Intro
Without a mention, the Netherlands is a popular destination for expats. With its vibrant cities and high quality of life, it attracts a lot of people. However, like many other countries, the housing problems in Netherlands has its share. Shortage of available homes in the Netherlands drives the high prices of housing. Finding a place to live can be a challenge for many people, locals and expats.
The reasons behind the housing problems
The demand for housing in the Netherlands has been growing in recent years. This is due to the population growth and immigration. Yet, the supply of homes has not kept pace with this demand, leading to a shortage of available properties. This shortage has driven up the price of housing particularly in popular urban areas. To name a few urban areas that face this issue are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. The cost of buying a home in the Netherlands has increased significantly in recent years. The average price of a home in Amsterdam now exceeds €500,000. For many young people, the high cost of housing makes it difficult to afford a home of their own.
Besides the high cost of housing, the market lacks flexibility. The majority of homes are owner-occupied. Only a small percentage of homes are available for rent. This can make it difficult for people to find a place to rent, especially short-term rental.
Government solutions
In recent years, the government has came up with some measures to try fixing the housing problems. One of the implementations is government support programs. There are some programs to help low-income families and individuals access affordable housing. Unfortunately, the demand for these homes often exceeds the supply. The government tries to increase the supply of homes to improve affordability. While these measures have some success, the problem remains a significant issue. Housing shortage is likely to continue to be a challenge in the coming years.
Besides that, there are a lot of new rules when it comes to buying a house. For example, in some cities, once you buy a house, you are not allowed to rent it out. Some cities are a bit more flexible, that this ban is in place for one year or two. Besides that, there are no measures on buying your second house. Buying a house to generate an income will have to undergo taxations.
How to overcome the housing problems
As an expat, it’s important to be aware of the housing problems in the Netherlands and to plan ahead. While it can be difficult to, there are resources available to help you find a place that meets your needs. Some tips for finding a home in the Netherlands include:
Start your search early
- It’s important to start your search as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of finding a home. Make as many house visits as possible. Write a list of all the things you are looking for in a house, like location, sun light, kitchen size… Finding the perfect place will take time.
Have a set budget
- Cost of housing is high, so it’s important to consider your budget. Look for homes that are within your price range. Compare the inclusive price of the rental and not the exclusive. You may find a cheaper house, but the energy and service cost are very high. If you have a car, parking permits can be expensive too. A parking permit in the city center of Amsterdam is around 280 Euros for 3 months. Some accommodations offer indoor parking, but the rent price can reach 250 Euros, a month
Be flexible
- There are few options out there, so you need to be flexible when it comes to location and type of the house. Living in the city center will always be expensive. Look for a house close to a bus stop, a train station if you will use public transportation. If you have a car, make sure you get a house close to the highway, but not too close as it can be noisy. Some villages can be a great location to live, quiet, safe and has a home feel to it. You may need to consider living in those areas away from the city centers.
Use resources
- There are many resources available to help you find a home in the Netherlands. Online classifieds is my favorite way of finding a house. A lot of houses are available on Marktplaats website and on Facebook. I have seen a lot of scammers on Facebook, so be careful. Usually, their ads are in English, with very few details and very cheap places for what’s on the pictures. The Facebook accounts who post those are fairly new and usually have no profile pictures. They’re getting smarter so take care. My favorite websites are Funda and Pararius. Great websites with all the information you need.
- RentSlam is an online platform that aims to simplify the process of finding rental properties. One of the primary advantages of it is, that it saves renters time and effort in their search for a new home. Instead of manually searching through multiple rental websites, RenSlam does most of the work for you. Renters can simply sign up for RentSlam and receive personalized rental offers. The offers will match their specific preferences and budget. This feature is useful for renters who are unfamiliar with the local rental market or who are struggling to find available properties that meet their needs. You can visit the website from here: RentSlam
Conclusion
To summarize, the housing problems in the Netherlands are a significant issue. With careful planning and the use of available resources, you will be able to find a house that fits your needs. Do you have more recommendations or questions? Please make sure you write them down in the comments section.
Would you like to check more blogs about Lifestyle? Click here.
Or you can go back to my Blogs where you can enjoy reading several topics related to my life in the Netherlands. Here