When it comes to housing in the Netherlands, there’s a lot you need to know. Where is the best place to find or sell a home? How much should you be overbidding? How much should you be selling for? 

While it’s great to be on top of all this knowledge, it’s helpful to remind yourself that knowing what’s best for you and your housing dreams is literally a full-time job. In fact, there are professionals who can manage all of this (and more) for you. 

This is where I step aside and introduce Indra Manniesing’s team at Dutch Real Estate Company. Not only will this team of licensed professionals walk you through the process of buying, selling or renting a home in the Netherlands, but they’ll also take it a step further.

How? Let’s talk about it. 

Step one: finding and securing your dream home

Have you finally made the decision to take root in the Netherlands? Go you, and great decision. Now, you’re going to be needing a home of your own. Who you gonna call? Not Ghostbusters — a real estate agent. 

Starting the hunt

Once you’ve met with one of Dutch Real Estate Company’s licensed professionals and laid out what it is you are looking for, they will start the hunt for your ideal home. And no, it’s not as simple as online research. 

Dutch Real Estate Company’s team will use their professional knowledge and network to get you into viewings before a home has even hit the online market — this is a huge plus during the current Dutch housing crisis. 

Inspecting and appraising the property

Ok great, you’ve got yourself a viewing. An estate agent can attend the viewing with you to walk you through any important features, as well as to flag any potential issues.

READ MORE | Housing & rental scams in the Netherlands: ultimate red flag guide

Fallen in love with a home? Fabulous! Now, it’s time for the professionals to step in and make sure you’re not about to get your heart broken by an over-valued property or hidden costs. 

Using their knowledge of the area, they will be able to map out whether or not the sellers are asking for too much and also whether or not you’ll encounter any costly repair work. 

Handling the negotiations and the notary

Once your dream home has been given the all-clear, it’s time for the two dreaded N’s — negotiations and the notary.

This is where financial talk comes in, and unless you consider yourself a pro (one who speaks Dutch as well!), it’s best to tackle these with a professional. 

Dutch Real Estate Company’s agents are not only skilled negotiators, but they can also help you prepare your bid and even offer mortgage advice. It’s all part of what they offer when you become a client. 

Step two: making your new house a home

Indra describes her company’s services as a “one-stop-shop” — and she really means it. Not only will her agents help you find and obtain your dream house in the Netherlands, but they’ll also help you with one of the most important steps: making it yours. 

Getting the lights on

First things first, they’ll get everything running for you. Yep. Forget about the hassle of trying to navigate the bureaucratic maze that is setting up Dutch utilities. 

Hand it over to your Dutch Real Estate Company agent, tell them what you need, they’ll get the lights on, and you can focus on deciding where you want to install that reading nook.   

Provide you with the tools to renovate

Speaking of reading nooks, if you’re looking to renovate, you can always ask Indra’s team for help with this too. 

No, your real estate agent isn’t going to step into some overalls and inform you that they are also a skilled carpenter — but they do have a team of experienced in-house contractors who will transform your house into a home.

And trust us, this is a huge helping hand when you are new to the world of renovation in the Netherlands. 

Make it yours (styling)

Now, time to find the perfect hue of burgundy to paint that feature wall. Can you guess what we’re going to say? Let the Dutch Real Estate Company team help you. 

Yep, they even have a team of skilled stylists to make your home look like the inside of an interior design catalogue — or a frat den, whatever your preference.  

Step three: making others love your home

Or perhaps you’re not looking to buy a home — but sell or rent one. Geen probleem (no problem), Indra’s team can also make sure your home is loved by others too. 

READ MORE | How to sell your house in the Netherlands: 7 tips

Making your home look its best

Looking to sell? Great. Your real estate agent will carry out a valuation of your home and advise you on its best assets and how to optimise them. Again, they can help you out with any renovations and styling before getting it up on the market. 

Once your home has enjoyed its glow-up, your agent will take professional photos and curate the perfect description and floor plan — ensuring that it looks its best for any potential buyers. 

Handling the viewings

It’s one thing to look great, but selling a property takes more than just a pretty face. Your agent can show any potential buyers around your home and use their professional eye to point out its most valuable assets.

Checking the tenants/buyers

We are precious about our homes — and with good reason! Whether you’re parting ways with your property for good or renting it out to tenants, you want to know that it’s in the best hands and that it’s valued. 

If you’re unsure of who to hand the keys to, Dutch Real Estate Company can even help you with this. Your estate agent will run a credit check on any potential buyers/renters and can advise you on whether your home is being undervalued. 

How have you experienced buying a house in the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below! 

Let’s be real, sustainability might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re trying to sort your mortgage in the Netherlands.

But, it’s a super important thing to consider before agreeing to the terms of your mortgage — and even after! 

Why? Because there are a number of ways that you can use your mortgage to help fund sustainable remodelling and renovations on your Dutch home. After all, shouldn’t we be rewarded for implementing energy-saving measures?

Sustainable remodelling: a growing trend in the Netherlands

With the issue of climate change at the forefront of many people’s minds — and inflation sending energy prices through the roof — many homeowners in the Netherlands are not only looking into remodelling their homes but also making them more sustainable.

In fact, the past few years have seen the interest in sustainably refurbishing homes skyrocket. As of May 2023, no fewer than 83% of homeowners in the Netherlands have either made their homes more sustainable in the past two years or plan on doing so in the next two years.

In fact, from January 1 2024, you are also able to borrow more based on the home’s energy label.

For example, those looking to mortgage a home with an energy label of C or D may be able to borrow €5,000 extra, and those looking at zero-metre homes? Up to a whopping €50,000 extra.

However, it’s not just the houses with higher energy labels that will benefit.

From 2024, those looking to buy houses with a lower energy label (E, F or G) can borrow more in order to finance sustainable renovations. This amount can vary between €10,000 and €20,000.

So, what exactly is it that you should do with your mortgage in order to help make this possible? Let’s talk about it.

New home? Here’s how you can use your mortgage to make it more sustainable 

Ok, you’re about to get a Dutch mortgage — congrats! Let’s run through all the steps you can take in order to fund any sustainable renovations that you plan on doing in the future.   

First things first, talk to your mortgage advisor

Mira suggests that the first thing you do is sit down with your mortgage advisor and discuss exactly what it is you want to do to make your home more sustainable. Based on the valuation of your home and the terms of the mortgage, your advisor will point you towards two different options. 

Option one: Set up a bouwdepot 

One thing you can do is talk to your mortgage consultant and ask them to set up a bouwdepot for you. A bouw-de-what? I hear you ask. A bouwdepot, meaning “construction deposit”, is a loan that can be taken from your mortgage and then used to finance future renovations on your home. 

A bouwdepot is usually organised during the process of establishing the terms of your mortgage. In order to set it up, an appraiser will consider the renovations you would like and make an estimate of the amount needed. 

READ MORE | Which experts can save you money when buying a house in the Netherlands?

Then it’s up to you to turn to the banks (with proof) and ask them to finance the loan. Secured that bag of money? Great! Once the mortgage advisor has arranged the bouwdepot, clients can declare their invoices directly with the bank. This will already be activated following final approval at a notary appointment.

