Real Estate in The Netherlands

How do I find a place to live in The Netherlands?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"I signed up with an estate agent. Several times a week I had to call them and sign up to see apartments. They only allow 8 people to see any one place, so the process is competitive. In the end, I befriended one of the agents and he helped me secure a place. I paid a one month's finder's fee. In terms of choosing neighborhood, I asked friends and colleagues. I luckily already lived in the Netherlands, just in another city. So I asked friends who already lived here where I should look. Finding someone who knows the city is key in Rotterdam. The difference between a good and bad neighborhood can be one street," said one expat in Rotterdam.

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Furnished Rentals in Netherlands from Homelike

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Netherlands. If you're moving to Netherlands, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Netherlands.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in The Netherlands?

"I live in a lovely canal house in Amsterdam. Most of my colleagues live in Amsterdam Oud Zuid thought. I prefer to be living in the centre since I have no car any way," said one expat who made the move to Amsterdam.

"I live in a small flat. I have a large bedroom, a small open kitchen/living room, and a shower/toilet with no sink--so I have to use the kitchen sink. I consider this very below standards in the U.S. I did have to buy my own oven, refrigerator, and washing machine. Likewise, I had to carpet the place. To leave the floors bare was not an option--it was not a nice wood floor but more like construction material. This is pretty normal here, however, so getting the household items is easy and not too expensive," explained one foreigner living in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

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We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Netherlands. If you're moving to Netherlands, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Netherlands.

SEARCH RENTALS

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Netherlands. If you're moving to Netherlands, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Netherlands.

SEARCH RENTALS

What is the average cost of housing in The Netherlands?

If you are thinking about moving to The Netherlands, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Factoring in space/square footage, probably a little less. Depends on what you came from and where you settle here. It isn't cheap," said one expat who made the move to The Hague.

"My housing costs are much higher. I pay around 1800 each month now agains around 800 US in Austin," explained one foreigner living in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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Should I buy or rent a home in The Netherlands?

If you have not spent a lot of time in The Netherlands, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in The Netherlands, there are several factors to consider. Perhaps the most important is whether you plan to stay in the country for a long period of time. If you intend to stay for several years, or possibly permanently, then buying a home could make more sense than renting as it can be a great investment and you can benefit from certain tax breaks. If you will only be living in the Netherlands for a short period of time, then renting a home may be the more suitable option. Additional factors to consider include your finances, lifestyle and personal preferences. It is advisable to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of each option before making a decision," explained one expat living in Netherlands.

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What do I need to know when buying property in The Netherlands?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in The Netherlands, they said:

"When buying property in The Netherlands, it is important to be aware of the legal requirements, taxes and fees associated with the purchase. Generally, the buyer is responsible for paying the estate agent's commission, conveyancing fees and legal costs associated with the transfer of title. Dutch law requires all parties to the transaction, including buyers and sellers, to be represented by a civil-law notary for the purchase of property. It is also important to familiarise yourself with mortgage loan conditions and Dutch inheritance laws, as these can affect future ownership of the property. Lastly, you should know the rules and regulations regarding residential property rentals in the Netherlands," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Netherlands.

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Are foreigners allowed to own property in The Netherlands?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in The Netherlands, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in The Netherlands. There is no restriction on foreign citizens buying a property in the country, though all purchases must be registered with a local notary office. The government does not place any additional taxes or fees on foreigners when buying a property, and non-residents of the Netherlands may also purchase a property and rent it out as an investment. Owners must declare the property and any rental income to the local tax authority as part of the owner’s annual tax declaration. There are some restrictions on foreign companies looking to own property in the Netherlands, but individuals are allowed to do so without limitation," explained one expat in Netherlands.

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What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in The Netherlands what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in The Netherlands usually come with a kitchen and a bathroom, including appliances such as a refrigerator, stove and oven, a washing machine and dryer, and possibly a dishwasher. Many rentals also include a vacuum cleaner, a mop, and other cleaning supplies and equipment. Furniture is not typically included, but outdoor furniture such as a balcony table and chairs might be provided," said one person in Netherlands.

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Additional Information about Searching for a Home in The Netherlands:

We asked foreigners in The Netherlands what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats searching for homes in The Netherlands generally start with doing online research such as looking at online real estate sites and filtering by city, size and budget. They can take a virtual tour of properties, research in-depth information about Dutch cities and neighbourhoods, and read reviews from other expats who have lived in the area. Expats can also connect with realtors who specialize in assisting the international community in finding suitable housing in The Netherlands. Additionally, searching for rental listings on rental websites such as Pararius and renting privately is usually another popular option for expats," said one in Netherlands.

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