This Lubach episode ("Diep Duik Donderdag") focuses on the Dutch housing market crisis. Arjen Lubach argues that the unfairness of the housing market can be significantly addressed by abolishing mortgage interest tax relief (hypotheekrenteaftrek).
Arjen Lubach uses the example of two couples, Kysia and Karel, and Hidde and Hanna, with similar incomes and lifestyles. Kysia's parents provide her with €50,000, enabling her and Karel to buy a house in Hoofddorp. Hidde and Hanna, lacking this financial assistance from family, end up renting a similar house in the same neighborhood. Over 30 years, Kysia and Karel pay off their mortgage and receive over €100,000 in government subsidies through the hypotheekrenteaftrek. Hidde and Hanna receive no such benefit. He further highlights how the system incentivizes those who already have advantages (like Kysia and Karel) to benefit even further, making the system inherently unequal. Another example illustrating the absurdity is the inclusion of a clip showing potable water contaminated with feces in a rental property. The juxtaposition shows the unfairness of renters subsidizing homeowners' tax breaks.
