ACCESS NL > Housing in the Netherlands > Buying a house in the Netherlands > What other costs should I consider before buying a house in Netherlands?

Buying a house in the Netherlands

What factors should I take into account before buying a house or apartment?

What other costs should I consider before buying a house in Netherlands?

When you buy a house, you have to pay the overdrachtsbelasting (property transfer tax) which is calculated based on a fixed percentage of the sale price agreed with the seller. No overdrachtsbelasting has to be paid if you get (part of) a house through divorce, marriage or inheritance. Currently (2021) the overdrachtsbelasting (transfer tax) is 2%.

What costs are involved in buying a house or apartment?

Which process should I follow when buying a house?

Is it compulsory to have a written contract to buy a house or is a verbal agreement binding as well in the Netherlands?

I have made an offer and signed a ‘contract of sale’ for a house. Can I still withdraw the offer?

I am considering buying an apartment. I have heard that I will become a member of a VvE (Vereniging van Eigenaren, Association of Owners). Can you explain what this is and what they do?

What does a notary do in the Netherlands?

How much do I pay for a notary service?

What legal services does a notary provide?