Buying a House
When buying a home in the Netherlands, it is common to use a real estate agent. As an international resident, it is strongly advised to hire a real estate agent (makelaar). There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of property for non-residents, but be aware that banks may impose their own rules.
Check whether the agent you want to hire is registered with a Dutch real estate professional association, such as NVM, VBO, or Vastgoed Pro. You can find property listings on websites such as Funda or VBO Makelaar.
The process of purchasing a house usually begins with a price agreement between seller and buyer, first verbally and then in a signed contract. This agreement is usually handled by a real estate agent. A down payment of 10% must be paid to the seller through a public notary.
Public Registry Office (Kadaster)
The notary will complete the transfer of the ownership, and the purchase will be registered in the Public Registry Office (Kadaster). If you need a mortgage (hypotheek), discuss the terms with the seller before making an offer.
You may also need to arrange a loan or banker’s guarantee to cover the deposit. For more information, check the ABN AMRO bank website, read this guide to Dutch mortgages from Expatica or speak with your real estate agent or bank.
Home owners association (Vereniging van Eigenaren)
When buying an apartment or a home, bear in mind that units are managed by a home owners association, the Vereniging van Eigenaren (VvE). The VvE is responsible for general repairs, maintenance and home insurance. Members have to financially contribute to their VvE. Ask if the VvE in the street you are moving to is active and what their financial status is.
If you are planning to buy a house, you should consider joining the Vereniging Eigen Huis (Home Owners’ Society). It is a consumer agency that focuses on the benefits of house ownership and the whole process, from buying and selling to making your property more environmentally-friendly and legal matters. They can also advise you on construction inspections and mortgages. Visit their website (in Dutch) for more information.
Home buyer costs
Home buyer costs include:
- Property transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting, 2% of the purchase price)
- Transfer contract (leveringsakte, 0.3% of the purchase price)
- Real estate agent fees, if applicable (makelaarscourtage, 0.5-2% of the purchase price)
- Mortgage advice fee, if applicable (hypoteekadvies, 1% of the mortgage or 1.2% of the purchase price)
- Mortgage contract (hypoteekakte, 0.15% of the purchase price)
- Valuation fee (taxatierapport, 0.2% of the purchase price)
Buying a foreign property is a big financial commitment, but understanding your options early on means you can budget for the purchase more effectively and potentially save a lot of money.
Keep exchange rates in mind when assessing your finances, as they can change quickly and can seriously affect your budget.
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