Certified brokers

Local market knowledge

Transparent working method

Expert professionals

Largest regional offering

  • Buy
  • Rent
  • Broker / Appraiser

Search profile

  • Buy
  • Rent
  • Broker / Appraiser

Search profile

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS

Living in the Amsterdam metropolitan region


When someone wants to live in the Amsterdam metropolitan area, there are many choices to make. Will you rent or buy, new construction or existing construction, in which village, district, neighborhood or area? Do you want to live near stores or do you prefer to look for the greenery? Or would you rather rent, sell or auction your house? Every question regarding living in the Amsterdam metropolitan area can be answered by the MVA real estate agents.


Sell

Buy

Rental

Rent

Appraisal

Sell

keyboard_arrow_down

What is the reflection period?

Even after signing the purchase contract, the consumer buyer can, without giving any reason, undo the purchase. The buyer can do this within the cooling-off period agreed upon in the purchase agreement. By law, this cooling-off period must be at least three days and starts the day after the purchase agreement is signed by both parties and expires at midnight after the agreed duration.

keyboard_arrow_down

How does the sale come about?

Have you had serious viewers for your home in Amsterdam and you seem to agree on the price and terms? Then the notary, under the supervision of the sales broker, will draw up a purchase contract that both parties must sign. Only when this contract is signed by both parties is the purchase official and legally valid according to the Real Estate Sales Act. There may be penalty clauses in the purchase contract that are triggered when one of the parties fails to fulfill the obligations.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does "cost of buyer" (k.k.) mean?

When selling a house, in addition to the cost of the house itself, there are costs for the notary, transfer tax and land registry fees. When you sell your house in Amsterdam, these costs are usually borne by the buyer of your house. Your MVA real estate agent will make sure that there is '(k.k.)' behind the asking price of your house when it is posted on websites. Your buyer should expect 'buyer's costs' of about 5% of the purchase price.

keyboard_arrow_down

Is the brokerage commission included in the "cost of buyer"?

Buyer's costs never include real estate agency fees. If you as the seller engage a real estate agent to sell your home in Amsterdam, you will have to pay these costs yourself. The same goes for the buyer; if he or she has engaged a buying agent, they will also have to pay these costs themselves.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does "freehold" (v.o.n.) mean?

It sometimes happens that the costs for the notary, transfer tax and land registry fees are not paid by the buyer as with 'buyer's costs', but by you as the selling party. Then it is called 'free on name'. This occurs mainly with newly built houses. The asking price you mention then includes the costs for the notary, transfer tax and land registry fees. With new construction there is usually VAT. So you will have to pay these costs yourself after the official sale.


As with 'buyer's costs', the broker's commission is never included in the 'free on name'. Therefore, you will still have to pay these costs yourself.

keyboard_arrow_down

What is the writing requirement?

The written requirement in a consumer sale means that the sale of your home is not official until both parties have signed the purchase contract. Thus, verbal agreements are not legally valid when selling a house.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does the Real Estate Acquisition Act entail?

The Real Estate Acquisition Act went into effect on September 1, 2003. Among other things, the law regulates the cooling-off period and the requirement of writing.

keyboard_arrow_down

May my MVA broker negotiate with multiple potential buyers at the same time?

Your MVA broker may certainly negotiate with more than one person at a time. However, your MVA broker should make this known to everyone to keep the process as transparent as possible.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does being "under bid" mean?

If the real estate agent indicates that he is 'under offer', it means that he has a serious candidate for the house. Viewings can still be scheduled, but the real estate agent must clearly indicate that the home is "under offer.

keyboard_arrow_down

When am I in negotiations?

When you have put your house up for sale and an interested party makes an offer on your house, you are not yet negotiating. Only when you as the selling party have responded to the offer can you speak of negotiation. Thus, the buyer cannot enforce that you are in negotiation.

keyboard_arrow_down

What is an option?

An option in the legal sense allows a party to enter into a purchase agreement with another party through a unilateral declaration. The parties then agree on the terms of the sale, but the buyer is given another week of reflection time, for example.


When selling a new home, such an option is still common. When selling an existing home, the term "option" is often mistakenly used. Then it has the meaning of certain commitments that your real estate agent can make to an interested buyer during the negotiation process. Such a commitment may include, for example, giving an interested buyer a few days to think about making an offer.


Your sales agent will try not to enter into negotiations with another party in the meantime. The interested buyer can use this time to gain a better understanding of their financing or the home's uses. A potential buyer cannot demand an option; you and your MVA broker decide whether certain commitments will be made in a negotiation process.

keyboard_arrow_down

Can my broker change the sales procedure during the negotiation?

