Where to go to find housing in the Netherlands?
There are two basic choices: a dedicated rental agency or a real-estate company that does a bit of rental on the side. Go for the former and, if possible, look for one with experience assisting foreign business professionals.
Someone arriving on the banana-boat from Ireland has very different concerns, requirements and constraints than, say, Jan Dutchman moving to Amsterdam from Utrecht.
An agency's claim to have experience helping people 'just like you' is stronger if they have materials in English (e.g. contracts, websites, other information) and can relate to your situation ( see this site as an example). Your rental agency must have a meaningful number of properties on its books. Two apartments is not an agency. Eight and upwards is. Ask how many apartments they represent; whether they look outside their portfolio if there is no match; how many apartments matching your spec they have free currently. Be clear on their fee structure. Also check their willingness to show you the property after office hours and during the weekends. Your temp boss might not be to happy if your called away from your desk to go house shopping. It's also an acid test on their service levels.
Finding good and affordable housing for expats can be a heavy task. This blog tries to identify where to look for and what to look out for.
Friday, November 14, 2003
Monday, November 10, 2003
30 percent ruling
As part of the process of qualifying for the 30 percent ruling, you are officially classified as a non-resident taxpayer. This can lead to complications for both the possibilities of mortgages and eligibility of tax deductions based on "primary residence". Experts disagree on the level and sort of impact the 30 percent ruling can have on buyers and taxation and there are always exceptions depending on individual circumstances. The advice, therefore, is to get some expert advice. Also see http://members.ziggo.nl/b.maurits
As part of the process of qualifying for the 30 percent ruling, you are officially classified as a non-resident taxpayer. This can lead to complications for both the possibilities of mortgages and eligibility of tax deductions based on "primary residence". Experts disagree on the level and sort of impact the 30 percent ruling can have on buyers and taxation and there are always exceptions depending on individual circumstances. The advice, therefore, is to get some expert advice. Also see http://members.ziggo.nl/b.maurits
Tax implications
Rent is not tax deductible in the Netherlands and, if your employer either pays the rent or contributes to a housing allowance, this is taxed as a benefit.
The tenant normally pays OZB (a local tax for users of properties based on the value of the property) to the local government separately from the yearly tax return.
Buying a house can offer very good tax deductions and benefits. The points below outline the general tax implications for homeowners, however, they are meant as a general guideline only as individual circumstances will vary, see Housing in the Netherlands.
Rent is not tax deductible in the Netherlands and, if your employer either pays the rent or contributes to a housing allowance, this is taxed as a benefit.
The tenant normally pays OZB (a local tax for users of properties based on the value of the property) to the local government separately from the yearly tax return.
Buying a house can offer very good tax deductions and benefits. The points below outline the general tax implications for homeowners, however, they are meant as a general guideline only as individual circumstances will vary, see Housing in the Netherlands.
Renting
For expat assignments of less than three to five years, in the current market, is almost always better to rent: costs are fixed, contracts can be ended, and the headaches of repairs and maintenance are the landlord's responsibility.
In addition, renting gives the added bonus of flexibility. If you are called home or have to relocate unexpectedly, it is much easier to wrap up a rental property than to be left with a house to sell on short notice in the current market. For more information here.
For expat assignments of less than three to five years, in the current market, is almost always better to rent: costs are fixed, contracts can be ended, and the headaches of repairs and maintenance are the landlord's responsibility.
In addition, renting gives the added bonus of flexibility. If you are called home or have to relocate unexpectedly, it is much easier to wrap up a rental property than to be left with a house to sell on short notice in the current market. For more information here.
Solving the expat rental dilemma
There is a chronic housing shortage in the Netherlands.
And the obvious, long-term solution to the crisis is to build more homes. But this remedy does little to help expats forced into the more expensive end of the market due simply to their immediate need for furnished apartments. This is where sky-high rent is the norm, rather than the exception.
Dutch nationals, however, who are primarily found in the unfurnished housing market where rents are under EUR 550 per month, have to wait on average up to two and a half years for a rental house. Explainations to be found here.
There is a chronic housing shortage in the Netherlands.
And the obvious, long-term solution to the crisis is to build more homes. But this remedy does little to help expats forced into the more expensive end of the market due simply to their immediate need for furnished apartments. This is where sky-high rent is the norm, rather than the exception.
Dutch nationals, however, who are primarily found in the unfurnished housing market where rents are under EUR 550 per month, have to wait on average up to two and a half years for a rental house. Explainations to be found here.
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