For buyers: plan an Amsterdam home purchase

Make an Amsterdam purchase easier to check

Buying a house in Amsterdam becomes easier to manage when each viewing and offer answers the same small set of questions.

Before a viewing

Set a monthly payment, cash limit, preferred areas and the travel time you can accept. Add service charges, utilities, insurance, maintenance and any erfpacht cost to the comparison. Decide which property documents you want before you bid.

During a viewing

Check light, noise, ventilation, storage, bicycle access, stairs, outdoor space and signs of moisture. Ask whether the home is freehold or leasehold. For an apartment, request owners’ association information, planned works, reserve fund and service charges.

Before an offer

Ask a mortgage adviser how your income, contract, residence and savings affect borrowing. Decide which financing or inspection conditions you need. Write down the completion date, included items and your maximum cash contribution.

After acceptance

Read the written agreement, note the cooling-off and financing dates, arrange inspection and send documents to the lender. The Amsterdam closing guide maps the steps through the notary and handover.

International buyers can use the expat home-buying guide for registration, work, school and arrival questions. Keep the Amsterdam purchase-cost page beside your own budget.

Questions worth writing down

• Which fact would make this home unsuitable?
• Which document is still missing?
• Which cost is a one-off payment and which repeats each month?
• Which question belongs with the notary, lender, inspector or municipality?

Bring those questions to the relevant adviser before a deadline turns a small uncertainty into a decision.