Option two: Apply for an Energiebespaarbudget (energy saving budget) 

Not exactly sure of what renovations you would like to make but know that you do want to make your home more energy efficient in the future? Then the Energiebespaarbudget, meaning “Energy saving budget”, is the best option for you. 

Similar to a bouwdepot, the Energiebespaarbudget is a construction deposit that can be organised alongside your mortgage and set aside to fund future renovations. 

However, it’s different from a bouwdepot in two main ways: 

• You can borrow up to 106% of the value of the house.
• You don’t have to figure out what renovations you want to make until later on.  

READ MORE | How to make the most of your Dutch mortgage: renovating and refinancing

How can you use your existing mortgage to make your home more sustainable? 

Already have your mortgage but looking between your drafty windows and those new energy bills? Geen probleem! There are still ways that you can use your mortgage to finance some sustainable and energy-saving renovations in your home. 

Option one: refinance your mortgage

Okay, yes, it sounds scary — but for many people in the Netherlands, refinancing your mortgage is a feasible option that may even save you money in the long run. 

How? You may be wondering. The key answer here is interest rates. If you took out a mortgage 10 years ago, then chances are you are currently paying higher interest rates on your monthly payments compared to today’s interest rates — even since their recent rise. 

READ MORE | After buying a house in the Netherlands — the ultimate aftersale guide for expats

While interest rates in the Netherlands have started rising again after years of hitting an all-time low, it’s important to note that in the grand scheme of things, they are still relatively low.

On top of this, while mortgage interest rates may be rising, so are saving rates! What can you do with this extra equity once you have refinanced your mortgage? Carry out some sustainable renovations! 

Again, Mira suggests that you talk to your mortgage advisor and explore your options. You can reduce the interest rate on your whole mortgage or obtain an extra amount, this all depends on your mortgage conditions and your income.  

Option two: obtain an additional loan or open a Bouwdepot 

While most mortgage advisors arrange the bouwdepot whilst also setting up a mortgage, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible after you have bought a house. Speak to your mortgage advisor to find out how!

Ways sustainable remodelling can save you money in the Netherlands

While the cost of refinancing your mortgage may make your eyes water, it’s important to note that part of this cost can actually be reduced. 

Reduced interest rates 

The Netherlands smiles down on those who choose to be sustainable — and as a result, many Dutch mortgage providers will actually reduce their monthly interest rates based on the energy label of your home. 

READ MORE | Interest, inflation, and lower house prices: what does this mean for Dutch housing?

So, did you take your home’s energy label from an E to an A? Great! You’ll be paying lower interest each month — meaning you start making back some of the money you spent on those renovations. 

National Insulation Programme 

The Dutch government also sees the value in sustainably remodelling your home. For example, through the National Insulation Programme (Nationaal Isolatieprogramma), you will receive a subsidy to cover up to 30% of the costs of re-insulating your home and/or installing a hybrid heat pump. 

Mortgage costs and tax 

It’s also worth keeping in mind that many of the costs involved in getting a mortgage in the Netherlands are tax-deductible. Meaning that whether you’ve just set up your mortgage or you decided to refinance in order to make some sustainable renovations, you will get some of that money back! 

Will you be opting for a more sustainable home this year? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

So you’ve decided to buy a house in the Netherlands! You know your borrowing capacity, you know where you want to live, and you know you’ve found yourself the perfect home. But you also know about those extra costs, right?

We hate to rain on your parade — but there are a number of significantly important extra costs that you need to consider before you go ahead and buy a house in the Netherlands. Let’s run through them.

The valuation report (Taxatierapport)

The first thing you may decide to do once you’ve set your sights on your dream home is to get the property valued. In the Netherlands, this is called getting a taxatierapport and, of course, it’s going to cost you some money.

That being said, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment. While it’s very popular in the Netherlands to ask a hefty sum for a home, you don’t want to be downright swindled.

READ MORE | The dos and don’ts of buying a house in the Netherlands, according to the experts

By opting to get a taxatierapport, you’re given a better understanding of the actual value of the home (which can also help when comparing the house to other potentials!) The last thing you want is to dish out your hard-earned money on a property that isn’t valued correctly. 

The building report (bouwkundig rapport)

A bouwkunding rapport (building report) is a constructional report of the house. This is usually done before you buy the house — and with good reason! You need to know a building is architecturally and constructionally sound before you move in, of course.

Think of all those characteristically charming, albeit crooked, old Dutch houses. As romantic as they are, it’s best to know that they’re not going to finally give in to gravity while you’re living there. 

Transfer Tax (overdrachtsbelasting)

In the Netherlands, if you move into a pre-existing home (i.e. not a new build), you must pay what is called the overdrachtsbelasting or transfer tax.

READ MORE | 10 things that will surprise you about renting in the Netherlands

It’s important that you keep this tax in mind when bidding on a home as it is a notable additional sum that can amount to up to 2% of the cost of buying your house! (0% if you’re starting your homeowner career and 10.4% if you’re buying for investing in 2023).

Mortgage advice (Hypotheekadvies) 

Naturally, when you decide to buy a house in the Netherlands, you’re also deciding to take out a mortgage (unless you can pay in all-cash, in which case we’re raising our eyebrows).

Many choose to enlist the help of a mortgage advisor when setting up their mortgage — and naturally, this is going to cost you some dough. 

While some may try to keep costs down by not hiring a mortgage advisor, an advisor can actually be a clever investment. A mortgage advisor is an expert in negotiating and holds pre-existing relationships with certain banks.

All this can lead to better mortgage terms for you — which in turn leads to reduced costs in the long run. 

Also, how’s your Dutch? Because if that ain’t up to “I understand hypotheekrenteaftrek“-levels, then you might just want to get on board with a mortgage advisor so you get all those important docs in English too.

Mortgage contract (hypotheekakte) 

Yep. Once you settle on a mortgage plan, you’re going to need to pay for the mortgage deed (hypotheekakte).

In simple terms, a hypotheekakte is basically a promise to the banks that if you can’t repay your mortgage, the bank can take the house. This will be drawn up by a notary. 

The realtor fee (Makelaarscourtage)

Another professional that may get involved when you decide to buy a house is a realtor. You can think of a realtor as someone who will guide you through the entire process of buying a house: from the search, right through to the notary’s office. 

As you can imagine, the price for such services isn’t low. A realtor will usually charge between 1-2% of the property costs. 

Again, while the cost may initially spook you, this is a worthwhile investment in the long run. A realtor will likely help save you money by negotiating the price on your behalf (they’re experts at this) and advising on whether a property is priced above or below its value! 

Notary fee (kosten leveringsakte)

As you may have noticed, we keep on mentioning the word “notary” in this article — as we should. They play an integral role when it comes to buying a house in the Netherlands. 

READ MORE | How to buy a house in the Netherlands: 9 steps

Buying a house is a big deal, someone needs to oversee the exchange of money and make sure all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed. A notary is a legal professional who will essentially manage all the legal matters when it comes to buying a house in the Netherlands. 

Interpreter (tolk) for meeting with the notary

If you’re an international in the Netherlands, then sometimes an interpreter is needed when it comes to understanding the important things. When it’s time to go to the notary’s office, even many Dutch people will struggle to understand what exactly is happening. 

This means that in your case, if you don’t speak Dutch, it may certainly be worthwhile getting a professional translator involved to walk you through what exactly is happening at the notary’s office. It’s not exactly the best place to just nod and smile when you’re uncertain. 

