Let’s talk about Deonie Botha! One of our long-term clients we are so happy to call our ambassador. She moved to the Netherlands from South Africa. Deonie’s journey didn’t happen in one step. She started with a short stay, moved into a rental, went back to a short stay again, and eventually bought her own home. Step by step, she figured out what worked for her and what she needed to feel at home.
In this blog we talk about her experience, her view of the Netherlands, and we share some of the advice she has for other expats.
Arriving in the Netherlands, from short stay to a rental
Before arriving, Deonie was already introduced to Xpat Housing Solutions through the company that recruited her. When she landed in the Netherlands, her short-stay accommodation for two months was arranged.
Looking back, she says that made a huge difference. Because even though you technically have two months, you can’t wait two months to start looking. The pressure is there immediately. After two months, she moved into a rental property. What stood out most to her was how the process worked.
Instead of running around trying to attend every viewing herself, our agent visited properties, recorded videos, and sent them to her. She remembers how simple it felt:“Deonie, which one do you like?” That way, she could stay focused on her job while still being fully involved in the decision. And quite quickly, she found a place for the next year.
She describes the initial period of arriving in the Netherlands and arranging everything as stressful, but also says it would have been much harder without our support.
Back to Short Stay, then buying a home
After her rental, Deonie made the decision to buy a house. Before she could move into her new place, she stayed in a short-stay accommodation again.
This time, it was in the same area as before. She already knew the neighborhood, the surroundings, and the feeling of the place. That made the transition feel natural and easy.
She explains that moving through these different stages didn’t feel chaotic, but actually quite smooth. And according to her, that had a lot to do with having the right support throughout the process. “If you work with a good company, they make it so easy for you.”
“Be clear about what you want”
One thing Deonie is very clear about is how important it is to know what you want.
She says that she was very direct about her expectations, and that this made a big difference. Because when you are clear, people can actually help you properly.
Her advice to other expats is simple: Take the time to think about what you want, what you don’t want, and be honest about it. In her words, it saves time, energy, and a lot of frustration.
Her biggest advice: “Don’t try and do it alone”
If there is one thing Deonie would tell other internationals, it’s this: don’t try to do it on your own. She has seen people around her try, and not always have a good experience. Not because they didn’t try hard enough, but because the system is just very different from what they are used to.
Her advice is to find someone who understands the market, who listens to your needs, and helps you find something that actually fits your situation and budget.
Yes, she says, it can be expensive. But she is very honest about that too: “What you pay for is what you get.” And even now, she still tells friends that she has not regretted that decision for a single day.
Life in the Netherlands for Deonie
Outside of housing, Deonie really embraced life in the Netherlands.
One of the things she loves most is the freedom people have to be themselves. She feels that people are open, interested, and accepting of different cultures and personalities.
She also mentions the directness of Dutch people. Yes, they are direct, but in her experience, not rude.
What she enjoys a lot is exploring the Netherlands by train. She often just picks a place, books something for the weekend, and goes. New cities, new food, new people. She says there are so many beautiful places, and she always feels safe. Coming from South Africa, she really appreciates how easy it is to travel here. No car is needed, just hop on a train and go.
Growing through the experience
Living in the Netherlands also brought some challenges. One of the biggest changes for her was how independent she had to become. Doing everything herself, from cleaning to carrying groceries, was something she had to get used to.
But in the end, she sees it as something positive. It made her stronger and more independent. And it also gave her a lot of respect for the Dutch mindset: practical, direct, and very “can do.”
Why she recommends Xpat Housing Solutions
When asked why she recommends Xpat Housing Solutions, she doesn’t hesitate.
For her, it comes down to three things.
- First, everything is in one place. Short stay, rental, and buying. As she describes it:
“They are the IKEA of housing.” - Second, trust. She felt informed, supported, and knew she could rely on the guidance she received.
- And third, listening. She felt heard, and that her needs were actually taken seriously.
That combination is what helped her find a home that truly fits her.
Deonie’s journey shows that finding a home in the Netherlands is not always one straight line. It can take different steps, different stages, and a bit of patience. But with the right support, clear expectations, and the willingness to adapt, it can also become a very positive experience.
And for Deonie, it’s one she still looks back on without any regret.
