Frequently asked questions about buying a home in Amsterdam as an expat

What does a buyer’s agent do?

A buyer’s agent helps you search for, view and buy a home in Amsterdam. The Dutch system works differently than in many other countries, and in Amsterdam everything moves fast. For expats, that makes it difficult to understand the market, rules and procedures.

The team at Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam consists of specialised buyer’s agents with more than 25 years of experience. We search for suitable homes, often through networks before they appear online, guide every viewing and handle all communication with selling agents. We explain each step clearly and protect you from legal and financial risks. As a 100 percent independent buyer’s agent with one fixed fee and no cure, no pay, we negotiate exclusively in your interest. This increases your chances of a successful purchase on the best possible terms.

Do I need a buyer’s agent as an expat?

Yes. A buyer’s agent prevents language misunderstandings and helps you navigate complex regulations. The Amsterdam market is competitive and moves quickly. For expats this is even more challenging due to language barriers and the lack of a local network.

Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam works in both Dutch and English and has years of experience guiding expats buying a home in Amsterdam. We explain contracts in plain language and help you avoid mistakes. You benefit from local market knowledge, professional guidance from viewing to transfer, and access to reliable notaries, mortgage advisors and building inspectors. This allows you to buy with more certainty and fewer risks.

Can I buy a home without speaking Dutch?

Yes. We guide you fully in English and clearly explain all documents. Official contracts are often in Dutch, but we translate and clarify them so you know exactly what you are signing.

We also work with notaries and mortgage advisors who have extensive experience with international clients. This allows you to buy a home in the Netherlands safely, even if you do not speak Dutch.

How does the bidding process work in Amsterdam?

The bidding process moves quickly. Homes are often online for a short time, and there are regularly multiple bidders.

Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam helps you determine a strategic offer that fits the home and the market situation. We analyse market data from comparable sales, review the asking price, leasehold (erfpacht), maintenance and location, and advise on conditions such as a financing contingency or a technical inspection. This increases your chances of success without overpaying or taking unnecessary risks.

What are the average costs of a buyer’s agent?

Costs are usually between 1 and 2 percent of the purchase price, or a fixed fee. Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam works with one fixed fee, so you know upfront what to expect. Our fees are:

• €5,500 for homes up to €1 million
• €6,500 for homes from €1 to €2 million
• €8,500 for homes above €2 million

This investment often pays for itself because we negotiate sharply, prevent legal mistakes and ensure you buy the right home on the best possible terms.

Can I get a mortgage in the Netherlands as an expat?

Yes. There are banks that provide mortgages to internationals. Sometimes additional requirements apply, such as proof of residency status, contract duration or income in euros. We work with mortgage advisors who specialise in expats. They know which banks are willing to finance and which documents are required. This speeds up the process and prevents delays.

Which additional costs should I expect in Amsterdam?

In addition to the purchase price, you pay buyer costs such as transfer tax (usually 2 percent), notary fees, valuation costs and advisory fees. In total, this is often 5 to 6 percent on top of the purchase price. We calculate these costs upfront, so you know exactly what to expect.

How long does it take to buy a home in Amsterdam?

On average it takes 6 to 8 weeks from signing the purchase agreement to completion at the notary, excluding the search. Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam speeds up the process by searching efficiently, scheduling viewings quickly and helping with all documents. This helps you find and buy a home faster.

What are the benefits of a buyer’s agent for expats?

A buyer’s agent gives expats clarity, local expertise and legal certainty. With Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam you get guidance in English, insight into the Amsterdam market, professional support with negotiations, checks of contracts and leasehold (erfpacht), and access to reliable notaries and mortgage advisors. This allows you to buy faster, more safely and with greater confidence. Read about the benefits of Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam.

How does buying a home in the Netherlands work?

You go through five steps: searching for homes, viewings, making an offer, signing the preliminary purchase agreement, and completion at the notary. Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam guides you in every step, watches the legal details and ensures you do not miss important conditions. With more than 25 years of experience, you buy on the right terms and with less risk. Read more about our method.

Which documents do I need to buy a home?

You typically need a passport or residence document, recent payslips, an employer statement, tax returns and bank statements. For expats, banks sometimes request additional proof such as a residence permit or contract duration. We help you collect and submit all required documents.

How much should I bid over the asking price?

In Amsterdam, bidding over the asking price is common. How much depends on the neighbourhood, the type of home and current market conditions. Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam calculates market value using comparable sales and determines a realistic bidding strategy together with you. This helps you avoid overpaying and increases your chance of success.

Which areas are safe and popular with internationals?

Popular international neighbourhoods include Oud-West, De Pijp and Amsterdam Oost. These areas offer safety, amenities and a diverse international community. We help you determine which neighbourhood best matches your preferences, family situation and budget.

What is leasehold (erfpacht)?

Leasehold means you do not buy the land, but lease it from the municipality. You pay an annual ground rent (canon) or you can buy it out. Terms differ per home and can affect monthly costs and resale value. Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam always checks the leasehold terms and explains what they mean for your financial situation.

Can I trust the asking price?

In the Netherlands, the asking price is an invitation to make an offer and is often lower than the final selling price. We research market value using recent transactions and assess whether the asking price is realistic. This helps you enter the market well prepared and avoid unrealistic expectations.

How does negotiation work in the Netherlands?

You make an offer with possible conditions, such as a financing contingency or a technical inspection. The seller can accept, reject or make a counteroffer. As a 100 percent independent buyer’s agent, we negotiate on your behalf. This increases your chances of better conditions and a lower price.

Which risks should I be aware of?

Key risks include hidden defects, unfavourable leasehold terms, bidding too high, or unclear clauses in the purchase agreement. With Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam and an independent building inspector, you identify these risks early and reduce them before you commit to the purchase.