Bank guarantee (bankgarantie)

You can think of a bank guarantee as the bank vouching for you when you want to put down a deposit on a house.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals

With a guarantee, the bank claims that even if you cannot pay the deposit on the house, it will be paid by the bank, and lets the seller know that you truly want to purchase the home.

Ready to get the experts involved? 

Figuring out the additional costs of buying a house can warrant a book in itself — so what about everything else that comes with buying a house in the Netherlands? 

Can you think of any other important additional costs? Tell us about them in the comments below!

If there’s anything you want to know about buying a house in the Netherlands, the first thing is probably how to save money while doing it. 

The answer? Get some experts involved. Heh? But don’t they cost money?? Yes, but trust us, it’s a worthwhile investment that will save you in the long run. 

A mortgage expert (hypotheek adviseur) to help you  

First things first: you need to consider your situation. You want to buy a house in a foreign country — and there’s a good chance you can’t navigate the complexities of a house hunt in Dutch. 

READ MORE | 8 steps to getting a mortgage and buying a house in the Netherlands for expats

That’s fair enough, many internationals in the Netherlands find themselves in exactly this situation — and that’s when you should enlist the help of a mortgage expert.

A mortgage expert knows anything and everything about the financial aspect of buying a house in the Netherlands, and can find you the best deal for you on the market.

READ MORE |  What is the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)?

Sure, if you go to the bank, you will get their products. However, others may actually have better conditions for your particular situation. This is why independent advisors have more insight and can be really valuable when saving you money.

In the Netherlands, you can only apply for a mortgage when you have a property, but you need to know your budget and find the right house that suits your needs and abilities.

This is what makes advisors so important. You will see them at the start of the process but also through to the end when signing the dotted line.

A real estate agent (aankoopmakelaar) to find the right house

Once you’ve calculated your potential mortgage and know your budget, it’s time to begin the hunt for your dream home.

READ MORE |  7 ways buying a house in the Netherlands could save you money (wait what?)

But hold up! Before you run to Funda and start bidding every last penny that you have, it’s best to bring in a real estate agent, or aankoopmakelaar as they’re called in the Netherlands.

Why? Most importantly, they can advise you on whether or not a house is really worth the money it’s up for. Before you go throw hundreds of thousands of euros away, your real estate agent will use their experience and expertise to advise you on whether or not you can get more for less. 

Not only this, but they’ll also advise you on how much money you should overbid on a home (if any!) — meaning they’ll save you some much-needed moolah. 

An appraiser (taxateur) to value the house

Realtor aside, an appraiser (taxateur) is a certified professional whose sole purpose is to determine whether or not the house you’re looking at is over-valued. 

They don’t do this by just staring at the house and holding a finger up to the wind. Nee, a taxateur uses a points-based valuation system to create a valuation report of the property. 

READ MORE | Interest, inflation, and lower house prices: what does this mean for Dutch housing?

Using this valuation report, you can determine whether or not the home is really worth your money. 

A structural evaluator (structurele beoordelaar) to avoid hidden costs

If anything costs money, it’s a house that’s falling apart. This is why a structural evaluation is a must before you buy a house.

While an evaluation of the house is not technically compulsory, it’s a very important step in the home-buying process, as it will uncover any pricey red flags that may not be noticeable on a surface level. 

READ MORE | 7 Dutch cities to move to right now (recommended by mortgage experts)

For example, perhaps that shiny and glimmering home actually hides a nasty crack in the roof beneath those gorgeous clay tiles? 

Fixing this after buying the home could be an expensive waking nightmare. This is why it should be flagged before you sign the dotted line — save yourself the financial ruin. 

A notary (notaris) to handle the legal process 

Another expert who should definitely get involved in the process of helping you buy your dream home is a notary, known as a notaris in the Netherlands. 

Unless you’ve studied law and are fluent in Dutch, then you’re going to be needing a notaris on your dream team. In fact, enlisting the services of a notary is mandatory when buying or selling a house in the Netherlands. 

Your notary will take care of all the legal documentation, such as drafting the mortgage deed, overseeing the transfer of the property and, most importantly, ensuring your money lands in the right place. 

READ MORE | Am I eligible to get a mortgage in the Netherlands?

While it’s compulsory to hire a notary, this certainly doesn’t mean you’re throwing your money away. You can rest easy knowing that all your complex legal documentation is in order and that the transfer of funds is carried out safely under the watchful eyes of an expert.

In the Netherlands, there are many things that you can skip out on in order to save money: get a better bank account, opt for unbranded items in the supermarket, and maybe (sadly) cut down on the takeaway coffees.  

But when it comes to the process of buying a house and hiring experts, you need to invest money to make money. Sure, it’s cash leaving your bank account, but with the help of these experts you’ll be saved from many costly mistakes and decisions. 

Have you enlisted the help of experts when buying a house in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Times are turbulent, so it’s understandable if you find yourself unsure of whether or not to buy a house in the Netherlands right now. We found ourselves humming and hawing as well. 

So we decided to turn to the experts!  

We sat down with Expat Mortgage’s Fred van Maanen to discuss everything from hectic housing bids to student debt before posing the all-important question: is now the time to buy a house in the Netherlands?

Here’s what we found out.

House prices aren’t as high as last year

While it might feel like the cost of everything has risen by about 70%, this isn’t the case for house prices in the Netherlands.

One thing to consider when trying to decide whether or not to buy a house in the Netherlands is the fact that, while house prices are on the increase again, at the moment, they are lower in some regions than they were last year. 

READ MORE | 7 Dutch cities to move to right now (recommended by mortgage experts)

“According to a recent report by ABN AMRO, house prices are actually 4.3% lower compared to July 2022,” Fred tells us. 

Surprisingly, this drop in price is mostly seen for homes in the Netherlands’ largest cities, such as The Hague and the greater Amsterdam area. 

So there’s no need to imagine yourself adjusting to life in a homestead somewhere in Friesland.  

Singles can borrow extra money

The days of scouring Tinder for someone to buy a house with are gone. 

From 2024, singles with an income of at least €28,000 per year will be able to borrow an additional €16,000 towards the purchase of their home. 

The Dutch government has done this to encourage singles to get on the property ladder. You heard ‘em, forget what Hugo De Jonge says: You don’t need a man to own a home.  

READ MORE | Your borrowing power for a mortgage in the Netherlands in 2023

The ongoing Dutch housing shortage is unlikely to improve

Another reason why Fred says internationals should consider buying a house now is that there simply may not be enough houses left if you wait too long.

Due to a series of unfortunate events (the fall of the Dutch government, increased costs for materials, and increased land prices), the construction of new houses in the Netherlands has been significantly delayed. 

And what exactly does that mean? According to Fred, “We are currently experiencing a shortage of 390,000 houses in the Netherlands.”

READ MORE | Why is there a housing shortage in the Netherlands? The Dutch housing crisis explained

The result? People are entering into bidding wars, ultimately hiking up the selling prices of homes. “We see that overbidding is taking place more often,” he says.

Fred tells us a particularly spooky story about a house for sale in Jordaan, Amsterdam, where people overbid by 20%.

“The buying agent was flabbergasted,” Fred tells us. And it’s not just Amsterdam. “I can see it more often in Haarlem and Leiden too.”  

