Buying a home in Amsterdam isn’t easy. With only 30% of properties owned by individuals, the market is tight. High demand and low supply put pressure on every buyer, especially with rising prices and constant bidding wars.

Overbidding: Cash is King

Imagine finding the perfect home—only to discover ten other buyers feel the same way. Overbidding is common here, and those with cash or the willingness to bid high often come out on top. But there’s a catch. In the Netherlands, banks only finance up to 100% of a property’s actual value, not the purchase price. If a home is valued at €475,000 and the winning bid is €525,000, buyers must cover the €50,000 difference themselves, along with 2-6% in transaction costs.

Imagine finding the perfect home—only to discover ten other buyers feel the same way. Overbidding is common here, and those with cash or the willingness to bid high often come out on top. But there’s a catch. In the Netherlands, banks only finance up to 100% of a property’s actual value, not the purchase price. If a home is valued at €475,000 and the winning bid is €525,000, buyers must cover the €50,000 difference themselves, along with 2-6% in transaction costs.

The Ups and Downs of Bidding

Losing a bid is part of the process here, and it can feel discouraging. But persistence pays off. My advice? Take a deep breath, let off some steam, and get back in the game. With the right approach and a resilient mindset, your time will come.

Why Having an Agent Matters

A strong buyer isn’t just financially ready—they’re reliable. Agents prefer working with other agents because it saves time and keeps the process smooth. Buyers without an agent often need more guidance, which slows things down. And since selling agents are paid by their clients, extra time spent on buyers without representation is unpaid.

When a deal falls through, sellers typically turn to past bidders with solid offers before returning to market. Here’s where having an agent with a strong network really makes a difference. I help position you as a serious, well-prepared buyer, which can increase your chances of getting a call back.

The Key to Success: Trust Your Agent

Teaming up with an experienced agent is a big advantage. I’ll guide you through Amsterdam’s complex market, present you as a reliable buyer, and keep the process moving smoothly. With the right agent and a realistic approach, you’ll be well-positioned to find a home that matches your goals and budget.

Why Paying a Percentage Fee Aligns Our Interests with Yours

There are rumours in the market that some selling agents charge an extra fee above the fixed fee if the sale price exceeds a certain amount. While this can be very lucrative for them, as a buyer, it’s a tricky situation. With over 20 years of experience as a certified purchase agent in Amsterdam, one of my key roles is to keep you grounded throughout the process.

If a property is underpriced, I’ll know and I’ll advise you accordingly. If we don’t win the bid, it’s disappointing, but my job is to help you stay realistic and focused. Just like with overbidding, sometimes walking away is the best option.

We offer a full-service package with a no-cure, no-pay policy. We only get paid if we deliver a successful deal. Our fee is 1.5% of the purchase price, excluding 21% VAT, and is based on the work we do. We would be out of business very soon if we advised you to bid much higher just to increase our fee. To put it simply: for every €10,000 increase in price, we make only €150 extra. Hardly enough to get excited about, right? It’s certainly not worth inflating the price.

I’ve built my reputation over two decades by being transparent, working hard to get the best deal for you, and always keeping your best interests at heart. I prefer to rely on your referrals, which are the true measure of my success.

Let’s work together to find you the perfect home, without the added pressure of inflated fees or unrealistic expectations. E-mail me at info@burgemeestervastgoed.nl, and let’s get started today!