This question was addressed by Thomas de Graaff, Casper Klipp and Hans Koster. NV Zeedijk was founded in the 1980s to revitalize the then-deteriorated Zeedijk area in Amsterdam. By strategically purchasing, renovating, and actively managing properties, the organization – with the Municipality of Amsterdam as its largest shareholder – has significantly improved the liveability and safety of the neighbourhood. The researchers’ analysis shows that clusters of NV Zeedijk properties are associated with roughly 15% higher house prices – a societal benefit of about €10 million.
Moreover, in areas with many NV Zeedijk properties, the share of shops with ‘limited social value’ (such as souvenir and fast-food outlets) is 25% lower than elsewhere in the city centre, and there appears to be less nuisance and crime.
Successful approach
The strength of NV Zeedijk lies in its small scale and hands-on approach: targeted investments in liveability that have a lasting positive impact on the neighbourhood and its residents.