“The Dutch housing market is turning towards being a seller’s market again, so you have to act fast.”

With supply dwindling and demand only growing, Fred’s advice is simple: if you can get your foot in the door before it closes, lace up your steel-toed boots and do it.

Your student debt still has an effect on your borrowing power

Got student debt? Then you need to consider how it will impact your borrowing power before you buy a house. Fred recommends that you try to reduce it as much as you can before meeting with a mortgage advisor. 

This is because, in Fred’s own words, your mortgage advisor will “always take it into account when calculating your borrowing power — because ultimately that money will leave your wallet.” 

READ MORE | Which experts can save you money when buying a house in the Netherlands?

You may be thinking, but hey, hasn’t it recently been announced that the impact of Dutch student loans on Dutch mortgages will be reduced — yes, but not in the way you may think. 

As of 2024, only your current student debt will be taken into account when calculating your borrowing power. Before, this was the initial student debt.

What’s important to take away from this, however, is that your student loans will still play a role in determining your borrowing power. They won’t be forgotten.  

What about international student loans? Fred said the same goes for these. Regardless of whether you have student debt in the Netherlands or in Spain, your mortgage advisor will always take your student debt into account.

As Fred says, “any debt, loan, credit line and private lease will be considered.”

So, is now the time to buy a house in the Netherlands? That depends on your debt! 

You can currently benefit from multiple sustainable subsidies 

If there’s anything the Netherlands loves, it’s making sustainable changes (at least for now, *looks towards Geert Wilders*). 

That’s why you will actually be financially rewarded if you agree to buy and make sustainable changes to a home. 

In the Netherlands, you can currently get a mortgage for 106% of the value of the home if you want to make sustainable changes to it. 

From January 1 2024, you will also be able to borrow more based on the home’s energy label. 

READ MORE | What is the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)?

For example, those looking to mortgage a home with an energy label of C or D may be able to borrow €5,000 extra, and those looking at zero-metre homes? Up to a whopping €50,000 extra. 

However, it’s not just the houses with higher energy labels that will benefit. 

From 2024, those looking to buy houses with a lower energy label (E, F or G) will be able to borrow more in order to finance sustainable renovations. This amount can vary between €10,000 and €20,000. 

It’s easier to qualify for the NHG

Another reason why now might be the time to buy a home in the Netherlands is that the NHG maximum is about to become higher. 

The Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG) translates to the National Mortgage Guarantee. 

The NHG is a guarantee on your mortgage that’s available in the Netherlands. It offers protection against any remaining debt if you can’t pay your mortgage due to involuntary unemployment, divorce, or inability to work.

Usually, you can only buy homes under a certain price in order to benefit from the NHG. However, in 2024, this limit has been raised to €435,000. This means many more hopeful homeowners will be able to benefit from the NHG. 

Verdict: Should you buy a house in the Netherlands in 2024?

So, what’s the verdict? Should internationals buy a house in the Netherlands in 2024? According to Fred, the answer is to look at your (you, the reader’s) current position.

“What are you paying in rent? Is it better to buy? How much debt are you in? Run the numbers to see what’s possible, it’s good to get informed about your potential to buy a house.” 

You may be pleasantly surprised! Fred is quick to point out that “the position of international clients is currently good.” As an international, you are likely a skilled worker with a high income.

This is in part thanks to the 30% ruling, “this gives you five years of extra income to spend,” Fred says, which greatly improves your borrowing power — and as a result, your chances of becoming a homeowner in the Netherlands. 

Don’t benefit from the 30% ruling? Your chances of becoming a homeowner are still improving. 

READ MORE | 7 ways buying a house in the Netherlands could save you money (wait what?)

ABN AMRO expects “affordability to improve because collective labour agreement wage growth will remain elevated and interest rates are expected to decrease slightly.” 

So, have you crunched the numbers? Is your current position more favourable, or is it time for you to contact a mortgage broker? 

Expat Mortgages are happy to sit down with you and figure out what suits you best. Simply book a free appointment.

What do you think of the current Dutch housing market? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!  

If you’re an international who is looking to settle down and get a mortgage in the Netherlands, you’ve probably come across the term: Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG). While you may not know what it means, trust us: it’s very important. 

Especially if you want to take the leap and buy a home with a few extra safety nets attached. What do we mean? Let’s get into it.  

First things first, what is the NHG? 

The Nationale Hypotheek Garantie translates to the National Mortgage Guarantee. 

The NHG is a guarantee on your mortgage that’s available in the Netherlands. It offers protection against any remaining debt if you can’t pay your mortgage due to involuntary unemployment, divorce, or an inability to work.

Should anything like this happen, the people at the NHG and your bank will try to find solutions so that you are able to stay in your house (instead of selling it).

If you are forced to sell your house and have to sell it for less than your mortgage balance, the NHG will cover the debt that’s left. Phew!

READ MORE | Which experts can save you money when buying a house in the Netherlands?

The NHG will cost you 0.6% of the mortgage amount. However, it comes with great benefits and is a popular option among hopeful Dutch and international homeowners in the Netherlands. 

What are the requirements for the NHG?

It’s important to know that the NHG is not available to everyone. In fact, there are a number of requirements that need to be met in order to benefit: 

Type of employment

If you have a permanent contract, your gross annual income will be taken into account. “If you have a temporary contract, you must be able to show a letter of intent for an indefinite contract from your boss,” Fred explains.

“If you have a flexible contract or you can’t get the required intent for an indefinite contract, the average income over the past three calendar years will be taken into account. Hopeful buyers should also note that a probation period must have been passed first.”

If you’re a freelancer

If you own a freelance business, you must prove that you have earned an income from the business over the past three calendar years, and you must be registered at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. However, there are other ways to meet this requirement, Fred tells us.

“Sometimes it’s possible to show just one calendar year of your business’s earnings plus showing the earned income from the same type of work as an employee in the two years before.

The purchase price of the house

The purchase price of the house, including renovations, must not exceed the NHG limit.

Your debts

Debt can also have an impact. “If you have a personal loan, credit line, overdraft or any other financial obligation such as a private lease car or mobile phone contract, your loan-to-income range will be affected. Ground lease and leasehold payments will also be taken into account.”

What is the NHG limit in 2024?

When it comes to applying for an NHG mortgage, it’s important to note that there’s a price cap on the expense of the home you wish to take out a mortgage on. 

In 2024, the NHG is only available for house sale prices in the Netherlands that are a maximum of €435,000. This is an increase of €30,000 compared to 2023!

However, there’s one exception to this rule: if you want to take measures to make the home more sustainable, then the mortgage value can be raised to 106% of the value of the home. 

READ MORE | Your borrowing power for a Dutch mortgage

This means that if you want to get an NHG mortgage on a house worth €435,000, but want to take measures to make it more sustainable, then the borrowing limit will be raised to €461,100.

The extra money must be used for sustainable renovations, such as installing solar panels or better insulation. 

Are internationals in the Netherlands eligible for the NHG? 

In short, yes! If you are eligible for a mortgage in the Netherlands and meet the above requirements as well as the following, then you are just as eligible for a Dutch mortgage as a born and bred Nederlander. 

