You may consider the following points before deciding to buy or rent a house:

• The length of your stay: for a short period, it may be best to rent a house/apartment because of the costs associated with buying (approximately 6-7% of the purchase price) and potential renovation costs
• Your budget: if you wish to buy, the bank will consider your income and assets to determine your maximum mortgage amount
• Tax returns: depending on personal situation and taxable income

In comparison to a hotel, a short-stay apartment may offer more comfort, more space and more privacy with lower rates. Short-stay apartments are a great solution for:

• flexible workers who are working on a project for weeks or months
• accommodating friends and families who are visiting
• new arrivals who first want to explore the city before renting long term
• a temporary stay while renovating or moving

Most foreigners settle in the Randstad, which is the name for the areas that encompass Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht. Many international corporations are located in this region, as well as international schools, shops, churches and social clubs. Within the Randstad and in other parts of country, like Maastricht and Eindhoven, there are many options for various living spaces. Areas surrounding the international schools are usually very popular with expats.

There are five main types of dwellings in the Netherlands:

• Vrijstaand (detached)
• Twee onder een kap (semi-detached)
• Rijtjeshuis (terraced /town house)
• Appartement (apartment)
• Woonboot ( houseboat)

The most common type of dwelling is the rijtjeshuis. This is a family home, two or three stories high, with a front and back garden, adjoined by two, three or more identical homes.

A standard Dutch house has two rooms in addition to the kitchen, living room, toilet and bathroom. Most Dutch people live in urban areas, yet the limitation of space is putting pressure on rural areas too. Many city dwellers would love to live amidst the water and the greenery of the countryside. Since space is limited in the Netherlands, many people live in low- or high-rise flats.