Foundation problems are a common problem in Amsterdam, just like in a lot of other Dutch cities. Generally you can say that you have to be keen on foundation problems regarding all pre-war houses in the city of Amsterdam. Especially more towards the centre of the city, where most houses are built on wooden poles, the risk of a bad foundation is higher. Also a lot of house with less quality were built in the 19th century, making these houses a risk for foundation problems.
What to look out for
When you want to buy a house with cracks in the wall or jamming windows and doors this may be the result of a foundation problem. A sloping floor, subsided objects in the near vicinity or an adjusted groundwater level could also be an indication that there is a problem with the foundation. Often you can see that a house is sloping relative to streetlevel. In Amsterdam this is not an unusual sight.
For a buyer it’s crucial to know if the foundations’ state beforehand. A professional purchasing realtor will provide you with all the details you need.