You may always change the system of sale and one of the parties may also end the negotiation. Especially in Amsterdam, it is possible that there are so many interested parties for your house that they approach, bid or outbid the asking price. Then it can be difficult to determine who is the best buyer at what conditions. In that case, you and your MVA broker may decide to set up a different bidding procedure. A change in the system of sale can only be made after any commitments made have been fulfilled.


An example of another system of sale is a bidding process. All bidders are then given an equal opportunity to make the highest bid. Your MVA broker can tell you more about this procedure and how it works.

keyboard_arrow_down

Can I raise the asking price of a property during negotiation?

The answer is yes. The asking price is only an invitation to make an offer. Therefore, you can decide to lower or raise the asking price during the process. During a negotiation, there are often multiple bids made by the potential buyer that you can then respond to. The last bids in this process are valid, so you can raise your counter offer again and the buyer can always lower his offer.

keyboard_arrow_down

If a buyer offers the asking price, am I obligated to accept that offer?

No. In fact, the highest court, the Supreme Court, has ruled in a ruling that the asking price of a home is an invitation for a buyer to make an offer.

keyboard_arrow_down

Do you have a general question and it is not listed here?

You may still have a general question about the process of selling your house in Amsterdam or about certain jargon. You can ask this question via the contact form. We will make sure that your question and answer will be added to this list so that others can also benefit from this knowledge.


If you have a specific question about selling your home in Amsterdam, we recommend that you find a sales broker and ask your question to him or her.

Buy

keyboard_arrow_down

Realtor asks an extremely high price for a property. Is that allowed?

It is not the real estate agent who sets the price of a house in Amsterdam, but the seller in consultation with the real estate agent. You may find that the price is much too high, in which case you can negotiate about it.

keyboard_arrow_down

What is the reflection period?

A cooling-off period is specified in the purchase agreement. By law, this cooling-off period must be at least three days and is intended to give the consumer/buyer the opportunity, without giving any reason, to still be able to cancel the purchase, even after signing the purchase agreement. This cooling-off period starts the day after the purchase agreement is signed by both parties and ends at midnight after the agreed duration. So if the purchase agreement is signed on Monday and the cooling-off period is three days, it will start on Tuesday and expire at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does "cost of buyer" (k.k.) mean?

You will probably have noticed that on almost all houses (except new construction), the term k.k. is mentioned. This abbreviation stands for "buyer's costs. It means that the extra costs that come with the transfer must be paid by the buyer. On average, 'kosten koper' is about 5% of the purchase price, so take this into account in your search for a house in Amsterdam!

keyboard_arrow_down

'Cost of buyer' includes the following costs:

  • Transfer tax; 2% of house price;

  • Notary fees for the deed of transfer;

  • Land registry fees for registration of deed of delivery.


'Cost of buyer' never includes brokerage fees. If a seller engages an estate agent for the sale of his/her home, the seller will bear these costs himself/herself. Likewise, if you hire an estate agent, these costs will be borne by you.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does "freehold" (v.o.n.) mean?

Sometimes the seller of the house assumes the cost of transferring the property, usually in new construction properties. The home is then offered "free on name.


The buyer does pay the land registry fees for registering the mortgage deed and the notary fees for preparing the mortgage deed. 'Free on name' never includes estate agent fees. If you have engaged an estate agent, you have to pay the estate agent's fees yourself.

keyboard_arrow_down

What is the writing requirement?

The purchase of a home (by a consumer) is not concluded until the written purchase agreement is signed by both buyer and seller. It has been confirmed by several courts that, until then, no legally valid sale has been concluded. If a purchase agreement regarding a home is not in writing in accordance with Article 7:2 of the Civil Code, the sanction is void.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does the Real Estate Acquisition Act entail?

The Real Estate Acquisition Act went into effect on September 1, 2003. This law regulates, among other things, the cooling-off period and the requirement of writing.

keyboard_arrow_down

May my MVA broker negotiate with multiple potential buyers at the same time?

If there are several people interested in the same house, the real estate agent may always negotiate with all parties. However, he must be transparent about this and make this known to all involved.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does being "under bid" mean?

If the real estate agent indicates that he is 'under offer', it means that he has a serious candidate for the house. Viewings can still be scheduled, but the real estate agent must clearly indicate that the home is "under offer.

keyboard_arrow_down

When am I in negotiations?

When you have put your house up for sale and an interested party makes an offer on your house, you are not yet negotiating. Only when you as the selling party have responded to the offer can you speak of negotiation. Thus, the buyer cannot enforce that you are in negotiation.

keyboard_arrow_down

What is an option?

