Property in the Netherlands: buying and support
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague: no nationality restrictions, but the tax rate depends on whether you will live in the property.
Why Netherlands
No restrictions by nationality
The buyer's nationality does not matter, and there is no surcharge for foreigners — no residence permit is needed to buy.
The tax rate depends on purpose, not citizenship
The 2026 transfer tax is 2% for a home you will live in yourself and 8% for investment property — the same rate applies to local and foreign buyers alike.
A transparent notarial procedure
A transparent notarial procedure and a reliable title registry reduce the legal risk of the deal.
Honestly, about returns: the rates differ fourfold
The gap between the 2% and 8% rates is fourfold, and it is set by the purpose of the purchase, not citizenship — for an investment scenario it materially changes the return calculation at entry.
Honestly, about renting out: some municipalities restrict it
A number of municipalities have local restrictions on buying property to let out — we check for these at the specific address before the deal.
Smaller budget — we'll source it
Tell us the amount and the goal, and we'll come back with options from developers and partners that are not in the catalogue.
Send a requestHow the purchase works
- 1
We map your goal
Living in it yourself or investing — this determines the tax rate; city and budget.
- 2
We check the property and its status
The property's legal status before signing.
- 3
We determine the transfer tax rate
2% for your own residence, 8% for investment property, 10.4% for commercial; buyers aged 18-35 buying their first home get a 0% rate in 2026 up to €555,000.
- 4
Purchase contract
We sign the contract.
- 5
Notarisation
A notary handles the deal in the Netherlands — and registers the title.
- 6
We check local rental rules
If you plan to let the property, we confirm the specific municipality's restrictions for that address.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner buy property in the Netherlands?+
Yes. There are no restrictions by nationality or residence and no surcharge for foreign buyers. No residence permit is needed for the transaction — identity and source-of-funds checks at the notary are what apply.
Why is the rate 2% or 8%?+
The rate depends on purpose, not nationality. In 2026, 2% is paid by someone who will live in the property, 8% by a buyer of investment housing or a holiday home, and 10.4% by a buyer of commercial property.
Is there relief for young buyers?+
Yes. First-time buyers aged 18 to 35 qualify for a 0% transfer tax rate in 2026 on properties up to €555,000. The relief is tied to age and to the property being a first purchase.
Does buying property grant residency in the Netherlands?+
No. A purchase is not a ground for a residence permit. Status is obtained on other grounds — work, study, entrepreneurship — and is unconnected to owning property.
Can I buy an apartment to let?+
Legally yes, but with two considerations: the transfer tax will be 8%, and some municipalities operate local restrictions on buying housing to let. Whether they apply is checked for the specific address before the deal.
Who handles the transaction?+
A notary. They verify the seller's title and any encumbrances, settle funds through their account and register the transfer. The notary's involvement is mandatory and their fees are separate from the transfer tax.
Will a bank lend to a non-resident?+
Dutch banks look to income and credit history in the country, so a mortgage is largely unavailable to a non-resident without local income. Purchases from abroad are normally planned on the buyer's own funds.
Do you have property in the Netherlands?+
Not in the public catalogue at present. If the market interests you, send us a request — we will source through our partner network and help establish the correct transfer tax rate for your purpose.
Overview
The Netherlands is one of Europe's most open markets: the buyer's nationality is irrelevant and there is no surcharge for foreigners. What does matter is the purpose: for your own residence the 2026 transfer tax is 2%, for an investment purchase it is 8%.
Why buy here
No restrictions by nationality or residence: no residence permit is needed to buy. Identical terms for local and foreign buyers — there is no non-resident surcharge. A transparent notarial process and a reliable property register.
Taxes, costs and yield
Benchmarks for taxes, purchase and holding costs and rental yield. Exact figures depend on the property and your situation.
Transfer tax in 2026: 2% when buying to live in the property, 8% for investment property and holiday homes, 10.4% for commercial.
The 2026 transfer tax rate is set by the purpose of the purchase: — 2% — housing the buyer will live in; — 8% — investment residential property and holiday homes; — 10.4% — commercial property. First-time buyers aged 18 to 35 qualify for a 0% rate in 2026 on properties up to €555,000. Notarial services, valuation and, with a mortgage, bank costs are payable separately.
1. Check the property and its legal status. 2. Determine the applicable transfer tax rate — it depends on whether you will live in the property yourself. 3. Sale contract. 4. Notarial execution and registration of title: in the Netherlands a notary handles the transaction. No residence permit is needed to buy — identity, source of funds and the notarial checks are what matter.
Dutch banks lend mainly to clients with income in the country. A mortgage is largely unavailable to a non-resident without local income.
Buying property in the Netherlands does not grant residency and none is required for the transaction. A residence permit is obtained on grounds unrelated to a purchase: work, study or business.
The difference between 2% and 8% is fourfold, and it is set by purpose rather than nationality. For an investment case it materially changes the entry maths. Some municipalities operate local restrictions on buying housing to let; whether they apply is checked for the specific address. We do not currently list property in this country in our public catalogue. If the market interests you, send us a request — we will source through our partner network and support the transaction.
What to bear in mind: — the stated purpose of the purchase sets the tax rate, and changing it afterwards has tax consequences; — local buy-to-let restrictions apply by municipal decision rather than nationwide — check by address; — a mortgage is largely unavailable to a non-resident without Dutch income, so plan on your own funds. Checked in September 2026. Thresholds, rates and programme terms change — confirm the current requirements with a lawyer in the country before you buy.
Request a selection in Netherlands
Figures are indicative, change over time and depend on the specific property and your circumstances. Obtain independent legal, tax and financial advice before any purchase.
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