Terraced houses for sale in Rotterdam

Rotterdam buys differently from the rest of the Netherlands

Rotterdam has traditionally been a city of renters. Owner-occupied homes do exist, but they form a smaller part of the total housing stock than in most other major cities. This has consequences for anyone wanting to buy a terraced house: supply is structurally limited, competition is fierce, and homes are rarely on the market for long. Terraced houses in Rotterdam are popular among first-time buyers making the step from renting to owning, but also among families looking for space without the costs of a detached home. For current numbers and prices: look at the overview at the top of this page.

If you are seriously searching, it is wise to understand the market well before making an offer. Also check the overview with reviews and neighbourhood data of Rotterdam for a more complete picture of the city.

What you need to know before making an offer

Buying a terraced house in Rotterdam requires preparation. These are the most relevant points to consider:

• Check the foundation. Rotterdam is built on soft ground. Many homes in older neighbourhoods have wooden piles that can rot. Always have a structural survey done, specifically paying attention to the foundation. The costs of foundation repair are high.
• Check the ground lease. Part of the land in Rotterdam is municipal ground lease. Check whether the land is freehold or leasehold, and what the ground rent is. This affects both financing and resale value.
• Homeowners' association (VvE) for terraced houses in rows. Some terraced houses fall under a homeowners' association, for example if there are shared parts such as a roof or facade. Always ask for the VvE documents and the reserve fund.
• React quickly, but not hastily. Homes sell fast. Make sure your financing is in order (mortgage pre-approval ready) so you can respond the same day. But don't be rushed into skipping the survey.
• Overbidding is common, but not always necessary. In some neighbourhoods, bidding above the asking price is standard, in others less so. Do your homework per neighbourhood and per street.
• Turn on push notifications. New listings disappear quickly. Download the free Buurtje.nl app from the App Store or via Google Play and receive a free push notification as soon as a new terraced house becomes available that matches your search criteria.
• Pay attention to the floor area when financing. Banks are critical of homes under 40 m². Most terraced houses are well above this, but with compact terraced houses in older construction, it is good to check this in advance.

Price level: what determines what you pay

Terraced houses in Rotterdam are in the upper middle segment compared to many other Dutch cities. This is due to the scarcity of owner-occupied housing supply combined with growing demand. Current prices are at the top of this page.

Factors influencing the price of a terraced house:

• Location: neighbourhoods close to the centre or with good public transport connections are more expensive.
• Year of construction and state of maintenance, including foundation condition.
• Presence of a garden (front or back) and its orientation.
• Energy label: homes with label A or B are increasingly valued, partly due to rising energy costs.
• Ground lease versus freehold: freehold is preferred and this is reflected in the price.

For a complete overview of the current supply, see the page all owner-occupied homes in Rotterdam.

Neighbourhoods where terraced houses become available

Not every neighbourhood in Rotterdam has as many terraced houses in the owner-occupied sector. Below is a selection of neighbourhoods that regularly have supply, with their resident score:

• Overschie (8.0/10): quiet, green character, relatively many family homes. Popular with families who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the centre.
• Prins Alexander (7.9/10): large residential area in the east of the city, many post-war terraced and row houses, well accessible by metro.
• Hillegersberg-Schiebroek (7.6/10): popular with families, more green than average for Rotterdam, relatively high share of owner-occupied homes.
• Kralingen-Crooswijk (7.7/10): mixed neighbourhood with both popular and up-and-coming streets. Kralingen itself is more expensive, Crooswijk offers more entry-level opportunities.
• Hoogvliet (7.5/10): on the south side of Rotterdam, relatively affordable, many terraced houses from the reconstruction period. Good for those looking for space for less money.

Buying a terraced house outside Rotterdam: also look at The Hague

If you are flexible on location, you can also look at the region. The Hague is a short distance away and has a different supply profile. Sometimes more terraced houses are available or competition is slightly less fierce. Check the supply of terraced houses in The Hague as a supplement to your search.

Buying a terraced house in Rotterdam remains the first choice for many seekers, but the region offers realistic alternatives. Also keep an eye on the page for renting terraced houses in Rotterdam if buying is not (yet) possible.