Frequently asked questions about buying your first home in Amsterdam
Buying your first home in Amsterdam raises many questions. From bidding and financing to assessing risks and making the right decisions in a tight housing market. On this page you will find clear answers to frequently asked questions from people buying a home in Amsterdam for the first time. The Amsterdam housing market is competitive and changes quickly. Good preparation, realistic expectations and expert guidance make the difference. By understanding the buying process, common pitfalls and smart strategies, you significantly increase your chances of a successful purchase. Use this FAQ as a practical starting point to make well-informed decisions.
Do you already own a home and are you looking to buy your next home in Amsterdam? View the frequently asked questions about buying your next home
Are you buying from abroad or do you not speak Dutch? Read the FAQ for expats.
Want to know the cost of guidance upfront? View the cost of a buyer’s agent in Amsterdam.
Why should I hire a buyer’s agent as a first-time buyer?
Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam helps first-time buyers navigate Amsterdam’s competitive housing market with confidence. Our sworn and registered real estate agents, each with over 25 years of experience, objectively assess market value and pay close attention during viewings to the property’s condition, leasehold (erfpacht) and legal terms. We identify risks early so you can place a well-informed and responsible offer. This brings clarity and peace of mind in a process that often feels overwhelming. It increases your chances of a successful purchase with strong conditions.
How much savings do I need to buy a home?
On average, you need around 5 percent of the purchase price for additional costs, such as transfer tax, notary fees, valuation and any NHG-related costs. For a €400,000 home, that is roughly €20,000. We provide a clear and transparent overview of all buying costs in Amsterdam so you can set your budget with confidence. This preparation gives first-time buyers more certainty when determining their budget.
Can I buy a home if I have a student loan?
Yes. A student loan reduces your maximum mortgage, but it is usually not a dealbreaker. Lenders mainly look at your monthly financial commitments and income stability. We connect you with expert advisors who calculate your maximum borrowing capacity in detail, so you know exactly which homes are within reach.
How does a viewing work with a buyer’s agent?
We schedule the viewing, attend with you and assess the home for technical factors, maintenance, insulation, installations, leasehold (erfpacht) and legal risks. You focus on the layout and how the home feels. We focus on objective details that first-time buyers often miss. With Aankoopmakelaar Amsterdam’s specialized team, you do not miss important signals that affect costs and risk.
What happens after signing the purchase agreement?
After signing, the legal cooling-off period of three days starts. Next comes arranging financing, checking the conditions for termination (contingencies) and preparing the deed of transfer and mortgage deed. On the day of transfer, we inspect the property and guide the key handover. This ensures everything is legally correct and free of uncertainty.
How many homes do I need to view before I have a real chance?
Many first-time buyers find their home after three to six viewings. We filter out homes that do not match your budget, preferences or search profile. With our local market knowledge, we quickly identify which properties are genuine opportunities, so you can search efficiently.
What if my offer is rejected?
Rejections are common in Amsterdam. We analyse the reason, adjust your strategy where needed and immediately look for new opportunities. This keeps you moving forward, even in a competitive market.
How does bidding over the asking price work?
Bidding over the asking price happens regularly in Amsterdam. We determine market value based on recent comparable sales, leasehold (erfpacht), condition and neighbourhood popularity. This helps you submit a well-supported and responsible offer without unnecessary risk. It gives first-time buyers structure in a market where bidding behaviour can shift quickly.
Can my parents help financially?
Yes. Parents can help through gifts, buying together or a family loan. We explain the options and ensure agreements are recorded correctly from a legal perspective, so problems do not arise later.
How do I make sure I do not overpay?
The asking price says little about true value. We provide an independent valuation based on comparable sales, leasehold (erfpacht) and the property’s technical condition. With our experience in Amsterdam, we quickly see whether a home is fairly priced. This helps you avoid unnecessary overbidding.
What should I look for during a viewing?
Pay attention to maintenance, daylight, layout, insulation, window frames, signs of damp and the installations. The homeowners’ association (VvE) and the neighbourhood also matter. We spot technical and legal points that first-time buyers often overlook, so you can compare homes clearly.
How does the bidding process work in Amsterdam?
You define a bidding strategy, set conditions such as a financing contingency and submit an offer. The seller can accept, reject or make a counteroffer. We support you with substantiation, timing and legal protection so your offer remains both strong and responsible.
What exactly does a buyer’s agent do?
We guide the full buying process in Amsterdam: searching, selecting, viewing, valuing, negotiating and legal checks, right up to the transfer. As independent buyer’s agents, we work exclusively for buyers. With a fixed fee and no-cure-no-pay, you know exactly what to expect upfront.
How quickly do I need to decide?
In Amsterdam, you often need to decide within a few days, sometimes even within 24 hours. We ensure your budget, conditions and risks are clear upfront so you can act quickly and safely. Good preparation prevents stress in a fast-moving market. This gives clarity and financial peace of mind.
Can I have a technical inspection carried out?
Yes. An independent technical inspection can take place before signing the purchase agreement. We arrange the inspection and translate the findings into costs and risks, so you can make a safe and well-supported decision.
How much should I bid over the asking price?
That depends on the property, the neighbourhood and current market conditions in Amsterdam. We calculate market value and advise a realistic, competitive offer so you keep control in a market where emotion and fear of missing out often play a role.
Make an appointment
Book an appointment with one of our real estate agents today and aim for a successful purchase.
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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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