Blogs
More space in your house? Place a window dormer
Many houses in the Netherlands are build as a terraced house. Of course, this has to do with the availability of ground. However, you can outgrow a house. Especially, when your family grows or when you start to work from home. Moving house could be an option. Another...
10 ideas for using your garage as living space
Garage When you buy a house, you may see a lot of possibilities. Or, the broker promotes a lot of possibilities and notes them to sell the house. Especially, when your house has a garage. This gives a good opportunity to use that extra space. Not only to park your...
Renovating your house? Check for subsidy
"I recently renovated my house. The roof, floor and wall are insulated, and the windows are renewed. The next step is to apply for subsidies. However, on your website, it seems so easy". That was what Oliver* told me last week. It's all in the details. Let's do it...
Housing in NL
Everything you should know about the meter cupboard
A castle and the old meter cupboard Last week I visited a castle, and with seeing the old meter cupboard I thought: inspiration for a new blog. This is the predecessor of the meter cupboard. Nowadays, the meter cupboard no longer resembles this. However, it is an...
Renting vs buying a house in the Netherlands
Buying vs renting a house? This question I got various times in the last few months. Is it wise to buy a house in our situation, or is renting a better option for now? Of course, I can't foresee the future and every situation is different. However, there are pro's and...
13 checks when purchasing a Dutch house
Check this before buying a brand-new house Find below the checks for an existing house! Check 1: What happens when there is a delay? Unfortunately, delays are common when you buy a newly built house in the Netherlands. So, keep in mind that this can happen. You can...
What to know when you want to build your own house
Do you have the dream to built your own house? Or, can't find any house on the market which has the wow-factor? This blog is for you. There are several ways of building a brand-new house. Project build (see this blog) Building together with others (Coöperatieve...
8 red flags when you buy a house
One interesting question from a house buyer Last week, I had a conversation with a future client of mine. I haven't asked what his nationality was, but he came up with a very interesting question: What would be red flags for picking a house when you want to buy a...
What you need to know about your house foundation
I grew up in an area where houses are built 7 meters beneath sea level. You may guess where this is. This is near the world heritage Kinderdijk, where you can visit the windmills. As a young child, it was so normal to live there with dikes surrounding us. This to...
Why are there so many row houses in NL?
Some fun facts about row houses - In the Netherlands, there are around 3.4 million row houses. That's 42% of the total amount of houses. That's more than any other country in the world (1). - Most row houses are built in the 1960s-1980s (1). - Cookie cutter houses are...
How to find second-hand furniture?
A new wardrobe? In 2018, I had the "brilliant" plan to buy a wardrobe on Marktplaats. This is an online platform where people can sell a lot of second-hand stuff like furniture. When we got married, we didn't have enough money to buy a bed and a new wardrobe fitting...
Painting the interior of a house, what does it cost?
"Outsource painting is so expensive, and all the Dutch do it themselves. It looks so easy, however, I don't know where to start. And, I just want to have it done". That's what my client M. said. What is difficult for you? I asked. She replied: "I just get lost in all...
What to expect when becoming a house owner in the Netherlands?
"You should write a blog about what it is to be a house owner in the Netherlands." An Indian man said. That was a comment during an information evening about renovating your house in the Netherlands, I organized. "Because I would have loved to know on forehand how...
Costs for a house owner in the Netherlands
Every year, around February, I expect a bill is coming to our house. It's not a surprise any more, but every year I think: which amount would it be this year. And then, in May, the next one is coming. Of course, it is easy to complain about this, but I choose to be...
11 questions to ask your real estate agent
Let's start with a story. A few years back, we were planning to buy a house. In the third house we visited, we were thinking to start bidding. The house was within our budget, everything looked nice. But before, we had a second viewing planned. And it was time to ask...
Why a technical inspection when you buy a house in the Netherlands?
When you buy a car, you normally look at the state of that car. Right? Or ask someone to come with you with some knowledge. But when you buy a house? Are you planning a technical inspection for your new house in the Netherlands? In this blog, you will read more about...
