Expats & internationals

Your first home in the Netherlands: where to begin

Your first purchase brings a lot of new decisions at once. You might be choosing a neighbourhood, learning unfamiliar terms and working out what kind of home suits your future. Breaking the process into smaller steps makes the search easier to organise.

Find an agent who speaks your language

Meet the people who can guide you

Get to know our multilingual specialists. Explore their areas and find a contact who fits your plans.

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Write down what everyday life should look like

Think about your commute, space to work, family plans and how you use your home. Visit areas at different times if you can. A neighbourhood that looks ideal in photographs may feel different on a weekday evening. Keep a short list of essentials so you can compare homes consistently.

Prepare before you fall in love with a listing

Speak with a mortgage adviser about your budget and what information they need. Separately, discuss purchase support with an agent. Keep your questions and property documents in one place. This helps you see what you already know and what still needs checking before you decide to proceed.

Use your first conversations to reduce uncertainty

Ask an agent to explain the sequence of the search, viewings and next steps. Tell them which parts of the Dutch process are unfamiliar to you and which language makes explanations easiest. Ons Soort Makelaars can discuss the guidance that fits your situation, even if you are still at the beginning of your search.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an exact address before contacting OSM?

No. A preferred area, an initial wish list and your expected timing are useful starting points.

What should I prepare for an introductory conversation?

Bring your main questions, the areas you are considering and any relevant information about your plans. You do not need a finished search strategy.

Explore our property listings

A selection from our listings, prioritising the areas covered by the team members shown here. Visit each property page for its status and details.

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Tell us about your plans

Share your area and preferred language. We will discuss the support available for your situation.

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