Living, housing market and neighbourhoods
Articles, tips and insights on the Dutch housing market and life in your neighbourhood.
Buying an apartment? How to check whether the VvE is healthy
When you buy an apartment in the Netherlands, you also buy into the building and its owners' association (VvE). These are the documents to request, how to judge the reserve fund and the red flags.
Energy label when buying or selling: what does it say and what is it worth?
The energy label influences the sale price, your maximum mortgage and your monthly costs. What the label really says, what it costs and how much extra you can borrow in 2026.
Building inspection: what does it cost and when do you need one?
A building inspection costs on average 250 to 500 euros in 2026 and can save you from tens of thousands in surprises. Learn when an inspection is mandatory, sensible or unnecessary.
How much can I borrow for a mortgage in 2026?
How much can I borrow for a mortgage in 2026? As a rule of thumb, roughly 4 to 4.5 times your gross annual income. See what counts and what lowers your maximum.
Overbidding on a house: how much is normal in 2026?
How much should you bid over the asking price in 2026? There is no fixed percentage: it depends on the city, price range and interest. Here is how to bid smartly.
Viewing a house: what to look out for (checklist)
Viewing a house? Go in prepared. This checklist shows you what matters in half an hour: structural condition, damp, heating and wiring, and the neighbourhood.
Buying Your First Home: The Advantages Listed
The advantages of buying your first home: building equity, 0% transfer tax up to €555,000, mortgage interest deduction, and NHG. Plus the purchase costs.
Key handover for a home: how does it work?
How does the key handover for a home work? From the final inspection and meter readings to the notary and the money flow: a complete step-by-step guide.
Calculating and releasing home equity: how it works
Calculating and releasing home equity: what is home equity, how do you calculate it, and what does it cost to release €30,000 or €100,000 at an interest rate of around 4%?
Average house price in the Netherlands: the figures for June 2026
What is the average house price in the Netherlands? The median is around €470,000, the average is €539,000. View current asking prices per city, June 2026.
How much of your own money do you need to buy a house?
How much of your own money do you need to buy a house? You can borrow 100% of the purchase price, but you have to pay the purchase costs yourself. As a first-time buyer, expect several thousand euros.
How much does a notary cost when buying a house?
How much does a notary cost when buying a house? In 2026, expect around €1,800 with a mortgage. See what the deed of transfer and mortgage deed cost.
Calculating buyer's costs: what to expect in 2026
Calculating buyer's costs in 2026: expect 4 to 6% of the purchase price (or almost nothing if you're a first-time buyer). All individual items, a worked example, and what is tax-deductible.
