Settling in Haarlem: How to buy your first home

Moving to the Netherlands as an expat comes with a lot of change. New job, new city, new language — and maybe even a new home to buy. If you’re looking to settle in Haarlem or the surrounding area, buying can be a smart move as opposed to renting. But where to start?

At De Hypotheekshop Haarlem Centrum, we help internationals understand how the Dutch home-buying system works — and what it means for you. Here’s a practical overview of what to expect.

1. Get registered

Before you can buy a house, you need a BSN (citizen service number). You’ll receive this after registering with the municipality (gemeente). Make sure you also open a Dutch bank account if you haven’t already.

2. Know your budget first

Before you start looking at houses, it’s wise to find out how much you can finance through a mortgage. In the Netherlands, your borrowing power depends on your income, contract type, and whether you have a residence permit. Some lenders are more flexible than others — and we know which ones. We’ll help you understand your options and what monthly costs to expect.

Important to know:
In some countries, you secure your mortgage first – and then start house hunting. In the Netherlands, it works the other way around: you buy a home first (by signing a purchase agreement), and only then can you formally apply for a mortgage. That’s why it’s so important to know your borrowing power early in the process – even though you won’t apply until after your offer is accepted.

3. Start looking

We’ve calculated what fits your budget and how much you can bid. Now comes the fun part: searching for your new home. In the Netherlands, it’s common to work with a buyer’s agent – we strongly advice you to do so as well. A buyer’s agent represents your interests, helps you assess the value of a property, negotiates on your behalf, and guides you through the legal and technical details. Especially in a competitive housing market like Haarlem, it can make all the difference. We work closely with trusted buyer’s agents who have experience with international clients.

4. Turn numbers into a plan

Found your dream house? Great! Time to translate your borrowing capacity into a concrete mortgage plan that fits this specific property and situation. That’s where we come in again. At De Hypotheekshop Haarlem Centrum, we work independently and compare around 30 lenders to find a mortgage that fits your situation — both now and in the future. Of course, we explain everything to you in plain English, step by step.

5. Buy, sign, move

Once your offer is accepted and your mortgage approved, we guide you through the notary process and final paperwork. Then: keys, contract, and celebration!

Need help?

We specialize in helping expats in Haarlem and the surrounding area. As locals, we know the local housing market inside out — the neighbourhoods, the pricing trends, the timing. We also have a trusted network of real estate agents, notaries and other professionals who regularly work with international buyers. That means you not only get mortgage advice, but also local insight and support that makes a real difference. Whether you’re new in town or ready to buy, we make sure the process is clear, smooth, and stress-free.

Curious how it works for you? Let’s talk.