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Buying a home in the Netherlands?

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Buying a house in the Netherlands

Buying a house can be exciting as well as stressful, especially if you don't have detailed knowledge of the process, market or legal obligations.

It starts with finding the property you wish to purchase in the right neighbourhood. Once you've find a house you need check the state and construction of the house, figure out what it's worth followed by negotiations on price and conditions and finally the legal completion.

Since 2004 we've been helping Expats buy their perfect home at the best price in the Netherlands, taking all their worries away. We've created a complete package to provide everything you need from start to finish, the Home Buyers Plan.

Use our calculator to see the typical costs of buying a house in the Netherlands.

The Home Buyers Plan

Are you searching for a house, have you already found your next dream home and considering to buy or have you had your offer to buy accepted?

The Home Buyers Plan provides everything you need to buy a house in the Netherlands.

We have developed a complete package of services you will require in order to purchase a property.

A team of four specialists keep your legal risks minimised, take your worries away and negotiate the best price for you.

The package is offered at a fixed, transparent and competitive price.

Below you will find more information about what is included in the Home Buyers Plan.

What's included

Estate agent

An experienced local real-estate agent who can help you search for properties, provide expert advice, negotiates and protects your interests during the entire purchase process.

Building report

A building inspector who visits and checks the condition of the property and delivers an extensive construction report detailing short, medium and long term maintenance costs.

Appraisal report

A local, certified appraiser visits the property and creates an appraisal report about the property. This report will be required for your mortgage and is accepted by all banks.

Notary

A local notary will draw up the transfer and mortgage deeds, sign them together with all parties. Finally, the notary registers ownership at the government and hands over the keys to you.

Buying agent
A real-estate agent from start to finish
Transfer
A complete buying package after your offer is accepted
Standard
A complete buying package after you've found a house
Extended
When you want help searching plus a complete buying package
Your experts
  Real-estate agent
  Construction report
  Appraisal report
  Notary
  Welocate 360° service
 Real-estate agent
Creates a search profile
Unlimited visits
Visits property
Checks local development plans
Checks property condition
Checks leasehold
Checks environmental issues
Checks owners' association
Conducts negotiations
Checks purchase contract conditions
Checks the notary deeds and final invoice
Accompanies you to the notary
 Building inspector
Detailed construction check
Creates a detailed report
Identifies possible defects
Documents short, medium & long-term issues
Provides costs for short, medium & long-term
Can be used to cancel purchase
 Appraiser
Expert with local knowledge
Creates an independent appraisal report
Provides you the market value
Accepted by all banks
Valid for National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)
 Notary
Draws up the mortgage deed
Draws up the delivery deed
Creates the final invoice
Ensures purchase conducted according to law
Hands you the keys to your new home!
 Welocate 360° service
A single point of contact by phone, e-mail & WhatsApp
Expert advice about the current housing market
Help with translator, tax & mortgage advice
Help with utilities, renovations, etc.
Coordinates all parties on your behalf
Ensures your interests are always kept in mind
Included
 
 
 
 
 
Included
 
 
 
 
 
Included
 
 
 
 
 
Included
 
 
 
 
 
Home Buyers Plan
Buying agent - A real-estate agent from start to finish
Transfer - A complete buying package after your offer is accepted
Standard - A complete buying package after you've found a house
Extended - When you want help searching plus a complete buying package
Included
(B=Buying Agent, T=Transfer, S=Standard, E=Extended)
  Real-estate agent  
  Construction report   (T/S/E only)
  Appraisal report   (T/S/E only)
  Notary   (T/S/E only)
  Welocate 360° service  
 Real-estate agent
Creates a search profile   (B/E only)
Unlimited visits   (B/E only)
Visits property   (B/S/E only)
Checks local development plans   (B/S/E only)
Checks property condition   (B/S/E only)
Checks leasehold   (B/S/E only)
Checks environmental issues   (B/S/E only)
Checks owners' association   (B/S/E only)
Conducts negotiations   (B/S/E only)
Checks purchase contract conditions  
Checks the notary deeds and final invoice   (B/S/E only)
Accompanies you to the notary   (B/S/E only)
 Building inspector
(Included with all packages except Buying Agent)
Detailed construction check  
Creates a detailed report  
Identifies possible defects  
Documents short, medium & long-term issues  
Provides costs for short, medium & long-term  
Can be used to cancel purchase  
 Appraiser
(Included with all packages except Buying Agent)
Expert with local knowledge  
Creates an independent appraisal report  
Provides you the market value  
Accepted by all banks  
Valid for National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)  
 Notary
(Included with all packages except Buying Agent)
Draws up the mortgage deed  
Draws up the delivery deed  
Creates the final invoice  
Ensures purchase conducted according to law  
Hands you the keys to your new home!  
 Welocate 360° service
(Included with all packages)
A single point of contact by phone, e-mail & WhatsApp  
Expert advice about the current housing market  
Help arranging translator, tax advice, mortgage advice  
Help arranging utilities, renovations, etc.  
Coordinates all parties on your behalf  
Ensures your interests are always kept in mind  

Interested? Feel free to contact or call us.




