How to buy property in Nederland
A practical guide for buyers (including foreigners): step-by-step process, purchase costs, annual taxes, financing and quirks in Nederland. Informational, verified August 2026 — not legal advice.
Can foreigners buy?
No restrictions on foreign buyers.
The process, step by step
- 1Offer (often bidding above asking in big cities)
- 2Koopovereenkomst + 3-day buyer cooling-off
- 310% deposit/guarantee with the notary
- 4Checks + financing (usually 6–8 weeks)
- 5Transfer at the notary + Kadaster registration
Purchase costs (on top of the price)
| Transfer tax (own home) | 2% |
| Investors / second home | 10,4% |
| Notary + Kadaster + advice | ~1–2% |
Annual taxes: Modest local OZB + eigenwoningforfait on your own home (via income tax).
Financing as a non-resident
Up to 100% of appraised value can be financed (excluding costs); non-residents face stricter terms.
Quirks that surprise buyers
- ⚠️ Bidding above asking is the norm in Amsterdam/Utrecht — the vraagprijs is a starting point
- ⚠️ Erfpacht (ground lease) in Amsterdam: check the remaining years and buy-off cost
- ⚠️ Buyers under 35 can be exempt from the 2% tax (once, below a cap)
Frequently asked questions
- Can I buy property in Nederland as a foreigner?
- No restrictions on foreign buyers.
- What costs and taxes do I pay when buying in Nederland?
- Transfer tax (own home): 2%; Investors / second home: 10,4%; Notary + Kadaster + advice: ~1–2%. Modest local OZB + eigenwoningforfait on your own home (via income tax).
- Can I get a mortgage in Nederland as a non-resident?
- Up to 100% of appraised value can be financed (excluding costs); non-residents face stricter terms.