Aoife, auteur op Burgemeester Vastgoed

Navigating Expectations in Amsterdam's Property Market

Navigating Property Purchases in the Netherlands

Purchasing a property in the Netherlands requires careful preparation and awareness of potential pitfalls. Fortunately, a skilled real estate agent can help you navigate this complex market.

What Does 'Managing Expectations' Mean?

In Amsterdam's unique property market, determining the right property for you and understanding what is attainable can be challenging. A knowledgeable real estate agent will guide you through the properties that match your personal, financial, and holistic needs.

Remember, while buying a property is an exciting milestone, it’s crucial to stay realistic. Disappointments can occur, so do not get too attached to any property before securing it.

Understanding the Bidding Process

Bidding is how you express interest in purchasing a house, akin to a proposal. This process requires careful management, especially with 'closed bids,' where multiple parties are interested. A closed bid can create uncertainty, as the seller may choose from various offers.

Property Values vs. Online Listings

The initial prices listed online often differ from the final purchase price. Given that buying a home is one of the biggest investments you'll make, it's vital to be realistic about what you can afford. In the Netherlands, actual purchase prices can significantly exceed the listed prices. Your real estate agent will help you understand how property valuations affect your buying process.

Making Changes Within the Canal Ring

If you're considering buying within Amsterdam's canal ring, be aware that it has been a protected area under UNESCO's World Heritage List since 2010. This designation imposes restrictions on property alterations. Most changes require an integrated environmental permit, and some alterations might not be allowed at all. Barry can guide you through these regulations to ensure a smooth buying process.

Finding a Good Real Estate Agent

Barry Burgemeester, a native of Utrecht, has over 23 years of real estate experience in Amsterdam. His extensive knowledge of the local market is invaluable, especially for expat clients. Barry can anticipate potential issues and concerns, providing expert guidance in this unfamiliar territory. Contact Barry at info@burgemeestervastgoed.nl to get started today!

by Aoife

Why Skimping on a Real Estate Agent Could Cost You Your Dream Home

Amsterdam's fickle property market is something of an enigma. It's not always easy to know where to start, whether that be finding the best people to work with, the location you'd like to live in, or knowing whether or not the home you have your eye on is worth the money.

It's true what they say - it's better to aim for quality the first time.

We all know that if you buy something cheap, it's likely to be poor quality and it'll break, wear out or not be fit for purpose. As a result, you'll need to buy a replacement, costing you more money in the long run. Well, the same applies to the housing market!

Why work with a real estate agent?

A certified and experienced real estate agent will help you to navigate prospective homes, and 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. Despite the pandemic, the market in The Netherlands is hot right now; but making sure you have the right team behind you is essential. If you choose to team up with someone who's not particularly experienced within the Amsterdam real estate market, chances are you'll be selling yourself short - and nobody wants to be stuck with a home they want to get rid of!

Manage your expectations

In our article about managing expectations, we delve into the fact that the prices you see first day do not always align with the actual purchase price. Buying a home is the biggest investment most people will make in their lifetime. Unless you have unlimited funding, you need to be realistic about what it is you can afford because chances are, the price will be higher than what was advertised.

How does one calculate what's affordable?

If you are unsure about what you can afford, a mortgage advisor or bank can help you weigh up your income and expenditure to determine the most cost-effective solutions for you when it comes to purchasing your property. In the Netherlands, the purchase price can vary greatly from what you originally saw online. Your real estate agent will guide you through the effects that the valuation process will have on the property you are interested in.

Okay - so where do I start?!

From there, we can draw up a list of appropriate options to suit your needs. That being said, there is no point in purchasing a home that doesn't live up to the value of the property, so do proceed with caution and consult your real estate agent beforehand to do any background research.

Barry Burgemeester, Certified Dutch Real Estate Agent

Why work with a real estate agent?

Barry Burgemeester is a Dutch native. Originally hailing from Utrecht, he has worked for over 23 years in real estate in Amsterdam and his extensive knowledge of the area is uncontested.

Barry's background and expertise are invaluable to our expat clients, mainly because his wealth of experience within the Dutch market guarantees that he will be able to predict any potential issues or concerns you may have when introduced to this unfamiliar territory. Get in touch at info@burgemeestervastgoed.nl today!