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Home Expat information Tenancy agreement Taxes Information about Holland

Buy or rent Dutch people preferably buy houses because they can deduct the mortgage interest from their taxable income, but for an expatriate this situation might be entirely different. Besides that, the market situation is very important. This is less interesting for you, when you cannot deduct the interest. When you still decide to buy, the sales transaction will cost you approximately 10%. From this we can conclude that you have to make a 10% profit, when you do not want to loose money. It has been estimated that real estate prices will rise 2 to 3% per year in de coming years. This means that if you stay in Holland for at least five years it can be profitable to buy. But it is always a risk you take, because we cannot look into the future. Beside the risk you also have to maintain your premises. This can be an important reason to rent instead of buying. Checklist for house hunting When you go house hunting, make a checklist with items that are important to you and your family. To help you, we give you some examples: situation of the children's school; the accessibility for reaching the company; public transportation, school busses; type of neighbourhood; close to shopping centres or in a more quiet area; what kind of premises, new and modern or an older house/apartment with character; you have to choose for fully (provides all furniture) or partly furnished (provides all carpets, curtains, light fixtures and kitchen appliances). On the basis of your specific requirements we will make a selection from the available market supply at that particular time.  Contract The contract is only the finalisation of a deal. A deal is made when both parties agree upon price and terms. Most of the times this happens verbally, which is binding. After this verbal agreement you get the contract. What can you expect in the contract: the rent is payable monthly in advance; one month deposit is customary; once a year the rent is adjusted based on increases in the cost of living as determined by the CBS. The average is between 2% and 3%; usually the rent excludes user's costs, i.e. utilities, and various minor taxes; the obligation to return the property in the same condition, normal wear and tear excepted, at the end of the rental period; possibility to terminate the contract if you are transferred more than 50 kilometres by giving one full calendar month notice by registered letter, so-called diplomatic clause; The diplomatic clause of the owner. Most of the times this article is not applicable. Checking in and out Home Quest will take care of the contracts and that these will be signed by all parties. When you take possession of the house you will be checked in by the owner or his representative. You will be assisted by us. Under normal circumstances the owner will fill in a check-list regarding the condition of the house, the furniture/fixtures and fittings belonging to the house, and the condition of the exterior/garden. The reason of the inspection report is to see if something has been damaged at the end of the rental period.  We also take care of the transfer of water, gas and electricity. We can also arrange internet, t.v. and telephone for you. When you leave The Netherlands a check-out will be made by the owner or his representative. It is important that you take care of it, that the house is handed back in the condition in which you found it, normal wear and tear excluded, as this greatly facilitates the return of your deposit. Nails and hooks must be removed and the walls must be repaired. If you are not able to take care of these items, you may agree with the owner to pay a certain amount to have all these items taken care of.