READ MORE | 8 steps to getting a mortgage and buying a house in the Netherlands for expats

As always, it’s a bit easier if you’re from the EU. In this case, the NHG doesn’t discriminate based on nationality, just whether or not you are able to finance the loan.

“If you’re a non-EU citizen — including someone from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein — you will need a permanent residence permit,” Fred explains.

However, it’s not end-game if you don’t have this. 

“You can also be eligible for a Dutch mortgage if you have an EU residence permit for long-term residents, or a document ‘Permanent Residence Permit for Citizens of the Union’, or a residence permit in the Netherlands for a purpose of stay that is not temporary within the meaning of Article 3.5 of the Aliens Decree.”

“For instance, being a highly-skilled migrant (so-called kennismigrant) is considered a non-temporary stay.”

Why should you opt for a mortgage with the NHG?

There are many reasons why you should consider taking out a National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG) as an international in the Netherlands. 

Firstly, lenders offer much lower interest rates if you opt for the NHG when sealing the deal on your Dutch mortgage. Lower interest rates mean lower monthly payments — leading to more money in your back pocket. 

READ MORE | After buying a house in the Netherlands — the ultimate aftersale guide for expats

On top of this, the 0.6% of the housing cost that goes towards the NHG is tax deductible. In this case, you’re not only getting back some of your money but also spending less each month due to lower interest rates.

In short, with the NHG, your monthly mortgage costs will be lower, you’re protected in the worst-case scenario, and you can deduct the cost from the taxman!

Will you be making use of the NHG in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! 

What is the NHG? Frequently asked questions

So you finally decided to buy a house in the Netherlands instead of renting. Congrats! That’s a big move — especially this year. Now it’s time to set yourself up with a Dutch mortgage.

While there are certainly simpler things in life, getting a mortgage in the Netherlands doesn’t have to be a daunting endeavour.

Here are our answers to seven burning questions every international might be asking before securing a Dutch mortgage in 2024.

Got a particular question? Jump to it

• 1. Who can get a mortgage in the Netherlands?
• 2. How much can I borrow for a mortgage in the Netherlands?
• 3. What are the upfront costs of a Dutch mortgage?
• 4. What are the Dutch mortgage interest rates?
• 5. What type of Dutch mortgages are there?
• 6. What is the National Mortgage Guarantee a.k.a ‘Nationale hypotheek garantie’?
• 7. I want a Dutch mortgage! Where do I start?

1. Who can get a mortgage in the Netherlands?

If you’re planning to buy a house in the Netherlands in 2024, then it might be good to know whether it’s actually possible at all. And often, it is — regardless of your nationality. 

In the past, banks were hesitant to give out mortgages to internationals. 

However, we now see that more and more mortgage suppliers are adjusting their criteria for obtaining a Dutch mortgage to suit anyone who wants to buy a house, be they Dutch or international. 

Getting a mortgage in the Netherlands: criteria and factors

There are several factors that will affect your chances of obtaining a mortgage in the Netherlands.

1. Where you live: The one condition that applies to every bank and everyone applying for a Dutch mortgage is that you must live in the Netherlands. 

If you want to buy a house and need a mortgage, then this house must be located in the Netherlands, and you must be registered at a Dutch address. 

READ MORE | Am I eligible to get a mortgage in the Netherlands?

Obviously, for a Dutch person, meeting this requirement is easy-peasy. For internationals, there are a few hurdles to jump: 

• If you come from the EU or EEA, then you need to be registered at a Dutch address and have a BSN, but otherwise, there are no additional requirements. 
• If you’re not from the EU, don’t fret, it’s still possible to get a mortgage in the Netherlands! The key is that you are registered here (i.e, you have a residence permit.)

2. Employment history: This is a factor that is considered to a lesser extent. Mortgage lenders will mostly focus on whether you’re a regular employee or an entrepreneur, how long you have been working here, and whether you have a permanent contract or not.
   
   While employment history is a factor to consider when applying for a mortgage, it usually won’t have too big an impact on your eligibility for a mortgage. 

What it will have a potential effect on, however, is your potential borrowing power. 

2. How much can I borrow for a mortgage in the Netherlands?

Ah! The million-dollar (or €450,000) question: How much money can you borrow for a mortgage in the Netherlands? 

The most important factor that determines how much you can borrow is your income — no surprises there.

But there are also plenty of other things that will be taken into consideration when determining just how much you are eligible to borrow for a Dutch mortgage. What are they?

Your work contract

Are you a regular employee or an entrepreneur? How long have you been an entrepreneur? Do you have a permanent contract, a fixed contract, or a letter of intent from your employer? 

READ MORE | 7 things you need as a freelancer in the Netherlands

The lower the risk, the more you will be able to borrow for your Dutch mortgage. 

Are you buying with a partner?

The income of your partner will also be included in the mortgage plan and help determine your borrowing power. 

READ MORE | 7 ways buying a house in the Netherlands could save you money (wait what?)

The second income isn’t taken into account for 100% of the value, however. Instead, 90% of the second income will be taken into account when calculating your borrowing power. 

The house value

In 2024, you cannot finance more than 100% of the house value (or 106% if you plan on making sustainable renovations). 

This means that any additional costs must be covered by you, the buyer (kosten koper). 

Make sure to take this into account when you bid on a home (and especially if you decide to offer above the asking price!)

The mortgage interest rates

What are the current mortgage interest rates like? This will, of course, have an effect on how much you can borrow. 

Mortgage interest rates also differ depending on which type of interest rate period you opt for — for example, do you want to go for a fixed-rate period? A variable period?  

We’ll take a deep dive into current mortgage interest rates below! 

How much can your Dutch mortgage be?

The Dutch Institute NIBUD determines the amount one can borrow with a specific income. All lenders use these figures, so these rules apply to everyone.

READ MORE | Your borrowing power for a Dutch mortgage in 2023

However, there are a number of personal factors that will also influence how high your Dutch mortgage can be. These include: 

• Your work contract
• Whether you are a freelancer or an employee
• Whether or not you have a partner
• Any debts you may have

Do you have student debt? Don’t worry. Student debts are seen as less serious debts than others. 

As of 2024, only your current student debt will be considered when calculating your borrowing power, as opposed to the initial debt. Your monthly repayments will be taken into account when determining how much you can borrow.

3. What are the upfront costs of a Dutch mortgage?

In the Netherlands, you can finance up to 100% of the market value of your house (or 106% if you make sustainable changes.) The market value is determined by the local municipalities, which perform a valuation each year. 

So, if the value is €385,000, you can get a mortgage for as much as €385,000. Sounds pretty good, right?

However, keep in mind that you will still have to bring some of your own money to the table. 

There are several costs involved in buying a property that can’t be financed by a Dutch mortgage (although a mortgage intermediary can sometimes help with this).

As a rule of thumb, the costs of buying a house in the Netherlands will be roughly 4% to 6% of the buying price.

These are some of the costs you should expect to pay out of pocket:

What mortgage costs are tax deductible?

Another plus for the Netherlands is that many of the costs of obtaining a mortgage are also tax-deductible. 

These costs include: 

• Advisory and mediation costs
• Notary costs 
• Costs for a construction deposit (bouwdepot)
• The valuation report, 
• The costs of the mortgage deed, 
• The possible costs for the NHG.

READ MORE | Which experts should you use when buying a house and can they save you money?

