Buying a Home in the Netherlands as an Expat
Buying property in the Netherlands works differently than most countries expats move from — asking prices are often a starting bid, not a fixed number, and mortgage approval can look different without Dutch credit history. We walk you through the full process, from your first viewing to picking up the keys, in a language you're comfortable in.
The Dutch Buying Process, Step by Step
Five stages, start to finish. Here's what happens at each one.
Find Homes via Funda & Our Makelaar Network
We don't just search Funda, the Netherlands' main property listing site. Through our large network of makelaars, we can also source homes for you to buy. From there we build a shortlist of homes that actually match your budget, must-haves, and preferred areas — Almere, Amstelveen, Hilversum, Amsterdam, Hoofddorp, Lelystad, and surrounding areas. The goal is a short, realistic list worth viewing, not a long one worth scrolling through.
Book a Viewing
Once a home makes the shortlist, we arrange a viewing — in person if you're already here, or by video call if you're still abroad. Either way, we walk the home with you and flag anything worth knowing before you decide whether to bid.
Place a Bid with the Seller
In the Dutch market, the asking price is usually a starting point rather than a fixed number. We help you put together a realistic, well-timed bid for the specific home and current market, place it with the seller on your behalf, and handle the back-and-forth until you reach agreement.
Mortgage, Inspection & Notary
Once your bid is accepted, you may need a mortgage, a technical inspection or a valuation. We work with multiple partners for each of these (including mortgage advisors who work regularly with expats and non-Dutch credit histories), and they can be engaged for that step as part of your purchase. We also help prepare the purchase agreement. A notary, an independent legal party required in every Dutch property purchase, then handles the legal transfer of ownership and registers it with the Land Registry.
Key Handover
On completion day, ownership officially transfers at the notary and the keys are yours. We're with you for this final step too, making sure the handover goes smoothly and nothing gets missed on the way to actually moving in.
What Surprises Most First-Time Buyers
New to buying in the Netherlands? A few things that surprise most first-time buyers here: you'll often bid above the asking price, a notary (not your agent) legally transfers ownership, and most banks want to see either a Dutch employment contract or specific proof of income if you're recently arrived. None of this needs to be intimidating — it's exactly what we handle with you at each step.
Homes We've Helped Clients Buy
A short showcase of homes we've helped clients buy in roughly the last 12 months.
Bought
Keiwierde 48, Almere
Helped a client find and secure this home in Almere.
Bought
Erik Satiestraat 17, Almere
Helped a client find and secure this home in Almere.
Bought
Stan Laurelstraat 11, Almere
Helped a client find and secure this home in Almere.
Bought
Verzetslaan 46, Almere
Helped a client find and secure this home in Almere.
Tell Us What You're Looking to Buy
Share a few details and we'll follow up directly, usually within one working day.