AGS Netherlands: 3 tips to finding housing in the Dutch market
In the Netherlands, skyrocketing rents have left expats scrambling to find housing that meets their needs without breaking the bank. Michiel Delmonte, Business Development Manager at AGS Netherlands, explains what’s behind these price hikes and how you can find a place to stay regardless.
For the past few years, the Netherlands has been going through a housing crisis which has left many Dutch residents and expats to struggle with finding a place to live. If you are not yet living in the Netherlands but will soon plan an international move to the country, the situation may prove to be even more challenging.
What's causing the surge in Dutch rental property prices?
The Dutch rental market is under extreme pressure due to several measures introduced by the government to make it easier for first-time buyers to purchase a home. One such measure restricts renting out houses below a certain market value to direct relatives of the property’s owner. Consequently, many investors have sold their rental properties due to lower returns on investment.
Increased interest rates
Additionally, the sharp increase in interest rates has made buying a home unaffordable for some, leading to more homes being available for purchase. While this benefits buyers with means, it has resulted in a severe decrease in rental property availability in many of the Netherlands' largest cities.
This is especially difficult because these major cities are where many international workers, expats and students want to live and work. If you are planning to immigrate to the Netherlands, this scarcity of homes can make things even harder, as rental prices in urban areas have reached an all-time high.
How much can you expect to spend on rent in the Netherlands?
In the Amsterdam MRA region (comprising Alkmaar, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Rotterdam, and the Hague), rental prices saw a significant increase of 25 - 30 percent during the last months of 2022.
Previously, a decent-sized rental property in Amsterdam could be found for around 1.350 euros per month. Nowadays, the rental prices for a studio or one-bedroom apartment has skyrocketed to around 1.850 - 2.200 euros, excluding utilities and other charges (which have also risen).
The situation is the same in Utrecht and Eindhoven, although rents are slightly more affordable than in the MRA region. However, as the number of available rental properties diminishes, prices continue to rise in these areas as well.
Three strategies for securing a rental property in the Netherlands
Here are a few tips to help you increase your chances of finding accommodation in the current Dutch housing market:
1. Begin your search immediately
Due to a limited supply of properties, expats are taking longer to find a place that suits their needs while also respecting their budget. As a result, it's crucial to begin your housing search immediately upon arrival in the Netherlands.
Working with a company like AGS Netherlands can significantly reduce the time required to secure accommodation, minimising your stay in temporary housing. They also have specialised area consultants who scan popular Dutch rental websites multiple times a day on behalf of expats seeking homes.
Once an appropriate apartment is listed, these experts quickly schedule a viewing appointment on your behalf, leaving you free to focus on other important aspects of your international move.
2. Explore furnished options
In the past, it was common for expats to stay in a temporary, furnished accommodation while they waited for their furniture to arrive from their home countries, but this has begun to change.
A growing number of expats choose to allocate their moving allowance towards a more substantial accommodation budget instead. This permits tenants to live in furnished properties on a long-term basis. Furthermore, broadening your search to include furnished apartments offers more possibilities and so merits consideration.
3. Look outside of the city centre
Similar to other major cities, housing in Dutch urban areas tends to be more affordable on its outskirts or surrounding areas. Additionally, the country’s comprehensive public transport systems means that living farther from your workplace won’t necessarily compromise your quality of life.
If you plan to work from home partially or entirely, consider an apartment with an additional bedroom that can serve as a home office. Especially when you only commute to the office a few days a week, the extra 15 to 20 minutes spent travelling become insignificant.
AGS Netherlands helps their clients find housing tailored to their own needs and relieves them of the burden of searching for a house on their own.
Find housing quickly with AGS Netherlands
The good news is that, if you are patient and flexible, you will find a suitable place to call your own! To improve your chances and find housing in a timely manner, consider working with a reputable moving and relocation company like AGS Netherlands that understands the local, Dutch housing market.
For assistance in your home away from home in the Netherlands, get in touch with AGS Netherlands - your expert in international moving and relocation services.
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