The 9 best practices to find housing in the Netherlands - Abroad Experience (2024)

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  • Marie Gilmaire
  • February 15, 2023
  • Housing, Information for expats
The 9 best practices to find housing in the Netherlands - Abroad Experience (1)

As you may have noticed by now finding housing in the Netherlands is a little tricky. Indeed, they are more people looking for accommodations than available rentals. This is why we want to share with you the best tips to get your future home in the Netherlands.

Where to look for accommodations?

The best way to find housing in the Netherlands is to go through the most recognized rental websites: Funda and Pararius. On these platforms, real estate agencies have to pay to be able to advertise to home seekers. This system is made to discourage fake advertisem*nts and ensure a qualitative selection of apartments. The agencies that have the highest rate of response on these two platforms are the following: Ben Housing, Interhouse, Perfectrent

Best Practices when searching for housing in the Netherlands :

  • Be an early bird: New listings are usually posted around 7:30 am, make sure to prepare an alarm to be the first to react to the new apartments.
  • Prepare a personalized message: When you find a listing you like, click on “Plan a viewing”. Then you will see a box that allows you to write a message. It is important to maximize your chances that you use that box to present yourself as well as your situation.
  • Call agencies: Do not hesitate to call agencies, it might allow you to squeeze into a visit you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.
  • Don’t be too picky: Do not close any doors by only focusing on furnished apartments, the market for housing in the Netherlands is already hard enough as it is.
  • Be reactive: If you are selected for a visit reply as soon as you get an answer from the agent.
  • Ask for updates: Agencies are extremely busy and might forget about you so if you are waiting for an answer do not hesitate to contact them by mail or by phone.
  • Prepare questions: Make sure that you study well the advertisem*nt and write down every question that may come to your mind before the visit. Agents are usually hard to reach as they spend their days showing houses, the visit will be the only moment you will get their full attention.
  • Prepare your documents: Have all your documents prepared in a housing in the Netherlands file in a pdf format as some agencies ask to see them before allowing you to visit the apartment.
  • Pay attention to the renting condition: There are three types of rentals that you will encounter: Furnished, Carpet and curtains and Uncarpeted. Pay attention to these criteria because uncarpeted means an apartment without flooring and painted walls. It is due to the fact that Dutch people usually rent for a long time period and like to be able to decorate everything by themselves. Yes, they leave with their floor when they move out.

Red Flags to avoid when looking for housing in the Netherlands :

  • You should not have any additional fees to pay before renting.
  • They are no fees to subscribe to the town hall.
  • Do not accept signing a rent contract without visiting at least online.
  • Check the online presence of your agency
  • Never trust an agent directly transferring you to someone else before even visiting especially if it is supposedly a landlord.
  • Ask if you can register with the council at the rental address, if not it is a scam.

For more detailed information download our free Housing in the Netherlands guide as it will give you all the information that is absolutely necessary to find your future home. Such as all the documents you need to prepare, what to write to your agent, the questions to ask agents during visits…

Abroad Experience International Recruitment wishes you the best of luck in your home search!

Do not forget to follow us on social media to be updated on new blogs, guides and job openings: Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook!

The 9 best practices to find housing in the Netherlands - Abroad Experience (2)

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The 9 best practices to find housing in the Netherlands - Abroad Experience (2024)

FAQs

The 9 best practices to find housing in the Netherlands - Abroad Experience? ›

Overview of housing in the Netherlands

Finding housing in the Netherlands can be a struggle as an expat because almost 75% of the rental market is set aside for social, or affordable, housing. Because the waitlists are so long, social housing is virtually inaccessible to new arrivals.

What is the best way to find housing in the Netherlands? ›

When looking for a place to live, you should try the following things to increase your chances of success:
  1. Network: Your friends, colleagues, distant cousins - everyone counts. ...
  2. Scour the internet: Explore Dutch housing websites like Funda and Pararius for plenty of listings.
Feb 12, 2024

Why is it so hard to find housing in the Netherlands? ›

Overview of housing in the Netherlands

Finding housing in the Netherlands can be a struggle as an expat because almost 75% of the rental market is set aside for social, or affordable, housing. Because the waitlists are so long, social housing is virtually inaccessible to new arrivals.

