YOUR GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME IN THE NETHERLANDS
Ready to buy a home in the Netherlands? We help expats navigate the Dutch housing market with confidence.
At Xpat Housing Solutions, our experienced and licenced buying agents specialize in supporting internationals. We guide you through every step: from defining your search, to viewings negotiations, and finalizing the purchase. We make sure your buying process is safe, efficient, and free from surprises.
WE COMBINE SMART TECH AND PERSONAL SUPPORT TO FIND YOUR NEW HOME FAST!
YOUR BENEFITS AT A GLACE:
Buying Coach
Expert buying guidance, fully online. You lead the process, supported by a certified agent on demand.
Digital intake
Define your buying profile and priorities
Automated home search
Search based on your budget and wishes
Scans all major housing platforms 24/7
1st access to new online listings
Professional viewing support (up to 3)
Receive a Property Condition Report featuring:
Ai- powered room-by-room analysis
Repair cost estimates per room
Sustainability & energy label improvement advice
Viewing checklist & key questions for the selling agent
Bidding & negotiation support (up to 3)
Certified buying agent supports you with:
Property value estimation
Neighborhood price comparison
Pros & cons overview
Tailored bidding strategy
Active negotiation on your behalf
Legal check to ensure a safe buy
Certified buying agent checks:
Purchase agreement
Transfer deeds
Land-use plan
Property ownership information
Owners’ Assocation Documents (VVE)
Final inspection support
Tailored checklist to prepare for final inspection
Buying Genie
Full-service buying guidance with your certified buying agent by your side, every step of the process.
Personal intake meeting with your buying agent
Define your buying profile and priorities
Explanation of home search tool
Discuss any questions you might have
Automated home search
Search based on your budget and wishes
Scans all major housing platforms 24/7
1st access to new online listings
Search support from your buying agent
Your buying agent supports you personally with:
Home search
Booking of viewings
Getting exclusive off-market property access
Connect you with trusted third parties
We’ll connect you with reliable third parties, such as:
Expat specialized mortgage advisors
Certified valuators
Technical building inspectors
Guided property viewings (up to 10)
Your buying agent helps with:
Initial on-site property check
Interaction with selling agent
Questions about the property or neighborhood
Bidding & negotiation support (up to 10)
Your buying agent supports you with:
Property value estimation
Neighborhood price comparison
Pros & cons overview
Tailored bidding strategy
Active negotiation on your behalf
Legal check to ensure a safe buy
Your buying agent checks:
Purchase agreement
Transfer deeds
Land-use plan
Property ownership information
Owners’ Assocation Documents (VVE)
Final inspection support
Your buying agent will:
Arrange the appointment for the final inspection
Check the property during the inspection
Represent your best interests
Notary support
Your buying agent will:
Accompany you to the notary’s appointment
Genie extra's
Support to connect utilities (gas, water, electricity, tv, internet)
Support to arrange insurances
Let's find the best fit for your situation.
Pricing depends on the region and possible partnership discounts.
Schedule a short call to learn more and receive your tailored offer.
WHY EXPATS AND COMPANIES TRUSTS US:
START YOUR SEARCH NOW:
1 MONTH FREE ACCESS!
Looking to buy a home? Use our AI-powered search engine to get instant access to the newest listings, often before they hit the big platforms.
Rated 4.9/5 on Google
✓ Scans all major real estate sites for you 24/7
✓ Receive instant alerts based on your search profile
✓ Access hidden off-market listings
✓ Fully in English
✓ No subscription. No auto-renewal. No risk.
1 MONTH FREE ACESS!
No subscription, No strings attached!
Simply copy and use this access key at sign-up:
12|Z1HdQWb3CHUNc1voKOmsLFfKnr8eVezmoDY0TqgP
JUST BOUGHT:
some of our recently purchased homes
Finding a home in the Netherlands can be challenging, but it’s absolutely possible. Take a look at some of the homes we’ve recently helped our clients buy, often within just a few months.
