Guide 6 - Becoming the Owner

The day you’ve been working towards has finally arrived. After weeks of searching, negotiating and completing the legal and financial process, you’re ready to become the official owner of your new home.

Although most of the hard work has been done, there are still a few important steps before you receive the keys. In this guide, we’ll explain what happens on the day of completion and what you should arrange immediately afterwards.

Where You Are in the Home Buying Process

You’re currently reading Step 6: Becoming the Owner.

If you’ve just joined us, you can catch up here:

• Step 1: Before You Start Your Home Search in Amsterdam
• Step 2: Finding the Right Home in Amsterdam
• Step 3: Making an Offer on a Home in Amsterdam
• Step 4: After Your Offer Has Been Accepted
• Step 5: Technical & Legal Checks When Buying a Home

Our Home Buying Knowledge Centre continues to grow with practical guides covering every stage of buying a home in Amsterdam.

At Burgemeester Vastgoed, we’ve been helping buyers navigate the Amsterdam housing market since 2000. Below are the questions we hear most often as buyers prepare to become homeowners.

What happens on the day of completion?

The day of completion usually begins with a final inspection of the property. Together with your buying agent and the seller, you’ll check that the home is in the agreed condition and that any agreed repairs have been completed.

You’ll also record the meter readings for gas, electricity and water. Once the inspection has been completed, you’ll travel to the notary to sign the deed of transfer.

Barry’s Advice

Take your time during the final inspection. This is your last opportunity to check the property before ownership is transferred.

What is the final inspection?

The final inspection is your opportunity to confirm that the property matches the agreements made in the purchase contract.

Check that:

• The property is empty, unless agreed otherwise.
• Fixtures and fittings included in the sale are still present.
• No new damage has occurred.
• Agreed repairs have been completed.
• Meter readings have been recorded correctly.

Barry’s Advice

Bring a copy of the inventory list and purchase agreement so you can compare everything on site.

What happens at the notary?

The notary is responsible for completing the legal transfer of ownership.

During the appointment, the notary explains the deed of transfer and the mortgage deed, if applicable. After signing the documents and confirming that the purchase price has been received, the property is officially transferred into your name.

The notary also registers the transfer with the Dutch Land Registry (Kadaster).

Barry’s Advice

Bring a valid passport or identity card. Without valid identification, the transfer cannot take place.

When do I receive the keys?

Once all legal documents have been signed and the purchase price has been transferred, you’ll receive the keys to your new home.

Congratulations—you are now officially the owner.

Barry’s Advice

Before leaving the property, check that you’ve received all keys, garage remotes, access tags and any alarm codes.

What should I arrange after moving in?

After receiving the keys, there are several practical matters to organise.

These include:

• Arranging your gas, electricity and water contracts.
• Setting up internet and television services.
• Taking out home and contents insurance.
• Registering your new address with the municipality if required.
• Informing your bank, employer and other organisations of your new address.

Barry’s Advice

Create a checklist before moving day. It makes the first few weeks in your new home much less stressful.

Should I keep all my purchase documents?

Yes.

Keep copies of your purchase agreement, inspection report, valuation report, mortgage documents, invoices and notarial deed. These documents may be useful if you sell the property in the future or need to make insurance or warranty claims.

Barry’s Advice

Store digital copies in a secure location so you can easily access them whenever you need them.

Congratulations!

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. We hope this guide has helped you better understand every stage of the process and given you the confidence to make informed decisions.

Whether you’re just starting your search or already holding the keys to your new home, the team at Burgemeester Vastgoed is always happy to help.

About Barry Burgemeester

Barry Burgemeester is the founder of Burgemeester Vastgoed and has been working in Amsterdam real estate since 2000. Together with his team, he helps buyers in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Aalsmeer and Hoofddorp make confident property decisions.