An option in the legal sense allows a party to enter into a purchase agreement with another party through a unilateral declaration. The parties then agree on the terms of the sale, but the buyer is given another week of reflection time, for example.


When selling a new home, such an option is still common. When selling an existing home, the term "option" is often mistakenly used. Then it has the meaning of certain commitments that your real estate agent can make to an interested buyer during the negotiation process. Such a commitment may include, for example, giving an interested buyer a few days to think about making an offer.


Your sales agent will try not to enter into negotiations with another party in the meantime. The interested buyer can use this time to gain a better understanding of their financing or the home's uses. A potential buyer cannot demand an option; you and your MVA broker decide whether certain commitments will be made in a negotiation process.

keyboard_arrow_down

Can my broker change the sales procedure during the negotiation?

A sales agent may change the procedure. Sometimes there are so many interested parties approaching, bidding or outbidding the asking price that it is difficult to determine who is the best buyer. In that case, the selling broker - in consultation with the seller, of course - may decide to break off the ongoing negotiation and change the bidding procedure. If commitments have already been made in this case, they must be kept.


Once these have been met, for example, a bidding process can be initiated in which all bidders have an equal chance to make the highest bid. Do you come across a house in Amsterdam that works according to this principle? If so, contact the selling party's MVA broker for an explanation of the procedure.

keyboard_arrow_down

What are the rates an MVA broker charges?

The MVA has no (advisory) rates or guidelines for calculating a broker's fees, appraisal fees, management fees, etc. Each real estate agent determines his or her own rates and these can therefore differ from one real estate agency to another. This means that you need to find out for yourself what you expect from a broker and at what cost he offers his services. This will prevent disappointments or unexpected costs afterwards.

keyboard_arrow_down

What is the housing market development data in my region?

The Real Estate Association of Amsterdam publishes quarterly figures of the housing market in the Amsterdam region, which also includes Waterland and the Zaanstreek. In addition, you can contact any MVA broker for information about the latest market developments in the region in which he or she is specifically active. Naturally, they know the local market best.

keyboard_arrow_down

Do you have a general question and it is not listed here?

This list of frequently asked questions about buying a house in Amsterdam is always evolving. Do you have a question of your own that you would like an answer to, that could benefit others as well? Then contact us to get answers and expand this questionnaire.


If you have a question about your specific situation, we encourage you to contact contact one of MVA's affiliated brokers in Amsterdam.

Rental

keyboard_arrow_down

How do I know if my property is in the free sector?

The number of rental points determines whether or not a property is in the free sector. The point system, also known as the housing valuation system also known as the housing rating system, indicates the quality of a rental property in points. Each component of the house, such as the surface area, the WOZ value and the energy label are given points. You may be able to smartly modify your home to get into the free sector. Also check if your property has listed status. For free sector housing, you and your tenant determine the rent. There is no maximum rent.

keyboard_arrow_down

Do I have to ask permission from the Owners Association if I want to rent out my apartment?

In addition to the public law rules of the municipality or the central government, the provisions of the subdivision deed are important. This is because the subdivision deed may limit the possibility of renting. Many subdivision deeds stipulate that rental is only allowed after permission from the board of the Owners' Association or the meeting. Also, the apartment may not be used in violation of the purpose stated in the deed of division.

keyboard_arrow_down

Can I rent out my property that still has a mortgage on it?

To rent out your home, you need permission from your lender. You may not just rent out your home with a mortgage. You can rent out your entire home or part of the home while you are still living there yourself. In both cases, you must ask permission. Chances are that you will not get that permission.


Renting out your house with a mortgage involves having a tenant move into your house. Tenants are well protected in the Netherlands and cannot be evicted just like that. This is a reason for the lender not to grant that permission. Get information from your mortgage advisor if you are considering renting out your home.

keyboard_arrow_down

Is a standard rental agreement from the Internet correct to use?

A standard Internet lease will not do. It is customized, for each space, each tenant and each term. Moreover, laws, regulations and the rent point system are constantly changing. Therefore, always have a contract drafted by an expert MVA broker.

Rent

keyboard_arrow_down

What types of leases are there?

Laws and regulations change regularly around leases. Currently, open-ended leases and fixed-term leases with a return clause are common. Contact an MVA broker to discuss the current state of affairs.

keyboard_arrow_down

What is the difference between social rented housing and free sector rented housing?

Maximum rents and a maximum rent increase apply to social housing. As a tenant of social housing, you may also be eligible for a rent supplement. In the free sector, these rules do not apply.

keyboard_arrow_down

What does a point system entail?

