Buying a House in The Netherlands? Here’s Why You Need an Estate Agent
Categories: Housing
With rents spiraling across the Netherlands – private sector rent costs an average of €2,200 per month in Amsterdam – buying a house can start to look appealing, particularly for expats who plan on spending a few years or longer in Holland.
Buying a house offers an escape from rising rents, the freedom to redecorate and remodel, and the ability to rent out the property in the future for some extra income. While house prices in the Netherlands have returned to pre-crisis levels, interest rates remain at historic lows, and Dutch banks are willing to finance 100% of purchase costs.
For expert mortgage guidance tailored to expats, explore trusted professionals listed on our Mortgage Broker Directory.
First time buyers
First-time buyers often require an agent’s assistance due to unfamiliarity with local rules, regulations, laws, and language. Without expert help, selling agents may include unfair terms in contracts. For example, banks sometimes need additional time to arrange mortgages, but contracts drafted by sellers might not allocate sufficient time for this process. A real-estate agent can ensure such pitfalls are avoided.
Legal Matters
Property deeds may contain unusual clauses, such as granting neighbors access to a garden for trash disposal. Reviewing legal documents in Dutch can be challenging for non-native speakers, but agents analyze deeds to highlight critical details before clients commit to a purchase.
Tough Negotiation
Agents leverage market knowledge and databases to determine appropriate offer values, especially in competitive markets where bids above asking prices are common. They assess comparable sales and property features to advise clients on realistic pricing. Under Dutch law, agents must exclusively represent either buyers or sellers, ensuring dedicated advocacy for their client’s best interests.
High Value Property
A growing number of Dutch properties sell for over €250,000, driven by limited availability as much as rising prices. Agencies catering to this segment often work with expats employed by international firms, many of whom are couples or families. Given the high stakes, buyers benefit from agents who manage every step of the process and offer comprehensive services.
Ready to take the next step? Join upcoming workshops and networking events for expats navigating the Dutch housing market, hosted on our Eventbrite page
.