In my personal situation, we paid around €6,000, and €3,000 was returned to us after a few months through a voorlopige teruggaaf (provisional refund) — the first time I was ever happy with the taxman!

4. What are the Dutch mortgage interest rates?

This is something definitely worth considering before you get a mortgage in the Netherlands. 

Over the past few years, the Netherlands has enjoyed historically low mortgage interest rates. This gave hopeful buyers a boost when taking out a mortgage. 

However, in 2022, these interest rates increased for the first time in years. 

As a result, in the past year, mortgage interest rates have jumped to as high as 5.45%, depending on the interest period and mortgage type you opt for. 

Don’t be discouraged, however. In the grand scheme of things, these interest rates are still very manageable. ABN AMRO also predicts that these figures will drop slightly and stabilise in 2024.

While they may come as a shock to the Dutch after enjoying such low rates for a while, for many internationals, these interest rates are nothing new. 

5. What type of Dutch mortgages are there?

There are quite a few types of mortgages in the Netherlands, but the two most common ones are the annuity mortgage (annuïteitenhypotheek) and the linear mortgage (lineare hypotheek).

Linear mortgage (lineaire hypotheek)

With a linear mortgage (lineaire hypotheek), the amount of debt that you pay remains fixed every month. 

On top of the debt, you will also pay interest, which will be the highest at the beginning of the mortgage since you haven’t paid anything back yet.

At the beginning of a linear mortgage, the costs are high, but they will gradually decrease. 

This means paying off your mortgage in the Netherlands will probably go fastest if you opt for this kind of mortgage.

Annuity mortgage (annuiteiten hypotheek) 

With an annuity mortgage (annuiteiten hypotheek), you will pay the same amount over the whole period of the mortgage. 

In the beginning, this amount is mainly interest and only a small part of the loan. Gradually, this changes so that your loan will mainly be repaid at the end of the mortgage.

6. What is the National Mortgage Guarantee a.k.a ‘Nationale hypotheek garantie’?

If you’ve been planning to buy a house for a while now, you’ve probably come across this complex term called National Mortgage Guarantee a few times. Here in the Netherlands, we like to call it the Nationale Hypotheek Garantie (NHG).

READ MORE | What is the Dutch National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)?

The NHG is a protection against any debt that still stands if you can’t pay your mortgage due to involuntary unemployment, divorce, or the inability to work.

Should anything like this happen, the people at the NHG and your bank will try to find solutions so that you are able to stay in your house (instead of selling it).

Alternatively, if you do need to sell, the NHG will cover the debt that’s left — this is when the selling price is lower than the mortgage amount due. 

The NHG will cost you 0.6% of the mortgage amount in 2024. However, you’ll earn your money back quickly because lenders offer much lower interest rates if you opt for the NHG when sealing the deal on your Dutch mortgage.

It’s not an option for everyone, though. In 2024, the NHG is only available for mortgages in the Netherlands that are a maximum of €435,000. 

However, if you want to use your mortgage to make energy-efficient changes to the home, then the NHG maximum is increased to €461,100 in 2024. 

In short, with the NHG, you’ll pay less per month since the mortgage rate is lower, you’ve got a guarantee for the worst-case scenario, and you can deduct the cost from the taxman.

7. I want a Dutch mortgage! Where do I start?

Ok, you’ve read this article, and now you’re thinking: “Hey, maybe I can get a mortgage in the Netherlands, it’s not the distant utopia I first thought!”

So how do you get started? There are two steps that you can take:

Step 1: Get a rough idea of how much you can borrow for a Dutch mortgage.

You can’t be buying a house without knowing your budget! There are plenty of deciding factors that determine your mortgage amount, and often, there’s more possible than you would think. 

Step 2: Reach out to a mortgage advisor

Next up, speak with a mortgage advisor to get an idea of your personal situation. A mortgage advisor works with you to find your ideal mortgage, is an intermediary between you and the bank, and helps you with all the steps involved.

When it comes to choosing a mortgage advisor, it’s best to opt for someone who understands the complexities of being an international trying to get a Dutch mortgage. 

Have you been through the process of getting a Dutch mortgage? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

The first thing you probably ask yourself when you decide to take out a Dutch mortgage is this: “Okay, so what can I afford to buy? In other words, you want to know about your borrowing power. 

In the Netherlands, there are several things that will determine how much money a bank will lend you — and many of these are specific to when exactly you decide to take out a mortgage. 

So, what’s your borrowing power in the Netherlands going to look like this year? 

What is borrowing power?

Put simply, your borrowing power is the amount of money that you can afford to loan to secure a Dutch mortgage. 

This is determined based on a number of factors:

Changes for your Dutch borrowing power in 2023

However, as we said above, your borrowing power will also be affected by the climate in which you decide to take out a Dutch mortgage. So, what’s different in 2023? 

Dutch mortgage interest rates remain higher

In 2021, the average Dutch mortgage interest rates stood between 1% and 2%. In 2022, the Netherlands started to see these percentages rise for the first time in years, reaching between 2% and 4.5%. So what’s happening with Dutch mortgage interest rates in 2023?

Mortgage interest rates have remained high in 2023. However, there is also less of a dramatic gap between the various types of rates (for example, 10-year versus 30-year interest rates), with figures lingering around the 4%-5% threshold towards the end of 2023.

READ MORE | Which experts can save you money when buying a house in the Netherlands?

Indeed, 2023 has proven to be a less volatile year for Dutch mortgage interest rates, with June 2023’s rates looking similar to January 2023.

So, what do these rates mean for your borrowing power in 2023? Well, on the bright side, mortgage interest is tax-deductible. However, ultimately, when a higher interest rate has to be considered, your borrowing power is going to be slightly reduced. 

What determines Dutch mortgage interest rates? 

In the Netherlands, mortgage interest rates are influenced by two things: 

• The loan-to-value ratio (LTVR) or risk category and 
• The fixation period, i.e. the length of the mortgage term  

The loan-to-value ratio (LTVR) sounds tricky, but it’s actually quite simple. 

And the result? You will have to pay higher mortgage interest, which in turn lessens your borrowing power. 

The level of risk involved in loaning you money for a mortgage in the Netherlands is also increased by inflation. Something that the Netherlands has seen plenty of in the past year. 

As the cost of living rises, so does the risk involved in loaning money — which has landed us with the current mortgage interest rates. 

But a good deposit could save you

On the other hand, if you decide to finance more of your bid yourself, you’ll actually benefit from better borrowing power.

By offering to pay more of your own contribution towards your house, you reduce your monthly costs, your risk category, and in turn, your interest rate. Ta-da! That gives you higher borrowing power. 

Lower monthly costs? Yes! You’re paying back a lower mortgage because you already partially paid for your home. On top of this, as a result of opting for lower-risk, you also benefit from a lower interest rate.

Loan more money with sustainable measures

As we all know, energy in the Netherlands is getting (much) more expensive. Henk from Expat Mortgages has seen how this interacts with the housing market. 

“We see a lot of people looking for sustainable measures to reduce energy costs and be less dependent on, for example, gas,” he tells us.

Not only are sustainable housing options a good move to consider when you already own a home, but also when you’re looking to buy one. 

READ MORE | Am I eligible to get a mortgage in the Netherlands?

If you wish to make sustainable changes to the home you are interested in buying, then you actually increase your borrowing power. 

