Buying a house in the Netherlands
Six professionals you are likely to need, what each one actually does, and where the money goes.
Buying property here involves a set of roles that do not map neatly onto other countries. Below is what each one does — and which of them are genuinely optional.
Hypotheekadviseur
An independent mortgage adviser works out what you can responsibly borrow and compares lenders on both rate and conditions. For internationals this is often the single most useful appointment: rules around temporary contracts, residence status and income from abroad differ per lender.
Aankoopmakelaar
A buying agent (aankoopmakelaar) searches, values and negotiates on your behalf. In a tight market the winning bid is often not the highest one but the one with the right conditions — which is hard to judge if you are new to the Dutch market.
Bouwkundige keuring
A structural survey tells you what you are actually buying: the condition of foundation, roof, woodwork and installations, with an estimate of what needs doing. Not mandatory, but as a buyer you have a duty to investigate.
Taxateur
A valuation report is almost always required by your lender. It must usually be validated by an independent institute, which takes a few extra days — plan it early, as this is the most common source of delay.
Notaris
The notary transfers ownership and, if you are financing, handles the mortgage deed. Fees are not regulated, so they differ noticeably between offices — and as the buyer you choose which office, even if your agent suggests one.
Energielabel
A registered energy label is mandatory when selling or renting out a property, and it must be produced by a certified adviser after visiting the property.
Two things worth knowing
Costs on top of the purchase price. In the Netherlands most existing homes are sold kosten koper: transfer tax, notary and registration costs are yours to pay, on top of the asking price. Because you generally cannot borrow more than the property is worth, these come out of your own savings.
You choose your own notary. Fees vary between offices and you are free to compare, regardless of who your estate agent recommends.
Good to know: our request form and the companies we work with operate in Dutch. If you prefer English, send us a message instead and we will pass that on to the companies we select.