Finding the perfect home can be a challenging endeavor, especially in a competitive housing market like The Hague. Matilda, a 35-year-old Croatian who moved to the Netherlands ten years ago to pursue her music career, knows this all too well. Now settled with her husband Brian and their young daughter Lumi, Matilda’s journey to homeownership is a story of determination, compromise, and ultimately, triumph.

Name Matilda
City Hague
Area Oud Scheveningen
Type 3-bedroom
House cost (approximate) €500,000
Time from bidding to buying Bought without bidding
Cost to buy (Financial Advisor) €3,000
Monthly mortgage payment -
Mortgage term 30 years
Interesting Fact Because of this beachfront, The Hague is known as "international city on the sea"

The Search Begins

Matilda and Brian knew from the start that they wanted to live in The Hague. Their dream was to be close to the beach, which was non-negotiable for both of them. Brian, an avid surfer, wanted to be near the waves, while Matilda, who grew up by the coast in Croatia, longed for a home that reminded her of her roots.

"We were sure about The Hague and being close to the beach," Matilda recalls. However, their search quickly proved challenging. The housing market in Scheveningen, their ideal neighborhood, was highly competitive. The available properties were often old and in need of significant renovation, which didn’t align with their desire for a turnkey home.

Bidding Disappointments

The couple made bids on four different apartments, but each time, they were outbid. "It was very frustrating. We thought we were offering a lot, but someone else always offered more," Matilda says. This experience led them to expand their search to a neighborhood slightly further from the beach, about 15 minutes away. There, they found newer homes that met more of their criteria, but Brian felt the distance was too far from the surf spots.

A New Opportunity: The Lumen Project

Just as they were beginning to feel discouraged, Brian’s father suggested they look into a new development project called Lumen. Located right on the beach in Scheveningen, it seemed like the perfect fit. They attended an information session and were immediately drawn to the project. "It felt like it was meant to be," Matilda says.

The selection process for the apartments was unique—it was essentially a lottery. Interested buyers had to submit a story about themselves and why they wanted to live in the building. Matilda and Brian did just that, and a few months later, while on vacation in Croatia, they received the call: they had been selected to purchase their first-choice apartment.

The Purchase Process

The apartment they secured is a ground-floor corner unit with large windows offering plenty of natural light. It spans 119 square meters and includes three bedrooms, an open-plan living room and kitchen, a bathroom, a separate toilet, and a storage room. The building itself offers additional amenities, including a surf room where residents can store their equipment, shower, and rinse off after a day at the beach, as well as a community room with a sea view.

One of the benefits of purchasing in a new development was that there was no need for bidding. "What they asked for was what we paid," Matilda explains. They were required to purchase a parking space and had the option to upgrade the basic kitchen and bathroom that came with the apartment. However, Matilda was surprised by how costly even small changes to the layout were. "Every little thing cost a lot of money," she notes.

Financial Challenges

Buying a new-build apartment came with its own set of challenges. Although they secured a mortgage with the help of a financial advisor, the project’s delays—caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors—meant they were paying both rent and a mortgage for nearly three years. "We budgeted for two years, but it ended up being three. That was tough," Matilda admits.

Settling In

Despite the financial strain and the lengthy wait, Matilda and Brian couldn’t be happier with their new home. "We love the location and the apartment. It’s everything we dreamed of," she says. Being so close to the beach means they can easily take their daughter for walks along the boulevard or spend afternoons on the sand during the summer. Brian can hit the waves whenever the conditions are right, fulfilling his passion for surfing.

However, living in a large building with 69 other apartments has required some adjustment. There are numerous rules to follow, and as part of the owners’ association, residents must navigate community decisions together. "It’s not the same as having your own house with your own rules, but it’s a really nice community," Matilda says.

One unexpected issue has been with the building’s heating system. The floor heating, which was part of the original plan, has been problematic, and the issue still hasn’t been fully resolved. "It’s taken time, but they’ve fixed 80% of the problem so far," Matilda reports.

A Bright Future by the Sea

Despite these minor setbacks, Matilda is thrilled with the outcome of their journey. The apartment, with its stunning sea views and proximity to the beach, is the perfect place for her family to grow. "We’re really happy here," she says with a smile.

For those considering a similar path, Matilda’s advice is to stay patient and be prepared for unexpected challenges. "It was hard work, but it was worth it. We found our dream home."

With their new life by the sea, Matilda, Brian, and Lumi are now living the coastal dream they always envisioned.