Housing & Relocation in NL

For a comprehensive listing please visit the website DUTCH NEWS:  Dutch News Housing You will be able to find a great variety of rentals, purchases, flats, houses etc.

Tips When Renting

It is the norm in the Netherlands that when signing a lease/rental agreement you will have to pay (i) one/two months deposit (ii) one months rent (iii)  commission for the letting agent/estate agent which is normally equivalent to one months rent (this will have btw added to it). 

Deposit - In addition to the first months rent after signing your lease agreement, you will be expected to pay a deposit equal to one or two months rental fee.

This serves as a guarantee to the owner to recoup the costs against possible damages to the property. It is refundable when you move out if no costs of repairs are necessary.

Price Indexing - Rental contracts stipulate the right of the landlord to raise the rent once per calendar year. Percentages are based on the cost of living index stipulated by the government.

OTHER COSTS

Utility Costs

Gas, Water and Electricity (220 volts AC) costs depend on a number of factors. Many utilities companies in the Netherlands offer integrated services, providing both gas and electricity supplies. For a listing of energy suppliers in your area, you can contact your local town hall or check on their website. 

Water

Unlike in many other countries, your drinking and waste water are not integrated, although the costs generally are. To find out the address of your local water supplier, please contact your local town hall(Gemeentehuis).

Property Tax

The tax is based on the value of the property. Rates are set by the WOZ (Wet Onroerende Zaken) and vary per region.

TV Connections

Monthly fee for cable connection enabling you to receive all of the available TV and radio stations, beyond the Dutch public stations. The three main providers are  ZIGGO, KPN, UPC .

Land Drainage Rates & Water Purification 

Annual tax for water purification.

Environmental Tax

Each municipality has their own rates. Costs are based on the number of inhabitants, whereby families and singles are taxed respectively.

INSURANCES

The following are advisable for expatriates:
Personal Liability insurance and Health Care insurance are obligatory. 
 

Health Insurance

The following information is from the source: EXPATFOCUS http://www.expatfocus.com/expatriate-netherlands-holland-insurance

Source: EXPATFOCUS The Netherlands recently introduced a new statutory health insurance system under the Health Insurance Act 2006 (Zorgverzekeringswet), replacing the previous Ziekenfonds health insurance system. Everyone living in the Netherlands is obliged to take out health insurance under this scheme, and will be reimbursed for their main healthcare needs under the basic insurance package. The system is administered by private insurance companies, and individuals can choose which company's scheme to join. All companies are required by law to accept anyone who applies for medical cover.

Members of the insurance scheme aged over 18 pay a nominal contribution, which varies between insurance companies but is around 92 Euros a month. People in employment or receiving state benefits are also required to make an income related contribution (6.25% of income is paid automatically by employers directly from salary, people who run their own business receive a bill from the tax authorities/belastingdienst), which is usually reimbursed by their employer or the relevant benefits agency. No contributions are required for children aged below 18.

You are free to choose your insurance company and your level of income will not be taken into account. You are also free to change your insurance company once a year.

Other Insurances

Fire & Theft insurance (inboedel  verzekering

Insurance for the contents of your home - is always a comfort to have. Furnished apartments are insured by the landlord only on the owner's household contents and not yours.  Antiques, jewellery and expensive photo equipment or stereo installations will require extra coverage.

Car Insurance

Depends on the type, year and make of your vehicle, your age and your driving record.
A good driving record will decrease your insurance costs.

Continuous Travel Insurance (doorlopendreisverzekering)

Travel coverage for the entire year, advisable if you plan to travel a lot throughout Europe.

Death coverage insurance (Overlijdenspolis)

Pays for funeral expenses in the Netherlands. Expatriates should seek advise on the specifics of their policies in the event of a death overseas, and repatriation of remains.

Road Tax - Wegenbelasting

Quarterly tax for all automobile owners for the privilege of using the Dutch road system, based on the weight of your automobile, and if you drive on petrol, diesel or LPG fuel.

APK (Equivalent the MOT in the UK

Car Inspection required yearly for all automobiles if older than 3 year. There is a basic fee for the APK, any repair and labour is an addition charge. You must provide your driving licence and Deel I (Part I) of the ownership papers of your vehicle, failing this will result in the APK not taking place.

TIP: Combine APK inspection with a service check-up and save the separate fee. Always make sure that you are informed of any repairs and the costs before work is carried out.

Dog Tax

Dog owners do not necessarily have to pay dog tax (hondenbelasting) there are over 100 councils that do not charge dog owners. However you should find out via the city hall in your area. Charges vary per council. DOG INSURANCE

Parking Permit

In large cities, it many residential areas it is necessary to have a parking permit. There is often a waiting list. Meters (when you can find one) can be double the cost. You need to apply at the city hall where you live. Parking spaces do not automatically belong to a property rental. When someone moves out, the next person on the waiting list gets the permit, not the new tenant waiting for a parking space.

BTW  (VAT)

This is the equivalent to VAT (value added tax). You can expect to pay 19% on goods and services and 6% for food & books.