MeanwhileInHell

Hi all,

My wife and I are considering moving to Amsterdam in the near future. We have been looking at the price of rentals in Amsterdam and they are extremely high, around 2000-3000 euros a month (forgetting deposits, agency fees and bills). However, we have seen that the price to buy properties is relatively low in comparison.

Has anyone else gone down the buying route instead of renting when the first move over? Is it even possible due to the restraints of getting a bank account initially? Or can you buy a property ok without being resident?

Thanks!

EDIT: Just as an addition, we have two dogs that we would be bringing, and I presume finding a rental property that allows animals would be quite difficult, or add to the deposit cost etc.

MeanwhileInHell

We are also considering perhaps renting further outside of the centre of Amsterdam, somewhere like Haarlem. Much lower rents and bigger properties. Might be worthwhile while we are settling in, with a view to buying during the first year.

Zahida88

Hi

I did also look into moving to Amsterdam to begin with. I agree the rental prices are way too high.

However I looked into Rotterdam and the rental prices are not too bad. Away from all the hubbub of tourists and there also seems to be quite a lot of greenery surrounding Rotterdam.

Good luck with everything!

Red_Wine_Fairy

I think you're looking at rental agencies targetted specifically at expats for that price range. Few expats pay more than 1500 unless their company is footing the bill. You don't have to go that far outside the ring to find more affordable properties. Try jaap.nl or funda.nl, and put in your maximum budget to see what comes up. There are also plenty of housing pages on Facebook where you can find fixed period rentals - but property is highly sought after in the centre and it moves quick. One word of advice: make sure you can register at the property!! This is essential if you are working here and need to open a bank account, get a BSN (tax) number, phone contract, etc.

It's not difficult to find accommodation which allows pets; it's very common here.

I would strongly advise renting at first; and talk to Dutch colleagues about their buying experiences. Houses here are built differently, and sit on the seabed so you need to be very thorough in your investigations relating to possible pitfalls and costs - especially in Amsterdam where they can be 400 years old, and subject to a tenants cooperative for building maintenance or leasehold costs.

scot47

Property market is different. Do not expect it to be the same as England.

Netpon

I would rent at first so you can get to know the areas and property styles. Dogs are generally not a problem, we got turned away from one property because of it but have rented 2 different houses since then with no problem

liveaboard

Consider buying a houseboat.
They're slightly cheaper than apartments and you have no abutting neighbors.
See Amsterdam long term rental index (no rentals available, despite the page title)
And if in future you want to let it out, the rules are much easier than for apartments.
If you own a modest apartment, you can't let it out without ceeding it to the tenants permanently.

LDvandenBerg

From what I've seen it's quite difficult to buy a house in Amsterdam. Indeed, prices are low, but to get the mortgage: that's where the problems come in.

I recommend renting before buying. Also, take a look at Amstelveen/Oudewater. Lovely places nearby Amsterdam.