The following information has been complied as a guide for potential purchases for property in the Netherlands. It does not seek to provide or replace legal advice which you should obtain, nor is it intended to have any contractual effect.
By law a notary must perform the property registration process. The costs for this will vary and can be a percentage of the property price, an hourly rate or a fixed fee but expect to pay around €1,000 – 3,000.
It is also a legal requirement that a translator is present during notary meetings in cases where one or more of the parties are not a Dutch citizen. A translator is required to attend even in the cases where one or more of the parties are fluent in Dutch. It is important to book an accredited translator at the earliest opportunity as they are not easy to find or readily available. Expect to pay around €200 for an accredited translator.
Estimate 6% of the purchase price for fees and charges, to include: Transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting), legal fees, registration fees and estate agent fees.
There are no restrictions placed on foreigners and non-Dutch residents buying property. However, since the 2008 economic crisis it has generally been more difficult to obtain a Dutch mortgage (hypotheek) for low to medium income earners.
EU citizens are expected to have lived in the Netherlands for a minimum of six months, possess a citizen service number (BSN) and have permanent employment in the country. In addition to the above, Non-EU citizens might also need to prove that their residence permit can be extended.
Through our association with a residential property consultancy in Amsterdam Knight Frank offers a varied portfolio of properties ranging from modern apartments to historic canal side houses. Begin your Netherlands property search now or contact one of our property experts for a more detailed discussion of your requirements.
FAQs
Benefits of buying a home in the Netherlands
- Interest-tax deductions. - You can borrow 100% of the property's value. - You have the freedom to renovate your home and make it feel like your home. - You don't have to pay capital gains tax when selling a property.
Can Americans buy real estate in Amsterdam? ›
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.
How much money do you need to buy a house in Amsterdam? ›
Price / Property Type
The median house price in Amsterdam in 2022 as a whole is around €600,000 – this works out at about €6,700 per m². So as a potential buyer, what can you expect? Obviously price depends on the size of the property and the location – you may need to compromise in order to get the right balance.
Is the Netherlands it a good country to invest in real estate? ›
Foreigners can freely buy, sell and rent out real estate in the Netherlands. Statistics confirm the liquidity of investments: residential real estate prices grow every quarter by an average of 2.6%. Five years ago, an apartment of 100 m² cost an average of €293,000, and today it is sold for €467,000.
What is the average price of a house in Amsterdam? ›
Housing market in Amsterdam (July 2023)
The average list price was 603,141 euros last quarter and 571,568 euros this quarter. The average WOZ value went from 443,923 euros in 2022 to 533,749 euros in 2023.
Is Amsterdam a good place to retire? ›
While the high standard of living in the Netherlands could be challenging for budget-savvy retirees, the Dutch country's universal health system and rich culture could make it the ideal retirement place for you.
Is it hard to live in Amsterdam as an American? ›
Relocating to the Amsterdam Area
It's easy for newcomers and expats to settle in, given the city's cosmopolitan spirit, rich cultural life and large international community – combined with a compact size to make getting around a breeze.
How long can an American live in Amsterdam? ›
If you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, you may need a residence permit. In many cases you will also have to apply for a long-stay visa before you travel to the Netherlands.
Can an American citizen move to Amsterdam? ›
All you need to do is to apply for a residence permit once you get to the country. If you are a national of any other country, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa (also known as an authorization for temporary stay, or Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf, MVV) and a residence permit before you arrive.
What is the average house size in Amsterdam? ›
Amsterdam has the smallest houses of all Dutch cities. An average household in the capital has 74m2 of usable space. For home owners the average is 67 m2. Tenants have more space: 92 m2.
Property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB)
Property owner tax (residential): 0.0428 % of the official (WOZ) value. Property owner tax (business): 0.1796 % of the official (WOZ) value. Property user tax for tenants/users of business properties: 0.1293 % of the official (WOZ) value.
How much salary is enough to live in Amsterdam? ›
To qualify for a visa as a highly skilled migrant, there are minimum gross salary requirements (2023) of €5,008 per month (€60,096 per year) for over 30s and €3,672 per month (€44,064 per year) for under 30s.
Which country is safest for real estate investment? ›
A high ownership rate of 63 percent in France had elevated opinions of real estate as the safest investment. The city has a thriving property market, with demand driven by domestic and international buyers. Paris's investment property prices have remained relatively stable, with an average increase of 8.7%.
What country is the best to buy property in? ›
Panama is one of the best places to buy real estate overseas. We recommend Panama for two things specifically: rental apartments and agricultural opportunities. Panama City, where resale transactions have slowed, is and will continue to be a buyer's market through 2021. We see this year as a chance to buy on a dip.
Why does the US invest so much in the Netherlands? ›
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the world's most competitive industrialized economies. It offers an attractive business and investment climate and remains a welcoming location for business investment from the United States and elsewhere.
Are house prices dropping in Amsterdam? ›
When house prices were rising, these regions led the way, and now house prices there are actually falling sharper than in other regions. In Amsterdam, prices fell by as much as 4.8 percent. Compared to the same period last year, existing homes for sale there were still 2.0 percent more expensive.
Is it better to buy or rent in Amsterdam? ›
In general, it is said that buying is better than renting. However, buying is not better than renting if you are not sure whether you want to live in the Netherlands for longer than three years, for example.
Is real estate expensive in Amsterdam? ›
According to the study, Amsterdam is the sixth most expensive city in Europe when it comes to housing. Using figures from March 2021, Amsterdam is listed as having an average house price of 407.404 euros, with an average price per square metre of 7.527 euros in the city centre.
Is it a good time to buy a house in the Netherlands now? ›
If you're considering buying a property in the Netherlands, 2023 is shaping up to be a great year to do it. Prices are expected to rise steadily over the next few years, so getting in now could mean big savings down the line. Plus, with drops in the average house prices, it's a buyers' market.
