The economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter of this year as consumers were able to spend more thanks to rising wages and benefits. Households had 2.8% more available to spend than at the same point in 2024 as a result of wage increases and increases in social security payments. The figures also show 28,000 more people were working by the end of the second quarter than in March, which is an increase of 4,000 on the previous estimate. The CBS also found the national mortgage debt grew by €12.6 bn to €911 bn, equivalent to 79.2% of GDP. The Netherlands has the third highest mortgage debt to GDP ratio in the world, behind Switzerland and Australia.