Frequently asked questions about buying your next home in Amsterdam
Buying your next home in Amsterdam or the surrounding area comes with different questions and choices than buying for the first time. It often involves combining buying and selling, with questions about timing, financing and risk management. When should you list your current home? How do you align that with purchasing a new one? And how do you reduce uncertainty in a competitive market?
On this page you will find clear answers to frequently asked questions from people buying their next home in Amsterdam. Topics include bridging finance, aligning the timing of purchase and sale, and reducing financial and practical risks. With the right preparation and a clear view of the full process, you increase the chance of a smooth transition to your new home.
Are you buying a home for the first time? View the frequently asked questions about buying your first home.
Are you buying as an expat or from abroad? Read the FAQ for expats.
Want more insight into the cost of buyer’s agent guidance? View the fixed fees of Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam.
What is the advantage of a buyer’s agent if I already own a home?
Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam estimates the market value of your current home, advises you on the safest order of buying and selling, and guides you through every step towards your next home. You reduce risks such as double housing costs, poor timing and missing legal details. With over 25 years of experience, you gain more certainty and stronger negotiation terms, so you can buy with confidence and make clear financial decisions. Read more about the benefits of Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam.
Should I sell first or buy first?
This is one of the most important decisions when buying your next home. The answer depends on your financial flexibility, the likelihood of selling quickly, and how fast you can find a new home. We map out clear scenarios with risks, timelines and financial consequences. This shows which order is safest for you and helps prevent stress or rushed decisions.
Can I use the equity in my current home as a down payment?
Yes. The equity in your current home can often be used as your own funds for buying your next home. This increases your budget and can lower your monthly payments. We align this with your financial advisor and explain the possible structures. That way you know exactly how much room you have and what budget to search within.
How do I avoid overpaying in this market?
We analyse recent comparable sales, leasehold (erfpacht), the property’s technical condition and the location. Without specialist knowledge, it is easy to bid too high. With our long experience in Amsterdam, we quickly see whether an asking price is realistic. This helps you bid responsibly, avoid emotional decisions and benefit from guidance by an experienced agent who knows the Amsterdam market inside out.
Does a buyer’s agent help with technical inspections?
Yes. We involve experienced building inspectors from our network and assess the findings for risks and costs. This is especially important for larger or higher-priced homes. We translate technical information into clear advice, so you know what to expect upfront and avoid unexpected costs.
What if I regret it after signing?
After signing, you have a legal three-day cooling-off period. Within that period, you can withdraw from the purchase without giving a reason. After that, you can only rely on termination conditions, such as a financing contingency. We ensure these conditions are complete and correctly included in the purchase agreement, so you are legally protected.
What are the risks of buying without a buyer’s agent?
You may overlook technical issues or legal details. The selling agent represents only the seller. Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam protects your interests, checks all documents and negotiates conditions that fit your situation. Our legal review helps ensure documents are correct, so you avoid unexpected problems later.
Can you also help outside Amsterdam?
Yes. We also guide purchases in Amstelveen, Haarlem, Diemen and Zaandam. When needed, we involve local experts so you benefit from up-to-date market knowledge and insight into price trends. This gives you the same certainty and guidance as in Amsterdam, and helps you move to an area that fits your lifestyle.
How do I know whether a home is on leasehold (erfpacht)?
In Amsterdam, many homes are on leasehold. This means you do not own the land and you pay an annual ground rent (canon). We always check the leasehold structure, the canon, the terms and the buyout options. We assess whether the conditions are favourable and advise you on buying out the leasehold. This way you know exactly what it means for your monthly costs and resale value.
How much time do I save with a buyer’s agent?
The buying process takes a lot of time: selecting homes, viewings, contact with sellers, document checks and negotiations. Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam takes much of this off your hands and selects only homes that match your preferences and budget. With professional guidance from viewing to transfer, you can save weeks and keep a clear overview.
Which neighbourhoods are suitable for families?
Popular areas for families include Watergraafsmeer, IJburg, Buitenveldert and parts of Amsterdam Zuid. These neighbourhoods offer a mix of schools, green space and a calmer living environment. We discuss your housing preferences and future plans and help determine which neighbourhood fits your family situation, amenities and budget.
How quickly do I need to act?
Amsterdam’s housing market moves fast. Attractive homes can sell within a few days. We make sure your budget, risks and conditions are clear upfront, so you can act immediately when a suitable home becomes available. This preparation significantly increases your chance of success.
How do I know if I am making a good offer?
A good offer depends on current market value and the home’s popularity. We analyse recent comparable sales, build quality, leasehold (erfpacht) and neighbourhood developments. Based on that, we determine a realistic value and bidding strategy. This gives you guidance and increases the chance of an attractive offer with strong conditions, without unnecessary overbidding. You benefit from support by an experienced agent with deep knowledge of the Amsterdam market.
What is a realistic value?
A realistic value is based on recent sale prices of comparable homes in the same neighbourhood. Factors such as leasehold (erfpacht), maintenance, finish level and location play a major role. Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam provides a well-substantiated valuation based on market data and local knowledge, so you can make factual decisions with confidence.
How do I combine buying and selling?
We work out different scenarios for buying first or selling first, including financing, risks, temporary housing solutions and bridging options. This gives you clear insight into which order best fits your financial situation and risk appetite.
Can you reserve a home?
No. Only a signed preliminary purchase agreement provides certainty. In practice, this means you need to be well prepared and able to act fast. We ensure all required documents, conditions and strategy are ready in advance, so you can move quickly when you find the right home.
How does a financing contingency work?
A financing contingency allows you to terminate the purchase without cost if your mortgage is not approved. We check that this clause is correctly and fully included in the purchase agreement and that the timelines are realistic. This helps you avoid unnecessary financial risk.
What are the monthly costs when you buy a home?
Monthly costs include mortgage interest and repayment, leasehold ground rent (canon), homeowners’ association (VvE) fees and taxes. Together with a financial advisor, we can clarify expected costs upfront for the home you want to buy. This way you know exactly where you stand financially before you place an offer.
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Reviews
We had an amazing experience working with Simon as our aankoopmakelaar. From start to finish, he was incredibly professional, always available, and prompt with his replies to all our questions.
Simon went above and beyond by not only helping us secure our dream home but also arranging all the necessary services like inspection and valuation. What impressed us most was his attention to detail - he personally checked every aspect of the house, pointing out things we would have never noticed ourselves. This thoroughness gave us great confidence in our purchase.
His expertise and dedication made the entire home-buying process smooth and stress-free. We couldn't have asked for a better makelaar and highly recommend Simon to anyone looking to buy a home in Amsterdam!
Thank you, Simon, for everything!
Simon was always professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. He took the time to explain every step clearly, answered all our questions, and made what can be a stressful process feel smooth and well-managed. His expertise and commitment truly gave us confidence from start to finish.
We highly recommend Simon to anyone looking for a reliable and dedicated makelaar.
Khush
- We are a team of specialized buyers agents
- Professional guidance throughout the entire process up to the moment of transfer
- Sworn registered real estate agents with 25+ years of experience
- More chance of a successful purchase with the best conditions
- 100% independent buyers agent with no cure, no pay
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