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 read in your contract what will happen when there is a delay. Delays can have several reasons:

a. Permits

This applies when you build your own house. It can take a while before you have all the necessary permits. And, sometimes, that means also to adjust the design. An architect will guide you through this process.

b. Shortage of labour force and materials

This can result in a delay in the electricity and water connection of your new house. But also, in the total planning, there is a waiting line.

c. Bad weather

Rain and frost. This can delay the building process a lot. And again, this will mean delays.

Check 2: Extra work

An extra socket in your new bedroom, an extra light point and other handles on the doors. These are just a few examples of extra work. The best way to cope is to reserve some budget for unforeseen work.

Do you need some help to understand what extra work is necessary in your case, or what’s included and what’s not? Or, to understand all the documents and help you guide through the process? Plan an introductory meeting here, it’s free. No strings attached.

Check 3: No street paved

This happened to a client of mine. They bought a project-built house, and there was a short delay in the end, but still they finished on time. Except: the roads. That made moving in a challenge extra. In this case, they discussed it with the pavers and found a way to do it anyway.

Check 4: Delivery points

When you get the keys, that doesn’t mean that your house is finished 100%. There is always a point that needs to be repaired, is not as discussed upfront or is missed in the process. In this, it is wise to ask a professional to do it together with you. He or she will be listing what needs to be fixed and negotiate with the building company if necessary.

Check 5: Heating, water and electricity delivery

There is a shortage of electricity and water on the grid. Without electricity and water, living in a house is almost impossible.

8 checks when buying an existing house

When you buy a house, you need to investigate it before buying. On the other hand, the current owners should inform you about the state of the house.

What’s the potential of your house?

J and J* were planning to buy a house. They said: “We see a lot of potential in this house, but so much needs to be done. We don’t know if it is a good choice to buy this house. Everything needs renewal. Can you advise me by making a budget?”. “Of course”, I said. “What do you want to do yourself and outsource?”

Ultimately, the couple didn’t buy the house because of too many risks. He found another home and came back for some advice. After a few weeks, I heard they bought a home that was more doable in their budget and time. Many beautiful old details could be saved for the future. I am curious about the result.

Do you also have a question like this? Do you need input from an expert? Just leave a message and I will contact you for all the possibilities.

Check 1 Does the house contain asbestos?

Is your house built before 1990? Then there is a chance that there is still asbestos in the house. You may ask yourself now: why is asbestos a risk? Asbestos is a material which is used in many applications. It’s fire-resistant, cheap and insulating. However, when you breathe in the fibres, it can cause lung cancer in the long run. That’s why it’s forbidden to use nowadays. Removing is necessary in some cases. Especially when you want to renovate that part of the house, for more information, check out this blog.

2. Foundation problems

Are you planning to live in a part which is below sea level? Be alert for cracks and inspect the crawling space when buying the house.

Most houses in the Netherlands are built on wooden poles, which can rot when the water level beneath the house is lower than before. This affects the support of the foundation. Repairs and replacements can take place, however, they can cost you easily 100K. For more information check out this blog.

3. Rotten wood

The climate in the Netherlands is a sea climate. The humidity can be high. Perfect circumstances for wood to rot. By painting the wood, we protect it against the weather. However, a small tear can result in rotten wood. Obvious, but mostly hidden beneath the paint. This means repair or replacement.

4. Hidden (constructional) problems

When you buy a house, you can only see the surfaces. Sometimes that is not enough. As, you can’t check the condition of the roof. In this case, I always advise a technical inspection. A professional is trained to look into the details. And details matter!

Check 5: High maintenance costs for the house in the future

A true story:

Eli and his wife saw a beautiful house. It was big enough to host visiting family, an extra room for a home office, and there was an opportunity for an extra bathroom. All they wished for. When they asked the broker how much they needed to reserve for maintenance in the future, the list was ongoing. Sidings, hot water boiler and a flat roof in the next five years. Estimated costs: 30K. This was a bit too much. So, they looked for a similar house in a better state. After 6 months of waiting, a house on the same street was for sale in a better. And you guess, they bought the house.

So, checking what the maintenance costs of the house in the future will be, could save you a lot of trouble later on.

6. Neighbours

Unless you buy a villa, you probably have neighbours nearby. A Dutch proverb says: a good neighbour is better than a friend far away. The opposite is true too. Just ring your new neighbour’s bell with the question: How are you experiencing living here? In the Dutch culture, it’s a normal question.

7. Owner’s Association

When you’re buying an apartment, you are also part of the owner’s association. Also when you have a common shed, heating, private parking place or pathway. The association will meet yearly to decide on the finances, maintenance and rules. It’s worthwhile to investigate the financial state of the association before buying the house. Questions to ask are: What is the reserve fund? Which maintenance and other costs are expected?

Check 8: New buildings next to your house

Imagine: there is a field of grass in front of your house. You love the view, and it gives you some extra privacy. However, in a few years, an apartment complex will be built on that same field. Would you buy the house?

That’s the reason to check the zoning plan before purchasing a house. This you can do by checking this website.

If you have any questions, just drop them in the comments below! I love to hear from you.