Can foreigners buy property in the Netherlands in 2026?

An accepted offer usually leads to a koopovereenkomst, the written purchase agreement. Include a financing condition if you need a mortgage and a building-inspection condition if the home's physical state is uncertain. Do not assume the word "provisional" makes a signed agreement harmless.

A notaris, or Dutch civil-law notary, prepares and executes the deed of transfer. The notary then sends it to Kadaster, the Dutch land registry. Ownership changes legally only after the deed is recorded there.

The notary checks identity, the transaction, registered rights, and the source of funds. The notary is neutral, so a buyer's agent, technical inspector, tax adviser, or lawyer may still be useful for buyer-focused advice.

Transfer tax depends on how you will use the property, your age, the home's value, and the rules in force at transfer. The Dutch Tax Administration applies a lower rate to a home you will occupy for the longer term, while other residential purchases use a higher rate. Some qualifying younger buyers can receive a one-time exemption within the current value ceiling. Ask the notary to confirm the current treatment for each buyer.

Also budget the notary, Kadaster registration, buyer's agent, mortgage advice, valuation, technical inspection, and any bank guarantee. A mortgage may be limited by the appraised property value, leaving buyer costs and any overbid to be paid from savings.

Hire an independent building inspector before your contractual inspection deadline. Dutch homes can carry costly foundation, moisture, roof, insulation, asbestos, or installation risks. In low-lying areas and older cities, ask specifically about foundation records and flood exposure rather than relying on a viewing.

Buying an apartment automatically makes you a member of the Vereniging van Eigenaars, or VvE (the owners' association for the building). Review its division deed, house rules, meeting minutes, maintenance plan, reserve fund, monthly contribution, insurance, debts, and planned major works.

Erfpacht is leasehold, where you own the home or apartment right but another party, often a municipality, owns the land. Check the ground-rent payment, review dates, indexation, duration, and any conditions affecting a mortgage or future sale. Leasehold is particularly important in parts of Amsterdam.

The WOZ value is the municipality's property valuation for tax purposes. It is useful context but is not the same as your offer, the bank's valuation, or a technical survey.

No. Property ownership does not create a Dutch visa, residence permit, or work right. Non-EU citizens who want to remain longer than the permitted short stay must qualify through an immigration route such as work, study, or family.