The Netherlands is known for its beautiful nature and rich history, as well as its prosperity and high standard of living. This makes it an attractive destination for expats from all over the world.
As nice as it may seem, when you decide to settle in the Netherlands as an expat you also face a complicated and difficult process. Therefore, we have listed all the important steps for you.
Why do you want to settle in the Netherlands as an expat?
There are a number of reasons that make the Netherlands an excellent choice for many expats, an important reason is our strong economy, as one of the most prosperous countries in the world we have a strong economy and many international companies are based here. The technical sector is also very large in our country, with a lot of demand for foreign knowledge here as well.
Language is also a big advantage for many expats. Dutch people generally speak excellent English when compared to other countries. This makes integration much easier for expats.
Learn to understand the Dutch housing market
The Dutch housing market is booming, the demand for housing is many times higher than the supply which often creates unpredictable situations. Especially in urban areas such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague it is very difficult to find housing.
The strict rules in the Dutch housing market
Also, this housing market often works differently than what you may be used to. In the Netherlands, you have to deal with much stricter rules and legislation when it comes to buying a house.
Ensure proper preparation, financial planning and budgeting
Before the search for a home begins, it is important to assess your financial situation. When buying a home, you need to consider a number of additional costs such as transfer tax, notary fees and any renovation costs. Also, when buying your home, you need to properly insured are.
Mortgage advisor at Bert van Vulpen
As an expat, it is also wise to consult a mortgage consultant, who will help you determine how much you can borrow and what your monthly expenses will be. As an expatriate it is more difficult to get a mortgage, many banks want to be sure that you have a stable income so that you can pay your monthly mortgage payments.
At Bert van Vulpen, we put you in touch with the right advisors who have experience with expats and are going to get you the best deal.
The start of your search
You’ve completed the financial picture and are ready to start looking for a nice house. The big question now is: where Is this search going to take place? As an expat, you may not be completely familiar with all the beautiful places to live that the Netherlands has to offer.
So enlist the help of one of Bert van Vulpen’s buying brokers. Looking for a home close to work? Or just in a quiet area outside the city? We listen to your needs and find exactly the home that completely fits them.
Viewings and bidding
Once you have found a property that meets your needs, the next step is to view it. It is of course important that you like the house itself, but also pay close attention to the condition of the house and any maintenance that needs to be done. Want to make sure you don’t overlook anything during the viewing? Then choose to tour the house with one of our buying agents.
Making the right offer
Were you convinced about this house after the viewing? Then it’s time to make an offer. This process may be different from what you are used to. Therefore, let Bert van Vulpen’s buying brokers guide you through this. As an experienced broker, they are aware of the current market value and will advise you on the right bidding strategy.
Your bid has been accepted, now what?
Your bid has been accepted! That means it’s time to buy. Even at this stage, there are a lot of rules and procedures to follow. One of the most important parts of this phase is drafting the purchase contract. This records all agreements between the buyer and seller in writing.
Engage a notary public
In the Netherlands it is purchase of a house, it is required by law to engage the services of a notary. This ensures that the legal aspects of the home transfer are done properly. At Bert van Vulpen real estate agents, we have close contacts with reliable notaries who have experience with expats and are going to help you translate the legal documents.
The big moment: the move
Once the sale is complete, the move will begin. Again, it is important to prepare well. Examples include arranging utilities, Internet and TV subscriptions and registering with the municipality. Again, Bert van Vulpen’s real estate agents provide you with helpful tips and good connections to parties experienced with expats.
As an expat, buying a home in the Netherlands is a stressful experience. By engaging the buying brokers of Bert van Vulpen, you will benefit from our years of experience in the Dutch housing market. We understand the often unique challenges you face as an expat and expertly solve them for you.
Whether it’s finding the perfect home, negotiating the best price or translating legal documents, at Bert van Vulpen we are here for you! Want to know how we will help you get your dream home? Please contact us!