WILLEMSTAD – The Fundashon pa Konsumidó, Curaçao’s leading consumer rights organization, is raising the alarm about the island’s rapidly rising housing prices. According to the foundation, the cost of living—especially in terms of housing—has skyrocketed in a short period, making it increasingly difficult for local residents to buy or rent a home independently.
A key factor, the foundation argues, is the surge in foreign investment in Curaçao’s real estate market. Wealthy buyers from abroad are able to purchase homes without restriction, while local residents must navigate the complex process of mortgage applications and income verification through banks. This imbalance, according to the organization, is a major driver behind the continued rise in housing prices.
Young Residents Particularly Affected
The housing crisis is especially hard on young people. The foundation notes that students wishing to return to Curaçao after their studies, or young couples hoping to move into their first home, are finding very few rental options available. Many residential units have been converted into short-term tourist accommodations, such as Bed & Breakfasts, removing them from the long-term rental market.
As a result, more and more people are being forced to live with relatives or share living expenses with others, eroding their independence. The foundation emphasizes that access to affordable housing is a basic human right.
A Growing Global Concern
The organization stresses that this trend is not unique to Curaçao. Other countries have already implemented regulations aimed at protecting local populations without entirely blocking foreign investment. The foundation cited a recent article by journalist Thomas Domhoff, which confirms that housing prices on the island have drastically increased in recent years.
In response to the growing crisis, the Fundashon pa Konsumidó has submitted an official request for a meeting with Minister of Economic Development Middelhof. The goal is to explore urgent policy changes and implement measures to restore balance to Curaçao’s housing market.
The organization urges swift government action to ensure that local residents are not pushed out of the market—and to reaffirm housing as a right, not a privilege.