Frequently asked questions

  • What does the Home Buyers Plan include?
    • Our Home Buyers Plan provides a complete service for purchasing your home. It includes purchasing guidance by a licensed local estate agent, an appraisal report, a technical inspection, and notary arrangements for both the transfer and mortgage deeds.
  • What is the difference between the various packages?
    • Each package offers a different level of support: Transfer Plan: focuses on full guidance after your offer is accepted. Standard Plan: covers one property with full guidance. Extended Plan: includes unlimited property guidance. Buying Agent Plan: provides full purchasing support only. See our Packages Page for a dedicated comparison or arrange a free meeting here.
  • Is your service available across the Netherlands?
    • Yes. Welocate works with a nationwide network of certified local partners, ensuring consistent quality and support wherever you’re looking to buy.
  • When do I pay for the package?
    • Payment is made via the notary at completion. You pay nothing upfront unless the contract is cancelled before completion.
  • Why do I need a buying agent?
    • A buying agent protects your interests, ensures you don’t overpay, and handles all communication with selling agents. For expats unfamiliar with Dutch property law, this expert guidance helps avoid costly mistakes.
  • Can you help me decide what to bid on a house?
    • Yes. Your local agent provides data-driven advice based on market trends, property condition, and comparable sales. We help you make a realistic and competitive offer.
  • Do you schedule property viewings?
    • Yes. Your agent arranges and confirms all viewings and, when possible, accompanies you to each appointment.
  • Can I bring a friend to translate during viewings?
    • Yes. You can bring a Dutch-speaking friend to viewings or discussions. For official documents or notary meetings, a certified translator is required by law if you’re not fluent in Dutch.
  • What are your cancellation terms?
    • You can cancel at any time with one working day’s notice. If services such as the appraisal, inspection, or notary arrangements have already been completed, only those costs will apply.
  • Can I choose my own notary?
    • Yes. You’re free to use your own notary. The package price will be adjusted to reflect any difference in cost compared to our standard notary rate.
  • Do I need a translator when buying a home in the Netherlands?
    • If you’re not fluent in Dutch, a certified translator is required for official documents and notary signing. Welocate can arrange this for you.
  • Who checks the purchase contract before I sign?
    • Your assigned buying agent reviews the contract in full and highlights any conditions, legal clauses, or potential issues before you sign.
  • When do the appraisal and inspection take place?
    • Once your offer is accepted, Welocate arranges both appointments promptly so your mortgage application can proceed without delay.
  • What happens if I cancel after the inspection or appraisal?
    • Cancellations made after the appointment are subject to the full fee (100%), regardless of whether the report has been finalised.
  • What if I buy a property without using the assigned agent?
    • If you purchase independently while signed up to a Welocate package, standard cancellation terms apply. Your agent’s time and property viewings are included in the service.
  • What if I discover defects after moving in?
    • The inspection report covers visible issues at the time of purchase. Hidden defects found after transfer are not covered by Welocate or the inspector.
  • Are your agents certified?
    • Yes. All Welocate buying agents are members of recognised Dutch property bodies such as NVM, Vastgoed Nederland.
  • How long does the buying process take?
    • It varies depending on factors such as location, season, budget, and your responsiveness as a buyer. On average, the full process takes between 8 to 12 weeks from accepted offer to completion.
  • How quickly can I get a buying agent assigned?
    • Once you sign your order confirmation, we assign your local agent within one business day.
  • When should I apply for a mortgage?
    • Speak with a mortgage advisor before or during your search to understand your borrowing capacity. After your offer is accepted, your advisor will guide you through mortgage approval.
  • Does Welocate arrange mortgages?
    • We don’t offer mortgages directly, but we work closely with trusted mortgage advisors and banks to connect you with the right professional. Arrange a meeting welocate.com/expat_mortgage.aspx.
  • Is the service fee tax-deductible?
    • The service fee may be tax-deductible if it’s part of your mortgage process. Please confirm with your tax advisor.
  • Can I rent out my home after buying it?
    • Yes, but only with written approval from your mortgage lender. Most residential mortgages restrict immediate letting. If you plan to rent, our Landlord Rental Plan offers a complete legal and management service.
  • How long does it take to buy a house in the Netherlands as an expat?
    • The process typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Timing depends on mortgage approval, notary scheduling, and the seller’s timeline.
  • Can foreigners get a mortgage to buy property in the Netherlands?
    • Yes. Most banks offer mortgages to expats with valid residence permits and stable income. A mortgage advisor can confirm eligibility and guide you through the process.
  • What are the main costs involved in buying a home in the Netherlands?
    • Buyers should budget around 5–7% of the purchase price for costs such as transfer tax, notary fees, appraisal, and service packages like Welocate’s Home Buyers Plan.
  • Do I need a notary to buy a house in the Netherlands?
    • Yes. Dutch law requires a notary to handle property transfer and mortgage deeds. The notary ensures the transaction is legally valid and registers the property.
  • How do I know if a property is priced fairly in the Dutch market?
    • A certified buying agent can compare recent sales data and local market trends to assess fair value and help you make a competitive, informed offer.