What are the housing challenges in the Netherlands? ›

Nationwide, house prices have doubled in the past decade; in more sought-after neighbourhoods they have surged 130%. A new-build home costs 16 times an average salary. The rental market is equally dysfunctional. Rents in the private sector – about 15% of the country's total housing stock – have soared.

How difficult is it for an American to move to the Netherlands? ›

Immigration. As a third-country national who does not possess EU, EEA, or Swiss nationality, you will need a residence permit to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. There are different types of visas, residence permits, and work permits depending on your employer and your specific case.

When should I start looking for housing in the Netherlands? ›

If you need to look for accommodation yourself, our most important advice is: start as soon as possible. In many cities there is a shortage of student accommodation. Check at the institution the housing situation of your city.

What is the best site for apartments in the Netherlands? ›

The best way to find housing in the Netherlands is to go through the most recognized rental websites: Funda and Pararius. On these platforms, real estate agencies have to pay to be able to advertise to home seekers. This system is made to discourage fake advertisem*nts and ensure a qualitative selection of apartments.

What are the downsides of living in the Netherlands? ›

The Netherlands has a high cost of living, which includes everything from accommodation, groceries, and services. On average, the cost of living in the Netherlands is 10.7% higher than in the UK. Owning a car is particularly expensive, with high road tax and expensive repair costs.

How long does it take to find housing in the Netherlands? ›

It all depends on your budget. To find a house under €1000 can take years, over €2000 your chances to find a house within a short period like month are better and depends on the location and region. That all depends on what your budget or social status is.

Is there a waiting list for housing in the Netherlands? ›

There are long waiting lists for social housing in the Netherlands; currently this is around 15 years, but there are steps you can take to secure social housing faster. The social housing system works with a point system, the more points you have, the higher your chances are of getting social housing.

What are the housing options in Netherlands? ›

  • Detached House (Vrijstaand huis) This kind of housing means that you live in an entire independent house with no neighbors below or above you. ...
  • Semi-detached House (twee onder één kap) ...
  • Terraced house (Rijtjeshuis) ...
  • Apartment (appartement) ...
  • Houseboat (Woonboot) ...
  • Studio.

How does housing work in the Netherlands? ›

Both social and private (non-subsidised) housing can be rented in the Netherlands. Rules apply to both the tenant and the landlord. They cover security of tenure, rent, rent increases, maintenance, service charges, etc.

What is the housing market outlook in the Netherlands? ›

House prices are rising rapidly again, as the borrowing capacity of potential home buyers increases and the supply of houses is limited and decreasing. For this year, we expect homes for sale to be an average of 6.2% more expensive than in 2023, followed by a further house price increase of 6.3% in 2025.

Is it better to live in the Netherlands or the US? ›

Happy and High Quality Living

According to the World Happiness Report, the Netherlands ranks as the #5 happiest country in the world. From very friendly people to an extremely good work life balance, it's no wonder the people living in the Netherlands are so happy.

Where do most American expats live in the Netherlands? ›

Amsterdam. With its picturesque canal houses, vibrant atmosphere, and international community, it's easy to understand why so many people choose to move to Amsterdam. Expats from over 180 nationalities live in the capital, making it a truly multicultural city.

Is Netherlands friendly to foreigners? ›

Dutch people are very direct and open in their communication style. People from other countries and cultures may interpret this directness as being rude. But that's far from being true. Most Dutch people are actually extremely humble, welcoming, and friendly towards foreigners.

What is the best real estate site in the Netherlands? ›

FAQs About The Top Real Estate Websites in Netherlands
  • funda.nl.
  • idealista.com.
  • fundainbusiness.nl.
  • kamernet.nl.
  • woonnet-haaglanden.nl.

Is it hard to find a place to rent in Amsterdam? ›

Finding a flat/apartment or house to rent in Amsterdam can be a serious challenge for expats and new residents. There is a significant housing shortage in the city – particularly in central areas – and the market is skewed by rent controlled public housing and a few unscrupulous landlords and agents.

Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Netherlands? ›

Can expats buy property in the Netherlands? The short answer is yes. The Netherlands does not place any restrictions on the purchase of property by foreigners, whether resident or non-resident. However, to get a mortgage you must live and be registered in the Netherlands.

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