Buying a home as an expat? Here’s what you need to know

You’re living in the Netherlands and thinking about buying a home. But how does buying a house here actually work? Where should you start? And if you’re not sure how long you’ll stay in the Netherlands, is buying even a smart move?

Maikel Ros, mortgage advisor at De Hypotheekshop Hoofddorp Hyde Park, has been helping international clients buy homes in the Netherlands since 2012.

“Whether you’ve relocated through an employer or moved here by choice, everyone deserves solid financial advice. People come from all over the world, each with their own story, dreams and plans. It’s a privilege to be part of that journey.”

We asked Maikel about buying a home in the Netherlands as an international, the differences you need to be aware of and his most important advice before you start looking.

Is buying a home in the Netherlands a good idea if you’re an expat?

“For most of my international clients, the decision isn’t really driven by whether this is the perfect moment in the housing market. They simply need somewhere to live.

Many start out renting through their employer, often for about a year. At some point, they realise they could potentially get a more spacious home for less than they are currently paying in rent. That changes the equation quite quickly.

If you expect to stay in the Netherlands for more than two and a half to three years, I almost always recommend looking into buying. You’re investing in yourself and building up your own assets instead of paying rent.

For international clients, there can be another reason. Many work in several countries during their career and build up smaller pension entitlements in different places. Owning property, sometimes in several countries, can provide additional financial security for later.

And quite a few people who initially come here temporarily end up staying. They settle down, start a family and eventually want more space. That often means looking beyond the major cities. Distances in the Netherlands are relatively short. Someone who is used to London, for example, may see places such as Alkmaar or Uithoorn almost as Amsterdam’s countryside. Being flexible about location can suddenly open up many more possibilities.”

Is buying a home in the Netherlands different from buying one abroad?

“Definitely. The process can be very different from what international buyers are used to.

In countries such as the US and UK, for example, you generally get pre-approved by a bank first. That pre-approval allows you to bid on properties within a certain price range.

The Dutch system works differently. First, we calculate approximately how much you can borrow. You then make an offer on a specific property. Only after your offer has been accepted will the lender assess the actual mortgage application for that particular home. That distinction is important to understand before you start looking.

The role of the estate agent can also be different. In the Netherlands, buyers often hire their own buyer’s agent. It isn’t mandatory, but I strongly recommend it. A good buyer’s agent knows the local market, speaks the language and can help you act quickly and seriously when making an offer.

Another thing I regularly discuss with international clients is renting out the property later. You may want to spend some time in your home country or move abroad again and keep your Dutch property. In some countries, renting it out would be relatively straightforward. Here, you need permission from your mortgage lender. For long-term rental, you may even need a special rental mortgage.

That can become more complicated if you’ve already moved abroad and no longer have a Dutch employment contract. It’s one of the reasons we discuss future plans before choosing a lender. Some lenders offer more flexibility than others.”

Maikel: “When you buy a home in another country, you need to know exactly where you stand. You want an advisor who knows how things work here: from the 30% tax ruling and renting out your property to knowing which lenders accept income from abroad. That knowledge can make a real difference.”

Maikel Ros: “When you buy a home in another country, you need to know exactly where you stand. You want an advisor who already knows the ropes — like how the 30% tax ruling for expats actually works, what you need to rent out your home, or which banks accept income from abroad. That knowledge makes all the difference.”

What’s your most important advice for international buyers?

“Start with a consultation. Once you know how much you can borrow, you can search for a home much more effectively.

After that, find an estate agent who has experience working with international buyers. I’m always happy to introduce clients to someone from my network. Starting to view properties without knowing your financial position and simply hoping it will work out creates unnecessary stress.

I also wouldn’t recommend going straight to your own bank to ask what you can borrow. If they tell you that you don’t qualify, that only means you don’t qualify with that particular bank. And if they do offer you a mortgage, you still don’t know whether another lender could offer something that suits you better.

As an independent mortgage advisor, I can compare the different options and know which lenders are worth approaching for your specific situation.

Over the years, I’ve also built up a broad network of estate agents, insurers and tax specialists who have experience helping international clients. So if you need expertise beyond the mortgage itself, I can help you find the right people.”

Mortgage advice for expats in Hoofddorp

Buying a home in another country comes with different rules, unfamiliar processes and plenty of questions. Having someone who knows both the Dutch mortgage market and the situations international buyers encounter makes things a lot easier.

From De Hypotheekshop Hoofddorp Hyde Park, Maikel helps international clients understand their options and find a mortgage that fits their situation and plans.

Want to know what’s possible for you? Make a free appointment with Maikel at De Hypotheekshop Hoofddorp Hyde Park.