The point system determines the maximum rent of a social rented house. The point system does not apply to rental housing in the free sector. In these houses, the landlord and tenant determine the rent themselves. There is no maximum rent.

keyboard_arrow_down

What is the meaning of key money?

Key money is money that the landlord charges the new tenant before allowing them to enter the property. Departing tenants also sometimes ask for money in exchange for the key to the house. Asking for key money is not allowed by law. Asking for key money is an unreasonable clause in the lease. It gives one of the parties (in this case, the landlord) or a third party (in this case, the departing tenant) an unreasonable advantage.


If you did pay key money, you can recover it through the courts. You have to prove that it was paid, for example with a receipt or through witnesses (not family members).

keyboard_arrow_down

How do I get the landlord to address overdue maintenance?

If you have problems with maintenance or defects in the rental property, contact your landlord first. Can't work it out together? Then there are several things you can do. Like requesting a rent reduction from the Rent Commission. Do you rent in the free sector? Then in most cases you will have to go to court.

keyboard_arrow_down

What are service charges and utility costs?

Service charges are costs in addition to the bare rent of a property. For example, costs for cleaning, garden maintenance, upholstery and furnishing and the janitor. Utility costs are the costs for gas, water and electricity for which the tenant has their own meter.

keyboard_arrow_down

How should a property be delivered at the end of the lease?

If there is a description of the property then the tenant must deliver the property according to this description. The property is usually described in the inspection report, which describes the structural condition in which the property was delivered to the tenant at the beginning of the lease.

Photographs are often attached to this inspection report. If no inspection report is prepared at the start of the lease, the tenant may deliver the rental property as it is at the end of the lease.

Appraisal

keyboard_arrow_down

What does an appraisal assignment entail?

When you want to have a house valued in Amsterdam and you have found an MVA/NVM appraiser who can do this for you, you give this appraiser a valuation assignment. The appraiser will then do research and issue a report on the house. When you give an appraisal order, an architectural inspection is not included. If you also want to have this done, ask your MVA/NVM appraiser what the options are for this.

keyboard_arrow_down

Will the appraisal report be accepted by all lenders?

All MVA/NVM appraisers are members of the trade association NVM and are certified through the NRVT. MVA/NVM appraisers are also affiliated with the validation institute NWWI. The NRVT and the NWWI set strict admission requirements for appraisers. An appraisal carried out by an MVA/NVM appraiser will therefore be accepted by every lender.

keyboard_arrow_down

Is the appraisal report also accepted by National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)?

Yes! A validated appraisal report prepared by an MVA/NVM appraiser meets all the requirements set by the National Mortgage Guarantee for purchase or (re)financing.

keyboard_arrow_down

Is the MVA/NVM appraiser familiar with the local market?

To arrive at an accurate valuation of a property, it is important for an appraiser to have knowledge of the local housing market and conditions. The NRVT's Working Area Regulations contain guidelines that an appraiser must adhere to in order to ensure his local familiarity. For example, a home in Amsterdam may only be appraised by appraisers located no more than 10 km from the appraisal object. If the property is located outside Amsterdam or on the Wadden Islands, the maximum distances are 20 or 30 km. This ensures that these appraisers know the regional market well and can keep track of all developments.

The working area of the MVA includes: Amsterdam, Abcoude, Aalsmeer, Amstelveen, Badhoevedorp, Diemen, Landsmeer, Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, Uithoorn, Waterland, the Zaan region and Zwanenburg. Therefore, there is always an expert MVA/NVM appraiser near you.

keyboard_arrow_down

The lender wants to know the value before and after the remodel. Can this be included in the same appraisal report?

This can certainly be included in the same report, but you must indicate to your MVA/NVM appraiser at the time of the appraisal assignment that you want this and provide a written remodeling specification to the appraiser. With this specification, it is not necessary, but helpful, to provide construction drawings.

keyboard_arrow_down

Where can I find an MVA/NVM appraiser?

For an MVA/NVM appraiser look in our list of expert appraisers contact an appraiser of your choice directly.

Offer

Buy property

Rental property

Buy business space

Business space rental

I want to

I want to sell

I want to buy

I want to rent

I want to rent out

Our professionals

Find a broker

Find an appraiser

MVA Business specialist

MVA Certified Expat Broker

MVA Leasehold expert

MVA New Construction Specialist

Information

News

Housing Market Reports

MVA Leasehold Analysis

Appraisal

Auction

FAQ

Who is the MVA?

For brokers

Information for our members

Login for brokers

MVA Academy

Vacancies

© 2025 Real Estate Association Amsterdam (KvK 40530261)

Privacy statement | User agreement | Disclaimer