The 4 most effective ways to increase your property's value

If you are planning to sell your house in the Netherlands, you should know that property extensions, energy label upgrades and renovations can significantly increase your home’s market value. However, not all changes will generate the same kind of return on your investment. Here are the top alterations you can make to your property that will increase its value.

1. Add an extension

More square meters mean greater desirability and comfort. They also drive up the WOZ value, which influences your property’s market price and perceived worth. 

Almost any extension will increase your property’s market value, but choosing the right type can make a big difference in functional and financial benefits. Expanding living areas such as the living room, kitchen, or bedroom through garden extensions (uitbouw) or adding a dormer (dakkapel) remains a proven way to increase space and appeal.

Roof extensions (dakopbouw) offer one of the most powerful benefits: by adding an entire extra floor, you can dramatically increase square meters, create multiple new bedrooms and bathrooms, and, in some areas, even convert the new level into a self-contained apartment for extra rental income or resale value. 

Living space is highly valuable in the Dutch housing market, where a shortage of homes has made comfortable living an increasingly sought-after luxury. Anyone searching for a property on Funda or similar platforms quickly notices that more space makes a home stand out and attract more buyers.

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2. Increase its energy label 

Homes with an energy label lower than B are being skipped by buyers browsing property platforms at an increasing rate, as they anticipate higher energy costs and upcoming sustainability requirements. The most effective way to improve your property’s energy label, and increase its value in the process, is to invest in energy-efficient renovations.

Upgrades such as floor, roof, and façade insulation, triple-glazed windows, underfloor heating with heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, and solar panels can improve a property's energy label, reduce energy bills, and make it far more appealing in the Dutch housing market. Government incentives such as the ISDE can help lower upfront costs with attractive subsidies.

If you plan to rent out your property, the energy label is even more important. In the Netherlands, the rental price points system (woningwaarderingsstelsel) limits the maximum rent you may charge for homes with a low energy label. A high energy label (A or better) gives you significantly more points and can help your property qualify for the liberalised/free sector (vrijesector or vrije huur), allowing you to set the rent yourself without government caps.

3. Renovate and refresh 

The right renovation upgrades can significantly raise your home’s market value, make it more attractive to buyers, or help to move it into the vrije sector for higher rental income.

Updating electrical wiring and plumbing, installing a modern bathroom, and rearranging the floor plan can improve the property’s functionality and market value. High-quality finishes such as hardwood or PVC flooring, professional plastering (stucwerk), and a fresh coat of paint help improve the interior’s appearance and raise the perceived quality of the property, thus increasing its market value.

4. Hire experienced specialists

An extension, renovation or energy label upgrade in the Netherlands is a major financial investment. Without expert oversight, it can quickly become a liability. The biggest risks are not only aesthetic, although a poorly finished renovation can cause your property to actually drop in value, but also legal, logistical and financial. 

Failing to secure the right permits (vergunningen) or lacking sufficient experience with Dutch building regulations can lead to fines, delays and costly rework.

With complex extension or renovation projects, working with a company that has plenty of experience is essential. Make sure they know the Dutch regulations and that they will prepare and submit the required permits.

For energy-efficient renovations, the right guidance will ensure that you don't miss out on any of the available government subsidies. In short, professional project management is your best insurance against legal issues, wasted investment, and expensive mistakes.

Starting your property project

A successful home renovation in the Netherlands begins with a clear, structured plan. The first step is a professional property assessment to evaluate your home’s potential, define your goals, and create a realistic project roadmap. This early planning phase lays the foundation for the entire process and prevents costly surprises later.