Finding a home in the Netherlands is a difficult process, especially for expats who are not as familiar with the local housing market.
Cleo has navigated the house-hunting journey herself and has gathered six important insights here, which she hopes you will find valuable:
The first thing to take care of when you are moving into a new home is registering your move with your local Dutch municipality.
It is important to make sure that you can register at your potential new address; this is a legal requirement and is needed for obtaining your burgerservicenummer (BSN).
Consider moving into temporary housing for a smoother transition and a less stressful experience. This way, you can find a cosy place to settle for a moment and figure things out while you conquer house-hunting in the Netherlands.
Pro tip: Keep in mind that many rental listings may not allow you to officially register at the address. This will give you challenges in proceeding with the next steps to get you settled. Getting a (temporary) accommodation that can be registered at the municipality right at the start will help you in the long run and make your journey easier.
When searching for a home in the Netherlands, landlords will often require a number of documents in order to be considered.
Imagine arriving in the Netherlands with just a suitcase full of dreams - it is a very nice image but it won’t get you far without the prized BSN. The BSN is your means of accessing Dutch housing and navigating the country's overall bureaucratic landscape.
Other things to be aware of before you jump into the housing search are:
Pro tip: Keep those proofs and permits handy in both physical and digital forms. In the rental world, one simple rule applies: First come, first served!
When looking for a place to live, you should try the following things to increase your chances of success:
Pro tip: Set notifications, refresh your browser frequently and have some patience. Commitment and dedication to finding a place can get you far.
Applying the following, advanced techniques can increase your chances of finding a home even more:
Pro tip: Create a checklist of your must-haves and deal-breakers and let it guide you toward your ideal place.
When looking for a new place, your budget is an essential part of the search process. In order to protect your finances, it is essential to do the following:
Pro tip: Set realistic expectations of the property's condition and the investment needed in time and money. Knowing what to expect will remove stress.
So you have found a property and are considering moving into it. Before you make the commitment, you should:
Pro tip: Take photos or videos during the inspection; they're your safety net against future misunderstandings.
As you set off on this new adventure, being prepared is your power. Gathering essential documents, networking and understanding the housing market can give you a leg up in the Dutch housing puzzle. However, even with all of that, it can still be a challenge without proper guidance.