10-Year Lease: Ukraine Refugee Shelter Near Dutch TV Stars’ Home

A new long-term lease has been signed for a housing location in Loosdrecht, Netherlands, intended for Ukrainian refugees. The location is situated next to the villa owned by Dutch television personalities Jaap Reesema and Kim Kötter, according to reporting from De Telegraaf.

The lease agreement is for a period of ten years, signaling a long-term commitment to providing housing for Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the Netherlands following the ongoing conflict. De Telegraaf’s report does not detail the capacity of the housing location, nor does it specify the governing body responsible for the lease.

The proximity of the refugee housing to the home of Reesema and Kötter has drawn some attention, though the report does not indicate any public statements from the television personalities regarding the arrangement. Reesema and Kötter are well-known in the Netherlands for their work on television programs such as Wie is de Mol? and Postcode Loterij Miljoenenjacht.

Long-Term Housing for Ukrainian Refugees in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has been a significant destination for Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war. As of December 2025, approximately 130,000 Ukrainian refugees were residing in the country, according to a report from the Dutch national ombudsman and the children’s ombudsman, as detailed in background information provided by DutchNews.nl. This new lease in Loosdrecht represents a continued effort to address the housing needs of this population.

The Dutch government’s policy regarding Ukrainian refugees is currently governed by the EU Temporary Protection Directive. This directive was extended in June 2025 to last until March 4, 2027, inclusive. The government is simultaneously working on plans to assist refugees who wish to return to Ukraine, as well as developing a long-term plan for those who may remain in the Netherlands beyond 2027, according to information available on Government.nl.

Concerns Regarding Refugee Housing Conditions

Recent reports have highlighted concerns about the suitability of housing provided to Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands. The national ombudsman and the children’s ombudsman have reported a sharp increase in complaints regarding a lack of privacy, inadequate facilities, and the need to share rooms with strangers, often in converted office buildings. Forced relocations, with residents being moved to locations with fewer amenities, have also been on the rise.

“We’ve been living in a house with two rooms since 2023,” one Ukrainian refugee told the ombudsman. “The council has now decided we have to leave one room and share the other with another family. I’ve told them that this will have a serious impact on my son, with no privacy, nowhere quiet to study and a negative impact on his welfare.”

Ukrainian refugee, as reported by the Dutch national ombudsman

The ombudsmen have also expressed concerns about the impact on children, noting that many have lived for extended periods in unsuitable accommodation, receive limited mental health support, and attend educational programs that do not adequately meet their needs. These issues are prompting calls for immediate action from both the government and local councils to ensure the dignity and well-being of Ukrainian refugees.

Housing Minister Mona Keijzer has indicated plans to close the accommodation facilities established for Ukrainian refugees “as soon as possible” once the EU’s special protection rules expire in 2027. The ten-year lease in Loosdrecht suggests a proactive approach to securing long-term housing solutions in anticipation of this transition.