Buying in Amsterdam: the back story

About Buying in Amsterdam: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Amsterdam Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

In the Netherlands a home is bought in two steps: a written purchase agreement, then a transfer deed signed before a civil-law notary, who registers the sale with the Kadaster, the Land Registry. Many buyers work with an estate agent of their own. In Amsterdam, much of the land is held on long lease (erfpacht) from the city: ask about it early.

The agreement

Buyer and seller sign a written purchase agreement. Private buyers of a home have a short cooling-off period after signing, set by Dutch law; your notary or adviser will confirm how it applies.

The notary

The transfer deed is signed before a civil-law notary (notaris), who checks the title, settles the money and registers the transfer with the Kadaster. The Royal Dutch Association of Civil-law Notaries explains each step on notaris.nl.

Use your own adviser, and check the Kadaster record and any leasehold terms before you sign.

Leasehold land

Much of Amsterdam’s land is leased from the city on erfpacht terms rather than owned outright. Ask your notary to explain the terms that apply to any property you consider.

Where people live

See our property guide for the canal ring, the Jordaan, Oud-Zuid, De Pijp and the new districts on the IJ. We never publish prices.

Our advice: register with an NVM agent for viewings, and with IN Amsterdam if you are moving here.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Buying in Amsterdam: the back story before you go.