In the Netherlands, people who want to take out a loan on a home that they plan on making more sustainable can borrow up to 106% of the value of the home in 2023. 

Far less help from your parents

One common boost to people’s borrowing power in the Netherlands is the jubelton. Up until this year, hopeful homeowners could receive up to €106,671 in financial help from a generous helper, such as a parent. The result? A big boost in your borrowing power.

However, as of January 2023, the jubelton has been reduced significantly to €28,947 — meaning yep, your borrowing power won’t enjoy the same boost it used to.

Advice from a mortgage expert

So, what should you do with this information? The best thing is to listen to the experts — and that’s exactly what we did. Henk has been working in the mortgage industry for nearly 30 years and has helped countless people (especially expats) buy houses in the Netherlands. Here’s what he had to say. 

Fixed versus floating mortgage interest rates in 2023

One thing that is certainly going to impact your borrowing power is mortgage interest rates. So what are fixed and floating mortgage interest rates?

• A floating mortgage interest rate loan means that the interest rate will change slightly throughout the loan period. This change is based on fluctuations within the market. 
• A fixed mortgage interest rate loan does what you imagine, the interest rate is fixed throughout the period of the loan.

When considering the current mortgage interest rates and what type of mortgage will be best for your borrowing power, it’s all about hindsight, Henk says. 

He points out that, yes, while mortgage interest rates have been very low over the past two years, the current interest rates are certainly higher — but they’re still average. 

“Indeed, interest rates have been below 4% since 2013, and we are seeing a rise due to inflation. However, in the grand scheme of things, 4% interest on a fixed mortgage term of, say, 30 years, is still very attractive and below average.” 

Meaning that regardless of which option you opt for in 2023, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you’re still getting a good enough deal in the grand scheme of things.

That being said, Henk is very much aware that things in the housing market are taking an interesting turn. “In my 30 years of working in this industry, I have never seen such a large gap between the fixed and floating mortgage interest rates.” 

For how long should you fix your mortgage interest rate?

When considering whether or not you want to opt for a period with a higher or lower mortgage interest rate, Henk points out that it’s important to consider two things: 

• Firstly, higher mortgage rates mean higher monthly costs. However, it’s worth remembering that these are tax-deductible, meaning you have a higher tax advantage.
• Secondly, a higher mortgage interest rate also means you will have a slightly lower borrowing power.

What should international homebuyers in the Netherlands consider? 

This all applies to a fixed mortgage, but what about a floating interest rate instead?

“One thing that is worth considering as an international in the Netherlands is a floating mortgage interest rate,” Henk tells us. But why? 

Well, as an international, you are less likely to want a 30-year fixed mortgage loan. After all, you may decide further down the line that you want to move back to your home country. 

“In this case, you’re better off taking advantage of a floating mortgage loan and the lower interest rates that accompany it,” Henk explains. 

This way, you can enjoy higher borrowing power when entering the Dutch housing market. 

Are you an international who has bought a home in the Netherlands recently? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! 

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in October of 2022, and was fully updated in July 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Bidding on houses in the Netherlands in recent years has long meant overbidding — but with the current drops in prices, is it now time to underbid? Here’s how to get the house of your dreams. 

Put simply, there are three main stages involved in winning yourself that house and with each stage comes a number of important steps. 

Here’s how to get that bid on a Dutch home to glitter in the eyes of the seller!

Stage one: preparing to bid on a house

As soon as you’ve laid your eyes on your dream home, you need to prepare your bid — and fast. At the end of 2022, it took an average of just 30 days for a house to come on and back off the market — and that includes waiting around for the paperwork! 

So, how can you prepare your winning bid? There are three details you need to know: 

• your borrowing power, 
• your resolutive conditions, and 
• the true value of the house.

What does all that mortgage lingo mean? Simple: 

Know your borrowing power

Before you go ahead and lay your cards on the table, you need to know what’s in your deck — that’s obvious. If you spot the home of your dreams, it is best that you know just how much borrowing power you have. 

READ MORE | Hoera! Dutch house prices are even cheaper (and still falling)

The easiest and most accurate way to determine this is by reaching out to a financial consultant. They will take a look at your current situation and factor in a number of details about you (for example, do you have a permanent or temporary contract? Do you have student loans?)

Based on these factors, a financial consultant will tell you what borrowing power you have in the Netherlands. 

Know what resolutive conditions you want

The next step is to determine your resolutive conditions. Put simply, these are conditions that protect you as a buyer. 

For example, you may make a bid with the resolutive condition that the property will pass a building inspection. 

This way, if the building inspection unearths something unexpected or costly — like unstable foundations or the need for a new roof — you have a chance to say, “We don’t want that house anymore.” And poof! Your contract is terminated. 

When you make an offer on a house, these conditions are part of the offer and will be considered by the seller.

The seller might choose to accept a lower bid if that lower bid has fewer conditions attached — so it’s important to know which resolutive conditions are important to you. Some could include: 

• Finance (Financiering): the sale will not go ahead if you can’t secure your mortgage before a certain date. 
• National Mortgage Guarantee (Nationale Hypotheek Garantie, NHG): the sale will be void if you don’t qualify for the NHG.
• Building inspection outcome (Uitkomst bouwkundige keuring): you can back out if the condition of the house is worse than expected.
• Permission or permit from the municipality (Toestemming of vergunning gemeente): the contract is cancelled if you can’t get the permit to build that extra floor or add on a shed.

Know the actual value of the house

Before you go ahead and jump at a house, it’s important to know the difference between the market value and the actual value of a property before you bid on it. For example, you can check: 

• The WOZ value of the property. The WOZ value of a property is determined by the municipality and is based on a number of factors, such as the market value and the features of the house. You can request the WOZ value of a house using this website.
  
• The value of similar properties. You can determine this by checking the price at which similar properties in the region were sold for. A mortgage realtor will also have good knowledge of this.
  
• The value of the property to you. As with anything, you have to take a moment and look inward. The property may be a bit overpriced for some — but if it’s your dream home, it’s your dream home, and perhaps you are willing to pay above market value, provided your bank will let you.

Unfortunately, once you do determine the real value of a property, you may find that the seller is actually asking wayyy above the real value of the home — even for 2023’s housing market. 

This is why it’s important to question the asking price before you make your bid.

Stage two: making a bid on your potential Dutch home

The prospect of saying goodbye to your precious savings in a bid to win a bid can make anyone nervous — and realtors know it. Keep your cool, and remember to be tactical. There are a number of ways that you can do this: 

Don’t bid everything first — leave room for negotiation

Before you ask, yes, most people bid well above the asking price — but this doesn’t mean you should bid well over the asking price.

In fact, in 2023, things are looking a bit more hopeful for buyers in the housing market. Not only are fewer people overbidding, but those who do overbid aren’t paying an arm and a leg to do so. So, what should you do to avoid paying too much?

READ MORE | Good news! Buying a Dutch house may no longer be a distant dream for young people

It’s simple. Often, the bidding process involves your first bid (the opening offer) and then a counterbid from the seller. Don’t place all your money on the table in the first round, or else the seller may get the impression that you have even more to give. 

Don’t be too enthusiastic 

You may have fallen in love with the property the moment your eyes landed on it, but it’s important you don’t show this to the realtor — if they have that leverage, they might use it to push the price further than you need. 

