Selling your house in Amsterdam: what are the real benefits of making it more sustainable?

31/10/2025

Selling a house in Amsterdam today involves more than just setting the right asking price and taking good photographs. More and more buyers are paying attention to the energy label, the level of insulation and the sustainability of installations. Whereas location and appearance used to be decisive factors, energy efficiency now also plays an increasingly important role in buyers' decisions. But what are the real benefits of sustainability if you want to sell your house in Amsterdam?

Why sustainability is becoming increasingly important when selling a house in Amsterdam

The housing market in Amsterdam is in flux. While demand for housing remains high, buyers are becoming more critical and better informed. This applies not only to price and location, but also to energy consumption and future-proofing. Rising energy costs and new regulations mean that sustainability is no longer an extra, but an important selling point.

In addition, banks are increasingly offering better mortgage terms for energy-efficient homes. This makes a sustainable home more financially attractive to buyers. The municipality of Amsterdam also encourages sustainability with subsidies and loans for insulation, solar panels and heat pumps.

In short: anyone who wants to sell their home in Amsterdam would do well to know which sustainable modifications are not only good for the environment, but also for the sale value.

The influence of the energy label on the selling price

The energy label is playing an increasingly important role in selling a house in Amsterdam. For many buyers, the label is an important reference point when determining value and living comfort. Homes with an energy label A or B are generally sold faster and yield on average 5 to 10 percent more than comparable homes with a label D or E. In the Amsterdam housing market, where price differences are large, that difference can amount to tens of thousands of pounds.

A better energy label not only means a higher sales price, but also less time on the market. Estate agents have noticed that sustainable homes in Amsterdam attract more viewings and more often receive multiple offers. Young families and first-time buyers in particular are more likely to choose an energy-efficient home, partly because of the lower monthly costs and the certainty of a future-proof home.

Smart sustainability measures for selling: what are the real benefits?

Not every sustainability measure has the same impact on the sale value. Some modifications pay for themselves quickly, while others mainly increase living comfort. Below, we discuss the investments that yield the most when you want to sell your house in Amsterdam.

1. Insulation of the roof, floor and façade: good insulation is the basis of an energy-efficient home. Buyers will immediately see this reflected in their energy bills and living comfort. Many properties in Amsterdam, especially in older neighbourhoods such as De Pijp, Oud-West and Oost, still lack modern insulation.

Anyone selling their house in Amsterdam who invests in insulation beforehand will make their home noticeably more attractive. Roof, floor and wall insulation improve the energy label, ensure a comfortable indoor climate and increase the sale value by an average of 2 to 4 per cent. What's more, a well-insulated home radiates care and maintenance, which gives buyers confidence.

2. HR++ or triple glazing: many older homes in Amsterdam still have single glazing, which causes energy loss. By opting for HR++ or triple glazing, you not only improve the energy rating, but also the sound insulation and living comfort, which is an important advantage in a busy city.

A home with high-efficiency glass looks more modern and better maintained. This often makes the difference when selling a house in Amsterdam: buyers see a home that is ready for the future and retains its value.

3. Solar panels: Solar panels are a visible and popular way to become more sustainable. They contribute to a better energy label and show that a home is future-proof. Homes with solar panels are valued on average €4,000 to €6,000 higher and often sell faster.

When selling a house in Amsterdam, solar panels offer an important psychological advantage: they inspire confidence in buyers who value lower energy costs and a sustainable lifestyle.

4. Energy-efficient boiler or heat pump: a modern central heating boiler or (hybrid) heat pump is a big plus when selling a home. It increases the energy label, lowers monthly costs and reduces maintenance costs.

Recent sales data shows that homes with a heat pump in Amsterdam change hands faster than comparable homes without one. For buyers, this is a sign of future-proofing. An important selling point in the current market.

5. Small sustainable changes with a big impact: not every sustainability measure requires a large investment. Even small changes can greatly improve the appearance and efficiency of your home. Consider:

LED lighting instead of halogen bulbs
Smart thermostats or energy consumption meters
Radiator foil and draught strips
Water-saving taps

These details reinforce the impression of a well-maintained, modern home, something that buyers in Amsterdam often consider decisive in their choice.

Sustainability as a selling point

Sustainability not only has a direct impact on property value, but also on buyers' perceptions when selling a house in Amsterdam. An energy-efficient home feels more modern and comfortable, and buyers feel that they are investing in a future-proof home. In a city like Amsterdam, where homes are often historic but buyers expect modern living standards, sustainability is an important distinguishing feature.

It is therefore important not only to apply sustainability, but also to make it visible. Clearly state in the property presentation what energy label the property has, what measures have been taken and what the expected savings on the energy bill are. You can emphasise these points during viewings.

A good sales pitch makes all the difference. At Amstelland Makelaars, we ensure that sustainable features do not go unnoticed. Our estate agents translate technical improvements into concrete benefits for buyers, so that your property stands out positively when selling a house in Amsterdam.

When is sustainability worthwhile for sale?

Sustainability sometimes requires an investment, but in many cases this pays for itself when the property is sold. The rule is simple: the more visible and measurable the improvement, the greater the chance that it will increase the value.

It is particularly worthwhile for homes with a moderate or low energy label. With relatively simple adjustments, you can quickly jump from label D to B. This often costs less than €5,000, but yields an average of €10,000 to €15,000 extra on sale. So if you want to sell your house in Amsterdam, it is a good idea to investigate in good time which improvements will have the greatest impact.

In addition, the speed of sale plays a role. Sustainable homes attract more interested parties, increasing the chance of a quick transaction. This is an important advantage, especially in the busy Amsterdam market.

Sustainability in Amsterdam: where to start?

If you want to make your home in Amsterdam more sustainable, there are various schemes you can take advantage of. The municipality of Amsterdam offers subsidies and loans for insulation, solar panels and heat pumps. The national government also has national programmes to help homeowners improve their homes.

A good starting point is to request an energy assessment or energy scan. This will identify the most cost-effective improvements and their impact on the energy label. Amstelland Makelaars works with reliable local advisors and can help you quickly gain insight into the possibilities.

Sustainable selling with Amstelland Makelaars

Selling a house in Amsterdam is an important step. By investing in sustainability, you not only increase the value of your home, but also its appeal. At Amstelland Makelaars, we combine in-depth knowledge of the Amsterdam housing market with a clear understanding of what buyers find important today.

We can help you with:

Realistic advice on which sustainable measures will yield a return.
The right presentation of sustainability in texts, photography and viewings.
Finding reliable specialists for energy labels or insulation advice.

This way, we ensure that your home stands out in a competitive market and that you achieve the maximum result when selling.

Selling a home in Amsterdam with a good energy label is more profitable than ever. Sustainable homes sell faster, yield more, and appeal to a wider audience. Whether it's insulation, solar panels, or small energy-saving modifications, every step towards sustainability increases your chances of selling.

Would you like to know how you can make your home more sustainable for sale, and what that will yield in the current market? Please contact Amstelland Makelaars on 020 320 90 80 or email info@amstellandmakelaars.nl for a no-obligation consultation. Together, we will ensure that your home is not only attractive today, but also ready for the future.