Considerations When Buying A Home In The Netherlands

Buying a house is no mean feat. For most, purchasing a home may be the biggest investment one ever commits to. There are many reasons to want your own home; from the sense of stability and security to financial incentives such as tax benefits, there are an abundance of pros to owning your property. However, taking a leap and putting your hard-earned savings into the right kind of home can be daunting, especially in another country when one is unaccustomed to procedures, regulations and language – that’s where we can help!

An Unusual Market

Amsterdam’s property market is an unusual one, to say the least. Whether you intend on living in the building yourself or renting it out to tenants, finding the perfect fit for your criteria is essential. Firstly, consider your goal for the property. Is it just for you, your family or an external party? Is the home intended for the long haul or a temporary solution? How important is the location? Do you require amenities within close proximity, such as the commute time to your workplace, schools or recreational facilities that you regularly use? Drafting a list of goals and necessities will make it easier for your real estate agent to narrow down potential opportunities that fit your needs, making your journey smoother and more efficient.

Budgeting

The next, and arguably, most crucial element of consideration, should be your budget. The demand within the housing market in Amsterdam has sky-rocketed over the last few years, and factors such as Brexit have caused this number to soar even further. It has been estimated that Amsterdam’s population will exceed over 1 million residents by 2035. This exponential growth may seem harrowing, especially for first-time buyers. The uncertainty surrounding the economy and job market as a result of COVID-19 has made searching for a home without an advisor even more precarious.

Navigating Unfamilar Territory

Due to the increase in residents and market ambiguity in the wake of the pandemic, the gap between supply and demand has widened significantly – and so too has the price of buying a home in The Netherlands. Fluctuating prices reflective of an unstable economy make it hard to know when a home you have your eye on is a good deal or a nightmare waiting to happen. A perceptive real estate agent will help you to navigate prospective homes, costs and advise you on the necessary steps so you can feel confident in the knowledge that you are making informed decisions when in unfamiliar territory.

Cost-Effective Solutions

If you are unsure about what you can afford, a mortgage advisor or bank can help you to weigh up your income and expenditure to determine the most cost-effective solutions for you when it comes to purchasing your property. From there, we can draw up a list of appropriate options to suit your needs. Remember, expats can benefit from a multitude of tax breaks in The Netherlands – doing your due diligence prior to the big move can save you a lot of hassle, and increase your chances of getting the best value for money!

 

Experts In The Expat Market

At Burgemeester Vastgoed, we have grown our base in Amsterdam over 18 years, nurturing strong relationships with our clients, many of whom return to us time and again to seek advice on new investments. As experts in the field, expats feel a sense of comfort in our friendly, knowledgeable approach. Authenticity, loyalty and fostering a solid rapport between our colleagues are the fundamental building blocks of our business. If you are thinking of purchasing a home in The Netherlands, we would love to sit down and have a chat, no strings attached! Get in touch today at info@burgemeestervastgoed.nl.