Take your time when considering a counter-offer 

When the seller counteroffers, you need to take a moment — a decently long one — to consider it. Again, you don’t want to lay all your cards on the table by responding too quickly. And a rash decision may lead to you paying more ultimately.

Step three: prove that you are the best bidder for your Dutch home

In this market, you are not going to stand out based on the single fact that you’re an interested buyer — there will be many like you. How can you let the seller know that you are their best option? It’s not as simple as bidding the highest amount. 

Find a way to stand out from the crowd

There’s a lot of competition for homes, and while money speaks, houses can also be sentimental — so think of how you can stand out!

Are you planning to have foster children in your potential home? Do your elderly parents live on the same street? Have you dreamed of living on that street forever? Writing an accompanying letter can be a great idea.

Let the seller know that you are prepared 

If you’re selling a house, who would you prefer to sell to: the person who has been to the bank and knows they’ll get approved for the mortgage or the person who hasn’t?

If you can let the seller know that not only are you interested but that you also have everything in order and can finance the bid, you’ll be a favourable candidate in their eyes. 

Meet the seller’s wishes if you can 

This seems like an obvious point, but the negotiations will go down a lot smoother if you can take on any extra conditions that the seller may have given.

For example, does the seller really want to sell now but stay in the house for another six months? Do they prefer to sell to someone who will also buy the piano that’s on the second floor? 

If you can deal with it, this could make you more favourable over someone who is bidding higher but will only buy on their own terms. 

Clarify, clarify and close

Once you are happy with the conditions and the counteroffer, it’s time for you to clarify EVERYTHING and seal the deal. 

The last thing you want is a miscommunication between you and the seller. Make sure to send an email and confirm with the selling realtor that your bid has been accepted. Also, ensure that the conditions of the sale are laid out clearly so that there is no room for confusion. 

Remember, we’re all human at the end of the day. Your cooperation and preparation will help not only your bid but also your relationship with the seller — and that shouldn’t be taken for granted! 

Once you have clarified and established an understanding between you and the seller, you can sit back, pop some bubbly and look forward to a future in your new house. 

Have you ever bid on a house in the Netherlands? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! 

Welcome to Knightsbridge, your new luxury home in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area. With a vibrant community life, lush greenery and fabulous amenities, this upcoming residential area is ready to host your ideal Dutch life.

As part of the larger Hyde Park construction project, Knightsbridge will consist of six residential properties — each with its own unique charm, but all equally high-end.

As you may have guessed, all the apartment blocks in Hyde Park are named after legendary London boroughs. Their current project is called Knightsbridge, after the affluent neighbourhood that borders the OG London Hyde Park.

Curious to know what Knightsbridge is all about? Read on!

Welcome to Knightsbridge

The sale of the Knightsbridge apartments at Hyde Park is in full swing, and let us tell you from experience: once completed, the 406 luxury apartments will be stunning! 

From fabulous studio apartments to maisonettes and glorious penthouses, Knightsbridge is guaranteed to have the right home for everyone. The result? A bustling neighbourhood that is enjoyed by a diverse group of people — from young professionals and expats to families and empty-nesters.

Knightsbridge’s undeniable inner beauty is complimented by a lush green outside filled with trees, grass, and fresh air, offering plenty of space for fun and relaxation. 

Speaking of greenery: the inner courtyard is a particular highlight. A true green oasis designed by one of the Netherlands’ most famous landscape artists, it offers a perfect spot to hang out with your new neighbours, go for a mid-day walk or have a sunset picnic.

The best part? Since each apartment has its own outdoor space, residents can enjoy nature without leaving their homes — now that’s what we call luxury! 

All the best hotspots, right at your doorstep

Besides the beautiful green gardens, the luxurious apartments, and the diverse population, Hyde Park will have an abundance of handy-dandy amenities super close by. A train station? Yup. Gyms? Jazeker. Restaurants and cafés? Uh-huh. Hairdressers? Of course!

Natuurlijk, Knightsbridge’s surroundings will also feature supermarkets, and even juice bars, wellness centres, co-working spaces and medical centres. 

Ah, we can already imagine our perfect day: grabbing a fresh juice after our gym session and then heading straight into a massage. And all within five minutes of our home, heerlijk! 

Want to explore the Netherlands beyond Hyde Park? Dat kan! Thanks to its location in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, your new Knightsbridge home is well-connected to all of the Netherlands’ best hotspots. 

Schiphol Airport is a mere 4-minute train ride away, while it’ll take you just a swift 23 minutes to get to Amsterdam Centraal. If you fancy a city trip on the weekend, the bustling cities of Utrecht, Rotterdam, and the Hague can all be reached within half an hour or less.

Modernity meets sustainability

Though boasting lots of modern amenities Hyde Park will be very green once it’s completed — and not just thanks to the beautiful gardens.

Yup, when it comes to sustainability, Hyde Park knows what they’re doing. 

All of the Knightsbridge apartments will have A+++ energy levels, giving you the best choice to cut your energy costs while decreasing your carbon footprint. On top of that, there will be no gas in any of the buildings, and all the energy will come from renewable sources. 

What about draughty Dutch windows and high heating costs? Nee, not at Knightsbridge, thanks to the buildings’ great insulated walls, windows and doors. We love to see it (and so do our wallets)!

In order to allow Hyde Park’s greenery to flourish to the best of its ability, car access will be limited to just one street at Hyde Park, making the rest of the neighbourhood perfect for walking and biking.

Home or investment? You decide

Whether you’re eyeing a Knightsbridge apartment to live in or rent it out is entirely up to you. No matter who the tenant will be, we are certain they will love their new, luxurious home and all the great things that come with it. 

Planning on investing? Hyde Park could be a great choice! Because it is a newly-built property, you’ll be able to skip that 10.4% transfer fee and enjoy your new investment without any nasty costs.

Hyde Park’s proximity to Amsterdam’s centre is also a big plus. As the area surrounding your new investment continues to develop, the value of your property increases as well, according to Hyde Park’s in-house mortgage experts. Ka-ching!

To make things even better, all maintenance for Hyde Park apartments is covered in your costs for a full 10 years. 

Get expert help at Hyde Park House

Swept away by the idea of owning your own Knightsbridge home but still trying to figure out where to start? Geen problem, because Hyde Park’s amazing perks extend beyond the construction site.

If you head to Hyde Park House, the huge showroom adjacent to the Hyde Park construction terrain, you get the chance to see the project in all its glory while getting all the info you could need. 

READ MORE | Curious about modern living in the Amsterdam area? Visit the Hyde Park House

Hyde Park House is home to various experts who will happily help you in every step along your home-buying journey, from interior designers to financial consultants and mortgage advisors. 

On top of that, Hyde Park House gives you a unique chance to dive into the Knightsbridge apartments. Upstairs, you’ll find four stunning model homes of different sizes that are guaranteed to make you fall in love. 

Ready to pay a visit and see for yourself? You’re welcome at the Hyde Park House from Monday to Saturday. 

The dream of your own Dutch home might just have gotten a tad bit more real! Will you go for it?

If you’re curious to learn more, you can contact Hyde Park at info@hydeparkbv.nl, +31 (0)20 – 747 47 47 or on WhatsApp — they’ll answer all your questions.