Homes for sale in Lies, Terschelling
View the current supply of homes for sale in Lies and compare prices, sizes and neighbourhood data to make the right choice.
House prices in Lies: well above the Terschelling average
Lies is one of the smallest villages on Terschelling, but in terms of house prices it is among the most expensive places on the island. The average WOZ value of a home in Lies is €567,000, while the municipal average for Terschelling is €426,000. That difference is significant. In the past twelve months, six homes changed hands, at an average purchase price of €982,500. Prices ranged from €695,000 to €1,100,000, with an average living area of 179 m². These are almost exclusively detached houses and characteristic island homes, no apartments. Over 83% of the housing stock is owner-occupied; rental properties are scarce. For current asking prices and available properties, you can consult the overview at the top of this page.
Anyone looking for a home to buy in Lies must reckon with a tight market. With only 75 homes in total and very little turnover, supply is limited. Homes that become available are often sold quickly, sometimes privately to acquaintances. Buying in Lies therefore requires patience and a good network on the island.
Living in Lies: peace, nature and a close-knit village life
Lies lies in the heart of Terschelling, surrounded by dunes, meadows and the Schiermonnikoog National Park. No, wait, it is the Duinen van Terschelling National Park that lies directly around the village. It is one of the quietest spots on the island, far from the hustle and bustle of West-Terschelling. Residents greatly appreciate that. On the neighbourhood page of Lies, reviewers describe the village as "a place where you still know each other" and "finally real peace, without being cut off from the world". The low building density and open landscape are mentioned time and again as reasons to stay here.
Amenities are basic, and that is part of this village. Lies does not have its own supermarket or school. You do your shopping in Midsland, the largest village in the middle of the island, a few minutes' bike ride away. Midsland has a primary school, a small supermarket and some local shops. For more extensive facilities, the town hall and the ferry connection to Harlingen, you go to West-Terschelling, about twelve kilometres to the west. The neighbourhood Verspreide huizen Lies-Zuid borders directly on Lies and has an even more rural character.
Accessibility works differently here than on the mainland. Terschelling can only be reached by ferry or Waterbus from Harlingen. The crossing takes about two hours by boat or 45 minutes by fast catamaran. On the island itself, you travel by car, bike or the local bus that connects the villages. A car of your own in Lies is not a luxury but a practical necessity, although the island is small enough to do everything by bike. Anyone who has to commute to the mainland daily faces a challenge here. Most residents of Lies work on the island itself or have a flexible work situation. This also explains the low registered labour participation in the official figures; some residents work seasonally or as self-employed. For more information about living and working on the island, see also the website of the municipality of Terschelling.
Who is a home for sale in Lies suitable for?
Lies mainly attracts buyers who consciously choose peace, space and a strong sense of community, often people in their fifties or sixties leaving the hustle and bustle of the mainland behind. First-time buyers and young families can hardly afford it here: with average selling prices around €982,500, the entry level is high. On top of the purchase price come transfer tax (2% for homes without the starter exemption), notary fees and possible renovation costs. Supply is limited, so overbidding is realistic. Those who want to be more flexible or first get used to island life can also look at rental homes in Lies, although that supply is even scarcer. Also compare the market in Hoorn or Oosterend for possibly more supply at slightly different price levels.
Searching for a home for sale in Lies via Buurtje.nl
Buurtje.nl combines current housing supply with resident reviews and neighbourhood statistics, so you not only buy a house but also know what your neighbourhood is like. At the top of this page you see the current state of supply in Lies. If you want to search more broadly, also check out homes for sale in Terschelling as a whole or explore neighbouring villages such as Formerum.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to buy a house in Lies on Terschelling?
In the past twelve months, the average sale price of a home in Lies was €982,500. Prices ranged between €695,000 and €1,100,000, with an average living area of 179 m². Lies is therefore one of the most expensive neighbourhoods on Terschelling, well above the municipal average.
What is the WOZ value of a home in Lies?
The average WOZ value of homes in Lies is €567,000. That is well above the average for the municipality of Terschelling, which stands at €426,000. The high WOZ value reflects the scarcity and desirable location of homes in this small village.
What types of homes can you buy in Lies?
In Lies, it is almost exclusively detached island homes and characteristic farmhouses. Buying an apartment in Lies is not realistic; the housing stock consists of ground-based homes. With only 75 homes in total and 83% owner-occupied homes, supply is structurally limited.
What are the additional costs when buying a home in Lies?
In addition to the purchase price, as a buyer you pay transfer tax (2% for existing homes, or 0% if you meet the starter exemption), notary costs and possibly estate agent fees. For homes in this price range, the additional costs quickly add up to tens of thousands of euros. Also take maintenance costs into account, as many homes in Lies are older and require regular attention.
How accessible is Lies for daily commuting?
Lies is located on Terschelling, an island that can only be reached by ferry or fast catamaran from Harlingen. The crossing takes two hours or 45 minutes respectively. Daily commuting to the mainland is therefore burdensome. Living in Lies is best suited for people who work on the island, work from home or have a flexible work situation.
