Property purchase process

With our expertise we can guide you step by step with the process involved with purchasing a property in The Netherlands. We understand how challenging it can be to navigate the Dutch property market. Our brokers are experts in the local market, are up to date on market trends and are familiar with all aspects of purchasing and selling as well as the final legal points. When you have a broker who represents you, you will have an advisor who will have your interests at heart.

Step1

We can arrange an introductory meeting at our office or a meeting online with Zoom or Skype to discuss the possibilities in the market and the best strategy we can use to secure the type of property you are searching for. We will also determine the ideal service package which you would prefer to have and give you clarity regarding the fees for that package.

Step 2

Should you decide to go ahead with us we will draw up the purchase assignment document clearly outlining our mutual agreement about the services provided and the conditions attached. You will also be informed about the exact documentation you need to provide for our file and for the mortgage application. At the same time, we will bring you into contact with a reputable mortgage advisor who can offer you a selection of mortgages from different mortgage providers and assist you with the financing of the purchase. You will also be advised about the tax implications and which of the costs involved which are tax deductible.

Step 3

Once we have a clear picture of the type of property you are searching for and the financial possibilities available to you, we will start the search together. Not only will we help you search on the entire real estate market, but we will also make enquiries within our own network. Once we come across suitable properties we will plan viewings together. From experience we can view properties with a critical eye and advise you on the positive and negative aspects of each property.

Step 4

Should you decide to place an offer for a particular property we will do some research on the prices in the neighborhood and read through all the documentation associated with that property to assess the technical and legal risks. We will advise accordingly how much you should offer for the property and the conditions under which you should make that offer. We will then negotiate accordingly with the selling broker or the owner.

Step 5

If your offer is accepted the next step is to have the purchase agreement drawn up by a notary of your choice or one recommended by us. The notary will accordingly draw up the purchase agreement and we will check this document to make sure that all the required details and conditions are mentioned. Once your offer is accepted you have the opportunity to have a technical inspection done. After the purchase agreement is signed, your mortgage advisor can submit the mortgage application to the bank.

Step 6

The mortgage application takes approximately 4-5 weeks to get processed. In the meantime, an appraiser arranged by us or your mortgage advisor will have an appraisal of the property done for the mortgage application. Once the mortgage is approved the transfer of ownership can take place shortly afterwards. Before the transfer date the notary will draw up the deed of ownership and the mortgage deed. On the day of the transfer an inspection of the property is done together with you an hour before the transfer at the notary’s office takes place. After you have signed the deeds at the notary, you will receive the keys and the deeds will be registered in the land registry. You will be now the proud owner of a new property!

In a nutshell these are the benefits of hiring a real estate agent:

Inspects the property together with you before the transfer at the notary’s office.
Knowledge of the housing market and the local regulations
Access to the most recent data on property values in the Dutch housing market.
Mapping out a clear strategy for searching for a property and making a selection.
Expert negotiation to ensure that the property is purchased for the lowest possible price and under the most favorable conditions.
Advice regarding the necessity of having a building survey done.
Inspection of the condition of the property, investigation of legal rights such as easements and ground leases.
Gathering of all the relevant legal documentation and important information regarding the property.
The extensive property file is taken through with you personally.
Saving time by leaving most of the work to the professionals.
An advisor who will represent your interests.
Access to a network of experts such as notaries, mortgage advisors, appraisers and technical inspectors who are experienced working with expat clients.
Your estate agent checks the purchase agreement and pays special attention to resolutive conditions, special clauses and penalty conditions.
For our expat clients: we can refer you to a notary who can draw up a purchase agreement in English. A building survey can also be drawn up in English
Screens the notary deed of transfer and the invoice from the notary.