Buying a house in Eindhoven? 9 things to consider
What if the perfect house exists? You only don't know where and when you get to see it. In your mind, it is already existing. Or, it is just a vague idea. Buying a house in or around Eindhoven always begins with a thought or a dream. In this blog, some ideas to start...
10 things ex-pats forget when moving house in NL
Have you ever received a letter because you forgot to inform the electricity company about your move? Well, I did. And it was a few hundred euros. Moving is one of the busiest times of your life. And to help you as an ex-pat, here is a list of 10 things not to forget...
8 things to add to your budget for moving house
Imagine, you bought the house of your dreams. In that house, a few things need a change. The bathroom requires a replacement and the walls require a new layer of paint. But then, the hot water boiler requires replacement too. So a part of the budget for moving house...
What says the energy label about your house?
An energy label for your house in the Netherlands? What is the difference between a B-label and a D-label? That was what somebody asked me this week. Good subject for a blog. A house is not a car or electrical device. But they have in common that they all have an...
Tiny house in the Netherlands in 5 steps
Why this blog? A few weeks ago, I saw a post on Facebook. An international couple was asking for help because they dreamed of a tiny house in the Netherlands. They read already some things, but it was complicated to oversee the process. Everything was written in...
8 Villages around Eindhoven to live in
Houses are so expensive in Eindhoven. What about the villages around Eindhoven? It is a sentence I heard a lot last year, followed by a sigh. Do you recognize this? Read on. In the Netherlands, we had a lockdown in spring 2020. In this time, the kids were of course...
New or renovated house vs DIY house
A new house vs DIY house What do you prefer? Where do you see yourself living in the next few years? Do you know I like a DIY house before a renovated or newly built house? Here is the reason: I like a building where you can feel and see that there has been a lot of...
Our own experiences
Time for replacement: 5 hidden risks in your house
Are you living in a house built before 2000? Then this blog is a good read. Especially when owning a house or considering purchasing one. 1. Central heating boiler Is the boiler more than 15 years? Then it is wise to replace, although the boiler may function still. ...
Everything you should know about the meter cupboard
A castle and the old meter cupboard Last week I visited a castle, and with seeing the old meter cupboard I thought: inspiration for a new blog. This is the predecessor of the meter cupboard. Nowadays, the meter cupboard no longer resembles this. However, it is an...
Renting vs buying a house in the Netherlands
Buying vs renting a house? This question I got various times in the last few months. Is it wise to buy a house in our situation, or is renting a better option for now? Of course, I can't foresee the future and every situation is different. However, there are pro's and...
What to know about your home ventilation system
How this blog started... It's already been a while since we moved in our newly built house. And, when the years pass, the house needs more maintenance. That is what you can expect. However, sometimes it takes a while to search for the right company to do the job. In...
In which stores can you buy furniture in the Netherlands?
You bought a house and after the kitchen and bathroom, you start to think about the buying furniture in stores. You puzzle out the floor plan and notice the couch doesn't fit in your new living room or the dining table is too small for the space. This is part of the...
13 checks when purchasing a Dutch house
Check this before buying a brand-new house Find below the checks for an existing house! Check 1: What happens when there is a delay? Unfortunately, delays are common when you buy a newly built house in the Netherlands. So, keep in mind that this can happen. You can...
What to know when placing a veranda
Do you love being outside and miss the warm evenings? Are you blessed with a decent back garden? Then, a veranda could be a good idea. Especially in the Netherlands, where you never know what weather you can expect. Did you know that a few centuries ago, there were...
What to know about extending your house in the Netherlands
Dreaming of a house extension in the Netherlands A house renovation or moving. That's a choice many people make after living in a house for a few years. A house extension could be a good option if you want to extend your living space. And, it is mostly cheaper than...
More space in your house? Place a window dormer
Many houses in the Netherlands are build as a terraced house. Of course, this has to do with the availability of ground. However, you can outgrow a house. Especially, when your family grows or when you start to work from home. Moving house could be an option. Another...
