How to Buy a House in the Netherlands: Ultimate Guide

Buying property is always a big step and a source of scary adventures. However, buying a house in the Netherlands offers a sense of stability and security, and it's always a great incentive to have control over your own property. It's also a smart investment. Buying a house is a crucial life decision, so it's important to prepare by doing research beforehand. In this article, we gathered all the things to take into account.

Which area to choose

There are a lot of options involved when buying a house. Even more so if you want to choose the neighborhood that specifically fits you. Here is a list of the 5 best towns to buy a property in 2024 in the Netherlands.

And if you're curious about the personal experience of people who have already bought their houses, check our articles on personal experience.

Where to find a house in the Netherlands

People search for apartments or houses on the Internet, through friends or real estate agencies. Advertisements for the sale of apartments are published on thematic portals about real estate, advertisement services, and social networks. Popular resources with advertisements for the sale of real estate on the primary and secondary markets are available in our article on housing marketplaces in the Netherlands.

Purchasing options

In the Netherlands you can buy an apartment entirely with your own money, in installments, with a mortgage, using maternity capital or a military mortgage. The most frequent option is to take a mortgage, learn what you need to take one out in the Netherlands.

Taxes and costs

There are plenty of costs and taxes involved in house purchase. To be aware of the financial implications, keep updated on the taxes and costs of buying a house in the Netherlands.

Finding the right real estate agency

Tracking down a suitable house to buy and doing all the subsequent negotiations require a lot of resources, so it's a good idea to contact a real estate agent. Sometimes, if you choose wrongly, you'll spend even more time with an agency. To avoid that, you can find out how to choose the right real estate agent in the Netherlands.

How to inspect a property

When buying a secondary or finished apartment, it is important to check its condition. It is better to inspect the apartment before moving in. Here is an article on all the things you should consider for an inspection.

How to negotiate with a seller

Negotiations with the seller are conducted with two goals: to check the apartment and to reduce the price. When buying an apartment on the secondary market, always ask the seller for a discount. Other rules and hacks can be found below.

What you need to know about the housing market in 2024

Recently, a major housing law has entered into effect in the Netherlands affecting the rental market. The so called Affordable Rent Act is influencing the current state of the housing market in the Netherlands. Here is the guide of what you need to know about it as well as what you need to do if you are subject to this law.