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Convert house to multi-unit cost Netherlands 2026 — price guide for splitting
How much does it cost to convert a house into multiple apartments or rooms for rent in the Netherlands in 2026? Costs, permits, fire safety and when an architect is required.
Quick answer
Converting a house into a multi-unit dwelling or rooms-for-rent property in the Netherlands costs on average € 40,000–€ 150,000 in 2026 depending on the number of units, quality level and fire safety requirements. An architect is always required for a change of use, apartment split or conversion to independent/non-independent residential units — for both the permit and the fire safety plan.
Conversion to multi-unit dwelling — costs
| Component | Description | Cost | |---|---|---| | Architect (permit + fire safety plan) | From sketch design to omgevingsvergunning | € 5,000–€ 20,000 | | Fire-resistant partition walls EI60 | Per m² | € 120–€ 200/m² | | Fire doors EI30/EI60 | Per door incl. fitting | € 600–€ 2,000/unit | | Shared stairwell upgrade | Per floor, incl. escape route | € 5,000–€ 15,000 | | Emergency lighting + evacuation signs | Per unit | € 500–€ 1,500 | | Linked smoke detector system | Per apartment | € 300–€ 800 | | Separate meter cupboard per unit | Per unit, incl. connection costs | € 1,500–€ 4,000 | | Kitchen and bathroom per unit | Depending on quality level | € 5,000–€ 20,000 | | Sound insulation (per partition wall) | RC value 52 dB (Building Code) | € 50–€ 150/m² | | Omgevingsvergunning fees | Depends on municipality | € 500–€ 5,000 |
When is an architect required?
| Situation | Requirement | |---|---| | Change of use (single-family → multi-unit) | Architect required for omgevingsvergunning | | Apartment split (zelfstandige eenheden) | Architect for split drawings + structural report | | Rooms for rent (≥ 2 non-independent units) | Architect for fire safety plan (Building Code Art. 2.83+) | | Changes to load-bearing structure | Architect + structural engineer required | | Listed building or protected townscape | Architect + Heritage Committee |
Building Code requirements for multi-unit dwellings
| Requirement | Standard Building Code 2024 | |---|---| | Fire resistance between units | EI60 (60 minutes) | | Sound insulation | ≥ 52 dB airborne sound insulation | | Escape route width | Min. 0.85 m (stairwell 0.90 m) | | Emergency lighting | Required for ≥ 2 units + common areas | | Linked smoke detectors | Required in all bedrooms, corridors and living rooms | | Sprinklers | Required at height > 13 m |
Role of the architect in conversion and splitting
- Change-of-use assessment: architect checks whether the zoning plan permits multi-unit use and applies for a deviation if needed (Art. 2.12 Wabo)
- Fire safety plan: architect designs partitions, escape routes and installations in compliance with the Building Code
- Split drawings: architect produces cadastral and structural drawings for the notary
- Pre-consultation with municipality: architect aligns the fire safety design with the municipality and any aesthetics requirements
- Structural coordination: architect coordinates the structural engineer for load-bearing changes
- Permit submission: architect handles the complete omgevingsvergunning dossier
Subsidies and financing
- Nationaal Warmtefonds: loan for insulation and energy-saving measures per unit
- ISDE subsidy: heat pump or hot water installation per unit
- Municipal housing policy: some municipalities subsidise conversion to rental units in housing shortage zones
Conclusion
Converting a house to a multi-unit dwelling costs on average € 40,000–€ 150,000 in 2026. An architect is required for every change of use, apartment split or rooms-for-rent conversion — for the permit, fire safety plan and split drawings.
archi.sulerr.com guides your multi-unit or splitting project from change-of-use application to completion — including fire safety plan, omgevingsvergunning and contractor coordination.