Is it a good time to buy? We get this question often, so we’ve compiled an overview of frequently asked questions and enlisted an expat expert to answer them. We start with Barry Burgemeester of Burgemeester Vastgoed.

Barry has 23 years of real estate experience, with 19 of those years dedicated to helping expats buy homes. Unlike many who enter the real estate field without formal qualifications, Barry is a certified agent. His motto: Act fast and plan ahead in a rapid market!

Are we in a property bubble in Amsterdam?

If you're not looking to speculate on the Dutch property market and sell your home within 6 to 8 months, it’s generally a good time to buy. With tax rebates and low interest rates, mortgage payments are often less than rent. I'm here to help you find the right home in Amsterdam to suit your needs.

What is the real challenge when buying a house?

In today’s market, finding the perfect home is crucial, and that’s where we can assist you. Once you’ve found a house you like, the challenge shifts to the bidding process and how we present you to the seller. A real estate agent should guide you on what’s realistic and possible. While high bids once dominated, sellers now scrutinize buyers to ensure they can complete the purchase. We help you make a strong, secure offer that maximizes your chances of success. We need to present you and your background to the seller and their agent, highlighting why you are the ideal buyer for the property.

What should I do first?

The first step is knowing how much you can borrow. The housing market moves quickly, so once you find a home you like, it's important to act fast. Remember, you’ll need more than just the price of the property. While you can borrow up to 100% of the home's value, you’ll still need approximately 5% of the purchase price to cover costs like taxes, agent fees, and notary expenses. It’s a good idea to consult with a mortgage expert before you begin your search.

My offer has been accepted. What happens next?

Once your offer is accepted, the next step is signing a contract at the notary’s office. This includes you, your agent, the seller, and their agent. The contract, known as the voorlopig koopcontract (preliminary purchase agreement), gives you three days to change your mind. It also includes a clause stating that the sale is “subject to financing,” giving you roughly four weeks to secure a mortgage. While that may sound like plenty of time, there’s a lot of paperwork involved.

You only become the legal owner of the property after signing the deed at the notary’s office and having it registered with the Land Registry. If you are taking out a loan to finance the purchase, a mortgage deed will usually be required as well.

The mortgage deed ensures the lender, typically a bank, that you will fulfil your contractual obligations. This deed is also signed at the notary’s office and registered with the Land Registry. Even if you already own a property but need to borrow additional funds, a mortgage deed may be necessary.

Typically, the buyer chooses which notary will handle the transfer. Whether or not you have a real estate agent, you can always reach out to a notary for advice on other legal matters, such as family law.

Important Note: All financial transactions related to the property transfer are processed through the notary's escrow account, ensuring that no third parties are involved.

Once everything is finalized, you get the keys and the job is done!

Get in touch with Barry via his website! He is easy to talk to and works on a no cure no pay basis!