Buying a home in the Netherlands: 5 insider tips from a seasoned real estate agent

1. Register the home in your name (even if your parents are supporting you) 

Are you moving to the Netherlands to study or work here, and do your parents want to purchase a home for you? To save significantly, register the property in your name and arrange the mortgage accordingly. This can reduce purchase-related costs by as much as 10%. It’s a benefit many buyers miss. But with proper advice, it’s easy to arrange and well worth it.

2. Don’t let “extras” cost you your transfer tax exemption

If you’re a first-time buyer under 35, you may qualify for an exemption from the 2% transfer tax. There is a prerequisite, though: the full purchase value should remain below 525.000 euros. What many expats don’t realise is that extras (such as leasehold rights, reserve funds, or flooring) also count towards this value. An experienced real estate agent can help assess these elements in advance and structure the offer accordingly, ensuring the exemption isn’t lost due to technicalities. This can make a 10.000-euro difference!

3. Don’t be fooled by a nice renovation

Even homes that are newly renovated can hide serious issues. Lead pipes, fungal decay, or poor insulation are not always mentioned in listings. But they can significantly impact a property’s suitability, especially for families or long-term residents. So, make sure you work with a real estate agent who has construction knowledge. They can detect hidden warning signs in a crawl space or utility area. Spotting them in time can help avoid expensive repairs or renegotiations later on.

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4. Always check the foundation (especially in this day and age!)

With changing weather patterns and rising groundwater levels, foundation issues are becoming more common in the Netherlands. Subsidence of 1 to 2 millimetres per year is acceptable, but anything above that could be a red flag and should be investigated. Foundation repairs can cost upwards of 80.000 euros. That’s why a good real estate agent will check whether the building is properly supported and consult public data if needed.

5. Don’t go to house viewings without your real estate agent

This might sound obvious, but not all real estate agents join their clients during property visits. However, it’s crucial that your agent steps into your potential future home. Some warning signs can only be spotted in person. An engaged agent will attend viewings, open crawl spaces, inspect the technical report, and ask critical questions; all with your long-term interests in mind. This kind of hands-on support is especially valuable for expats navigating an unfamiliar and complex housing market!