10 ideas for using your garage as living space
Garage When you buy a house, you may see a lot of possibilities. Or, the broker promotes a lot of possibilities and notes them to sell the house. Especially, when your house has a garage. This gives a good opportunity to use that extra space. Not only to park your...
Investments that can add value to your house
Which house investments are good ones? I speak to many internationals living in the Netherlands and heard this question many times. Of course, this depends on your house, your family and your financial situation. In this blog, you find some ideas to invest your money...
10 ideas for your Dutch garden
The reason for this blog is this: I meet a lot of internationals, who bought a house. And, a year after the house is finished. But their Dutch garden is a whole different issue. It can use some ideas, attention and love. To give you an idea: we have a 70m2 garden....
Quality or quantity?
Why this blog? I love to do my work the best I can. Whether someone has a large budget or not. My personal challenge: seeking the best possible solution in your situation. This could be: repairing instead of replacing. This can be: advise people first to save money,...
What to know when you want to build your own house
Do you have the dream to built your own house? Or, can't find any house on the market which has the wow-factor? This blog is for you. There are several ways of building a brand-new house. Project build (see this blog) Building together with others (Coöperatieve...
Upgrade the energy label of your flat
Last week, I got this question: I want to update the energy label of my flat from D to A. What does it cost? My answer: I will write a blog about this, because updating an energy label is already a challenge, let alone when you are a flat owner. Owners association...
9 things you want to know about bathroom renovation
After a few years of living in your house, it's time for a bathroom renovation. The former owners did it 15 years ago. Or, you just bought a house, but the bathroom isn't your style. 1. Where to buy a bathroom in the Netherlands? You can buy a bathroom in several...
Owning a monumental house in the Netherlands
You start reading this blog because you probably love old monumental houses. Perhaps, you are thinking of buying or owning an old house, or just like the old houses in the Netherlands. And, love the history and cherish the details of old buildings. When I was still a...
What you need to know about energy contracts
Last winter, energy prices were incredibly high. A fixed contract for energy was out of reach, and many people asked for help to reduce the use of energy in their house. Fixed energy contracts The good news is, the prices of gas and electricity have decreased a lot in...
8 red flags when you buy a house
One interesting question from a house buyer Last week, I had a conversation with a future client of mine. I haven't asked what his nationality was, but he came up with a very interesting question: What would be red flags for picking a house when you want to buy a...
What you need to know about your house foundation
I grew up in an area where houses are built 7 meters beneath sea level. You may guess where this is. This is near the world heritage Kinderdijk, where you can visit the windmills. As a young child, it was so normal to live there with dikes surrounding us. This to...
Practical blogs
Time for replacement: 5 hidden risks in your house
Are you living in a house built before 2000? Then this blog is a good read. Especially when owning a house or considering purchasing one. 1. Central heating boiler Is the boiler more than 15 years? Then it is wise to replace, although the boiler may function still. ...
Everything you should know about the meter cupboard
A castle and the old meter cupboard Last week I visited a castle, and with seeing the old meter cupboard I thought: inspiration for a new blog. This is the predecessor of the meter cupboard. Nowadays, the meter cupboard no longer resembles this. However, it is an...
What to know about your home ventilation system
How this blog started... It's already been a while since we moved in our newly built house. And, when the years pass, the house needs more maintenance. That is what you can expect. However, sometimes it takes a while to search for the right company to do the job. In...
In which stores can you buy furniture in the Netherlands?
You bought a house and after the kitchen and bathroom, you start to think about the buying furniture in stores. You puzzle out the floor plan and notice the couch doesn't fit in your new living room or the dining table is too small for the space. This is part of the...
What to know when placing a veranda
Do you love being outside and miss the warm evenings? Are you blessed with a decent back garden? Then, a veranda could be a good idea. Especially in the Netherlands, where you never know what weather you can expect. Did you know that a few centuries ago, there were...
What to know about extending your house in the Netherlands
Dreaming of a house extension in the Netherlands A house renovation or moving. That's a choice many people make after living in a house for a few years. A house extension could be a good option if you want to extend your living space. And, it is mostly cheaper than...