FAQ's for expats & internationals
1. Can expats buy property in the Netherlands?
Yes—foreigners can buy homes; mortgage approval usually requires Dutch residency (BSN).
Full answer: With a valid passport, BSN (citizen service number), and proof of income, internationals can buy property in the Netherlands. Mortgage providers typically require you to be registered and living in the Netherlands before granting approval.
2. When should I talk to a mortgage advisor?
As early as possible—ideally before you start bidding.
Full answer: We strongly recommend meeting with a mortgage advisor before placing any offers. This gives you clarity on your borrowing power, avoids disappointments later, and makes your offer more attractive to sellers. We can arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with an independent, expat-specialized mortgage advisor for you.
3. How much can I borrow as an expat?
It depends on your income, savings, and personal situation.
Full answer: Online mortgage calculators give a first indication of your maximum mortgage, but we advise confirming this in a consultation with an advisor. They’ll review your full financial situation and provide an accurate, reliable figure.
4. Do I need to bring in my own money?
Yes—at least 3,5–6% of the purchase price, sometimes more.
Full answer: Dutch banks finance up to 100% of the appraised value of the property. Buyers must cover additional costs (“kosten koper”) such as 2% transfer tax, notary, and valuation—around 3,5–6% extra. If the purchase price is higher than the appraised value, you’ll need to fund that difference yourself. Our buying agents help prevent surprises by guiding your bidding strategy and reviewing valuations carefully.
5. What is “KK" or "Kosten Koper” and how much should I budget?
Budget 3,5–6% extra for transfer tax, notary, and valuation.
Full answer: “Kosten koper” (buyer’s costs) are mandatory additional expenses including transfer tax, notary fees, and the appraisal report. We provide clear guidance so you know exactly what to expect when budgeting.
6. Is hiring a buying agent really worth it?
Yes—because the right agent protects you, saves you time, and often saves you money.
Full answer: A buying agent helps you avoid costly mistakes, negotiates the best price, and ensures you don’t overpay. Just as important: with a strong bidding strategy, you often secure your home faster, which reduces months of extra rent and avoids missing out on further market price increases.
7. Do I only stand a chance if I bid without a financing clause?
Not necessarily—winning depends on more than just waiving conditions.
Full answer: Sellers may prefer offers without a financing clause, but success also depends on your bid amount, flexibility on handover date, and overall offer quality. We don’t just advise on price—we guide you on which clauses and conditions strengthen your bid while still protecting your interests.
💡 There are even safe ways to bid without a financing clause, without taking unnecessary risks. We’ll explain all options, so you can decide confidently.
8. What happens if I cancel after signing the purchase agreement?
After the 3-day cooling-off period, cancellation usually costs 10% of the purchase price.
Full answer: Buyers have a legal 3-day cooling-off period after signing the purchase agreement. During this time, you can withdraw without penalty. Once this period ends, cancellation generally leads to a 10% penalty of the purchase price. Working with our buying agents and mortgage partners ensures you’re fully prepared before signing, so you avoid costly mistakes.
9. What first-time buyer tax exemptions exist?
Buyers under 35 pay 0% transfer tax on homes up to €525,000.
Full answer: From 2025, the starter exemption applies: first-time buyers aged 18–35 purchasing a primary residence up to €525,000 are exempt from transfer tax. For homes above this limit, the standard 2% tax applies.
10. Are the purchase costs tax-deductible?
Some costs are deductible, and we help you claim them.
Full answer: Mortgage-related costs—such as mortgage advice, NHG fee, and the appraisal report—are often deductible. With our service, a tax expert prepares your provisional tax return, ensuring you receive all refunds you’re entitled to without any extra effort.
11. How long does the home-buying journey take with you?
On average, clients secure their home within just a few months.
Full answer: From defining your search criteria to signing at the notary, our clients typically complete their home purchase within 2–4 months. Our hands-on support ensures the process is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.