Even though renting in the Netherlands offers flexibility and certain rights, buying a property is considered a good financial investment. However, there are a lot of things to take into account.
Why buy a housein the Netherlands?
Here are a few reasons why you should buy a house in the Netherlands:
- Pride of ownership; owning a house offers a sense of stability and security.
- Control over the property (decoration changes, pets, noisy activities etc.).
- Great financial incentives / tax benefits.
- Can be a smart investment.
Property buying checklist
Buying a house is an important financial decision, so it’s crucial to prepare yourself by doing some research beforehand. Here is a checklist of all the things you should consider when buying a house in the Netherlands.
Taxes & Costs
There are a lot of costs involved when buying a house. Even more so if you decide to renovate your home. Make sure you are aware of the financial implications; keep yourself informed of the taxes and costs of buying a house in the Netherlands.
Buying a house to rent out
Foreigners can purchase property in the Netherlands, whether they remain residents or live remotely. This means you do not have to sell your house if you return home or have to leave the country. You can rent it out for extra income instead. Please note, rental contracts are pro-tenant, so make sure that you know what your obligations are as a landlord and what you can expect from your tenants.
Real estate agents in the Netherlands
If you don’t have the time to track down a suitable house to buy and do all the subsequent negotiations, perhaps it’s a good idea to contact a real estate agent. It will save you a lot of time. Find out how real estate agents in the Netherlands work.
Mortgages in the Netherlands
Do you qualify for a mortgage in the Netherlands? What types of mortgages are there to choose from? Read our guide to Dutch mortgages for expats to learn more.
Residential premises insurance
Here are some residential premises insurance providers in the Netherlands.
Home / Household insurance
Household contents insurance covers damage caused by burglary, fire etc.
FAQs
Dutch house prices are high, and the additional costs of buying a home in the Netherlands can add up. Despite this – and the fact renting remains common – owning a home in the Netherlands usually makes good financial sense in the long term. Tax benefits for homeowners mean that mortgage costs are often lower than rent.
How much deposit do I need to buy a house in the Netherlands? ›
Typically after arranging your mortgage, a deposit of 10% of the purchase price is required – if you don't have this saved, your mortgage adviser can arrange a bank guarantee.
How much is the salary to buy a house in the Netherlands? ›
The price of an average home was 452,000 euros at the end of 2023. Under the new lending standards implemented this year, a household needs an annual income of 95,000 euros to get a mortgage for that amount. That is more than twice the average income of 44,000 euros per year.
Does buying a house in Netherlands gives you residency? ›
Residency Permit in the Netherlands
Unfortunately, it is true that you do not automatically get a residence permit when you buy a property in the Netherlands. This takes additional time and effort. Our launch team can inform you on how to obtain mortgage or a residency permit in the Netherlands!
What is the downside of moving to Netherlands? ›
Dutch weather is unpredictable and often dreary, especially during the long winter months. Rainfall is common, and winters can be cold and damp, which may be a downside for those used to warmer climates.
Can an American buy a house in the Netherlands? ›
In the Netherlands, there's no requirement for you to be a citizen to buy property. This means as an American, you can definitely purchase real estate there. However, owning property in the Netherlands doesn't automatically grant you residency rights.
How long does it take to buy a home in the Netherlands? ›
The process of real estate purchase in the Netherlands usually takes up to three months. You must keep in mind that the buyer generally pays costs but some of them are not are tax-deductible.
What is the average price to buy a house in Netherlands? ›
The average sales price of a home in the Netherlands peaked in August 2022, followed by a decline in the following months. In September 2023, it cost on average over 422,000 euros to buy a home, down from 438,000 euros in the same month the year before.
Is it hard to get a mortgage in the Netherlands? ›
That said, if you are new to a job, without a permanent contract, self-employed, on a low income, or of a non-EU nationality, it may be harder to get a loan or financing on 100% of the purchase price. The requirements change depending on the bank, but generally, you need: A valid passport. A BSN (citizen service number ...
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Netherlands? ›
The cost of living in the Netherlands can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. On average, a single person may spend around €800-€1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses. Students can expect to live comfortably in the Netherlands with a monthly budget of INR 86,000 (€952).
What is a good salary in The Netherlands? Of course this is really subjective, but I would say a good salary in The Netherlands starts from around € 60,000. This is € 5,000 per month. From this salary you can have a very comfortable life in The Netherlands.
Is 40k a good salary in Netherlands? ›
What is a good salary in the Netherlands? A good salary in the Netherlands falls between €2,500 and €3,333 gross monthly (or €30,000 and €40,000 annually). After taxes, this is between €2,159 and €2,613 monthly.
Does it make sense to buy a house in Netherlands? ›
A Dutch mortgage has tangible financial advantages
If you buy a home and get a mortgage, you are entitled to a tax break derived by deducting your mortgage interest from your taxable income. In the Netherlands, mortgage interest rates are currently meagre, and in 2021 reached a historically low of 1.23%.
Can I buy a house in the Netherlands and rent it out? ›
Buying a house to rent out
You can rent it out for extra income instead. Please note, rental contracts are pro-tenant, so make sure that you know what your obligations are as a landlord and what you can expect from your tenants.
Is there a help to buy a house in the Netherlands? ›
The Dutch government is set to launch a scheme to help first-time buyers purchase a new-build home. The scheme, which will start in the summer of 2024, can assist first-time buyers who are seeking to buy a new-build property with a value of less than 390.000 euros.
What is the average cost of a home in the Netherlands? ›
The average sales price of a home in the Netherlands peaked in August 2022, followed by a decline in the following months. In September 2023, it cost on average over 422,000 euros to buy a home, down from 438,000 euros in the same month the year before.
Is it better to live in the Netherlands or the US? ›
One of the biggest draws of Holland is their happy people and high quality of life. According to the World Happiness Report, the Netherlands ranks as the #5 happiest country in the world. From very friendly people to an extremely good work life balance, it's no wonder the people living in the Netherlands are so happy.
Is it really expensive to live in the Netherlands? ›
The cost of living in the Netherlands can vary depending on the city and lifestyle. On average, a single person may spend around €800-€1,200 per month on accommodation, food, transport, and other expenses. Students can expect to live comfortably in the Netherlands with a monthly budget of INR 86,000 (€952).
Are property prices falling in Netherlands? ›
Figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the Land Registry have revealed that prices for owner-occupied homes in the Netherlands were on average 2,8 percent cheaper in 2023 than in the previous year.