More space in your house? Place a window dormer
Many houses in the Netherlands are build as a terraced house. Of course, this has to do with the availability of ground. However, you can outgrow a house. Especially, when your family grows or when you start to work from home. Moving house could be an option. Another...
10 ideas for using your garage as living space
Garage When you buy a house, you may see a lot of possibilities. Or, the broker promotes a lot of possibilities and notes them to sell the house. Especially, when your house has a garage. This gives a good opportunity to use that extra space. Not only to park your...
Investments that can add value to your house
Which house investments are good ones? I speak to many internationals living in the Netherlands and heard this question many times. Of course, this depends on your house, your family and your financial situation. In this blog, you find some ideas to invest your money...
10 ideas for your Dutch garden
The reason for this blog is this: I meet a lot of internationals, who bought a house. And, a year after the house is finished. But their Dutch garden is a whole different issue. It can use some ideas, attention and love. To give you an idea: we have a 70m2 garden....
Quality or quantity?
Why this blog? I love to do my work the best I can. Whether someone has a large budget or not. My personal challenge: seeking the best possible solution in your situation. This could be: repairing instead of replacing. This can be: advise people first to save money,...
Upgrade the energy label of your flat
Last week, I got this question: I want to update the energy label of my flat from D to A. What does it cost? My answer: I will write a blog about this, because updating an energy label is already a challenge, let alone when you are a flat owner. Owners association...
9 things you want to know about bathroom renovation
After a few years of living in your house, it's time for a bathroom renovation. The former owners did it 15 years ago. Or, you just bought a house, but the bathroom isn't your style. 1. Where to buy a bathroom in the Netherlands? You can buy a bathroom in several...
Owning a monumental house in the Netherlands
You start reading this blog because you probably love old monumental houses. Perhaps, you are thinking of buying or owning an old house, or just like the old houses in the Netherlands. And, love the history and cherish the details of old buildings. When I was still a...
What you need to know about energy contracts
Last winter, energy prices were incredibly high. A fixed contract for energy was out of reach, and many people asked for help to reduce the use of energy in their house. Fixed energy contracts The good news is, the prices of gas and electricity have decreased a lot in...
Single, double or triple glass?
Is it worth investing in other glass panes? I have now old double glass panes, and it's not comfortable in the living room. This is what a few clients asked me last month. It took me some research to draw up a conclusion. History of glass Have you ever thought about...
How to take care of the exterior of your house
It's raining outside, and I wonder when I can get out again and visit some new places. I love the appearance of old buildings. When I walk through a city, I always estimate how old the buildings are. The funny thing is, that the exterior can be changed over the...
How to find second-hand furniture?
A new wardrobe? In 2018, I had the "brilliant" plan to buy a wardrobe on Marktplaats. This is an online platform where people can sell a lot of second-hand stuff like furniture. When we got married, we didn't have enough money to buy a bed and a new wardrobe fitting...
What you need to know about undeclared work in the Netherlands
Not a fancy subject this time: undeclared work or working black in the Netherlands. However, an important one. If you are thinking about renovating your house, you may phase this question: Do you want the work done partly undeclared or not? Why this blog? The answer...
What’s your energy and water consumption?
Energy and water consumption is a hot item these last months. It is a life necessity, which we take for granted in the west. A year ago, the market for energy was stable, now the market is out of control due to the war. And, most of us will think: what can I do to...
About the writer
Well, I am Marijke. I lived in several places in the Netherlands and now already for 18 years in Eindhoven. This is the city I love because all the green places and international identity.
At the age of 10 I drew a notebook full of houses at school, because I was so bored. Later on I became fascinated with old houses and the finishing of them. This made me decide that it was time to study further on this subject. And still, the technical and historical aspect of housing is very interesting to me. Combined with the love for other cultures and humans, makes that I love to write blogs. In blogging, investigating, storytelling and helping others come together. I hope this will be pleasant to read and helps you further in the housing process. Feel free to contact me with suggestions for blogs or other questions. I love to hear from you!
