Where internationals often look in and around Amsterdam
Every neighbourhood has its own character, so start with how you want to live rather than a postcode. Oud-Zuid and the area around the Vondelpark are popular with families who want classic architecture and green space. De Pijp and the canal belt offer city life on your doorstep, while Amsterdam-Oost combines parks, cafés and a slightly calmer pace. Zuidas and Buitenveldert appeal to people who work in the business district or travel often. Many internationals also look beyond the ring road, in Amstelveen or Haarlem, for more space and a quieter environment. Your agent can explain the differences in housing types, parking, building age and owners’ associations, so you compare homes on more than photos alone.
International schools in the region
For many families, the school decides the neighbourhood. The Amsterdam area has international schools such as the International School of Amsterdam in Amstelveen, the British School of Amsterdam, the Amsterdam International Community School and the Lycée Français Vincent van Gogh. Dutch state schools are another option, including bilingual programmes at some secondary schools. Check admission criteria, fees and waiting lists directly with the school before you narrow down your search, because travel time to school is often what makes a location work in daily life.
Getting around: Schiphol, trains and the ring road
Amsterdam is well connected. Schiphol Airport is a short train ride from Amsterdam Zuid and Amsterdam Centraal, which makes the south of the city and Amstelveen practical for frequent travellers. Metro lines, trams and an extensive cycle network link most neighbourhoods, and the A10 ring road connects to the motorways towards Utrecht, The Hague and the north. Before you make an offer, test the commute at the time you would actually travel. A home that looks central on a map can still mean a long journey if the connections do not suit your routine.
How buying a house in Amsterdam works for internationals
Start by getting a clear picture of your budget and a mortgage-in-principle from an independent adviser; our guide to an expat mortgage in the Netherlands explains what lenders usually ask for. If you have just arrived, read about buying a house without a BSN and the registrations you need first. After viewings, your agent negotiates on your behalf. Once the price and conditions are agreed, a provisional purchase contract is signed and, as a buyer of a home, you have a three-day reflection period. A valuation, the final mortgage offer and the transfer at the notary follow. For a step-by-step overview, see buying a house in the Netherlands.
Costs to plan for besides the price
A Dutch mortgage can be at most 100% of the market value of the home, so most buyers pay the buyer costs from their own savings. These include transfer tax, notary fees, a valuation report, mortgage advice and possibly a building inspection. In 2026 the transfer tax is 2% for a home you live in yourself, and buyers aged 18 to 34 can use a one-time 0% starter exemption if the home is worth up to €555,000. Read more about transfer tax in 2026 and use the buyer costs calculator to estimate your own situation.
Why work with a buying agent in Amsterdam
The selling agent represents the seller. A buying agent represents you: they assess the condition and price of a home, read the Dutch documents with you, check the owners’ association and ground lease details where relevant, and negotiate the price and conditions. In a competitive city this support helps you avoid rushed decisions. At Ons Soort Makelaars you can discuss your search in English, and Olha Seredynska works in Amsterdam and also speaks Ukrainian and Russian. You can also read more about our local estate agents in Amsterdam.
Your next step
Write down your preferred areas, the space you need, your timing and any school or commuting requirements. Then share them with us. We will discuss which support fits your situation and which of our agents can guide you. Prefer to start broader? Visit our guide for expats and internationals, or simply tell us about your plans using the form below.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a house in Amsterdam as a foreigner?
Yes. There are no general restrictions on foreigners buying a home in the Netherlands. Your financing options depend on your income, contract and residence situation, so speak to an independent mortgage adviser early.
Do I need a real estate agent to buy in Amsterdam?
It is not mandatory, but the selling agent works for the seller. Your own buying agent assesses the home and price, explains the Dutch documents and negotiates on your behalf.
Which areas are popular with expats in Amsterdam?
Many internationals look in Oud-Zuid, De Pijp, Amsterdam-Oost, Zuidas and Buitenveldert, or just outside the city in Amstelveen and Haarlem. The right choice depends on your work, schools and lifestyle.
Is there a reflection period after signing?
Yes. When you buy a home to live in, you have a three-day reflection period after receiving the signed provisional purchase contract. During that period you can withdraw without giving a reason.
Can the notary explain the deed in English?
The deed is drawn up in Dutch. If you do not understand Dutch well enough, the notary will arrange a translation or an interpreter. Many notaries in Amsterdam offer an English translation.
How much should I save for buyer costs?
Buyer costs depend on the price, the transfer tax that applies and services such as notary, valuation and mortgage advice. Use a calculator and ask your adviser for an estimate based on your situation.
