich with practical insight”, with one calling it “a model for how to communicate complex innovation clearly.”

What made the day special?

While the content was strong, it was the blend of strategic discussion, peer exchange and informal networking that made this client day stand out. The venue—De Kas, a greenhouse-style event space flooded with natural light, offered a relaxed, open environment where meaningful conversations could flourish.

The event opened with a lively group Haka and concluded with drinks and engaging discussion among like-minded individuals, leaving participants feeling energised and connected. Feedback described the day as:

“A perfect balance of substance and connection.”

“Highly relevant content with practical takeaways.”

“A refreshing setting for strategic exchange.”

Let’s continue the conversation

If you would like to explore how these insights apply to your English housing association or see how Ortec Finance solutions like WALS can support your strategic goals, we’d love to connect.

Contact David via the info below or learn more about our housing solutions.

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