Tips for finding a home to buy in Amsterdam

29/08/2025

Finding a home to buy in Amsterdam is quite a challenge these days. The capital is popular, house prices are high and supply is limited. However, it is certainly not impossible to find your dream home in this dynamic market. With the right preparation, strategy and guidance, you can make a difference. In this blog, we share practical and smart tips for finding and buying a house in Amsterdam for first-time buyers, those looking to move up the property ladder and investors.

Why owner-occupied homes in Amsterdam are so sought after

Owner-occupied homes in Amsterdam are still extremely sought after. The city offers a unique mix of culture, employment opportunities, history and amenities. Amsterdam is not only an attractive place to live, but also a popular place to invest. Property values have remained relatively stable over the years, despite fluctuations in the market.

In addition, there are many different types of homes available: from historic canal houses and city apartments to modern new-build homes and family homes on the outskirts of the city. This diversity makes searching for a home to buy in Amsterdam both interesting and complex.

1. Determine your wishes and requirements in advance

One of the most important tips for finding a suitable home to buy in Amsterdam is to be clear about what you are looking for. The more specific your housing requirements are, the more targeted your search can be.

Ask yourself the right questions:

Do you want to live in the city centre or in a quiet neighbourhood?
Are you looking for an apartment or a single-family home?
How many rooms do you need?
Is outdoor space essential?
What is your maximum budget?

A clear search profile will help you make faster and more efficient decisions when you find something that suits you.

2. Explore Amsterdam's neighbourhoods

Each neighbourhood in Amsterdam has its own character and price range. If you are looking to buy a home in Amsterdam, it is worth taking the time to familiarise yourself with the different neighbourhoods.

Popular neighbourhoods:

De Pijp: lively, young and multicultural
Oud-Zuid: classic, green and stately
Amsterdam-Noord: up-and-coming, creative and surprisingly spacious
Westerpark & Bos en Lommer: trendy and easily accessible
Oost & IJburg: spacious with modern amenities

Don't live in Amsterdam yet? Then plan a half-day per neighbourhood, walk through the streets and visit local shops. This will help you get a feel for whether you could feel at home there.

3. Assess your financial options

Buying a home in Amsterdam can be quite expensive. That is why it is crucial that you know exactly how much you can borrow and what your monthly costs will be. Seek advice on this as early as possible.

Tips:

Make an appointment with an independent mortgage adviser.
Request a quick financial scan.
Take additional costs into account (transfer tax, notary fees, estate agent fees, ground rent, if applicable).

With a mortgage statement in hand, you can also move more quickly when you find interesting properties. This is a major advantage in the fast-paced Amsterdam market.

4. Engage a purchasing agent

Searching for a property to buy in Amsterdam can be overwhelming. Hundreds of properties are listed online every day, and popular houses are often sold before you can even schedule a viewing. A purchasing agent is therefore not an unnecessary luxury.

A good estate agent:

Has access to the latest listings (even before they are published)
Knows the market value per neighbourhood
Negotiates on your behalf and prevents overbidding
Checks legal and structural documents
Saves you time and reduces risks

Amstelland Makelaars is happy to assist you personally in this process and significantly increases your chances of a successful purchase.

5. Be open to alternative housing options

If a home in your favourite neighbourhood in Amsterdam is out of reach, consider expanding your search. Sometimes, wonderful opportunities can be found just outside the well-known hotspots or in neighbourhoods where demand is lower.

Consider:

Neighbourhoods in Amsterdam-Noord or -Nieuw-West with new construction projects
Suburbs such as Diemen, Amstelveen or Badhoevedorp
Fixer-uppers that you can renovate yourself
Participation in self-build projects or collective private commissioning

A home does not have to be perfect when you buy it. If the basics are good, you can adapt a lot to suit your needs.

6. Be quick, but don't rush

A common mistake when looking for a home to buy in Amsterdam is to hesitate too long or, conversely, to buy impulsively. Timing is essential.

Keep the following in mind:

View quickly (preferably within 1-2 days of publication)
Always arrange a second viewing if you are seriously interested
Be rational when bidding: don't let your emotions get the better of you
Have a structural survey carried out before the purchase

The aim is to make a good purchase, not just to snap up the first property that becomes available. Speed and care go hand in hand here.

7. Check the leasehold and legal matters

Amsterdam has many homes on leasehold land. This is an important point to consider when buying a home. A home for sale in Amsterdam may sometimes seem cheaper, but can still entail unexpectedly high leasehold costs.

Please note:

Is it a perpetual or expiring leasehold?
How high are the annual charges?
What are the conditions of the VvE (owners' association)?
Are there any restrictions (e.g. listed building status, renovation restrictions)?

Your purchasing agent or solicitor can help you check these matters in advance, so that you don't encounter any surprises.

8. Follow the listings closely and actively

Most people use Funda to search for a home to buy in Amsterdam. However, there are other sources you can use to increase your chances.

Additional tips:

Register with several estate agents in the city.
Follow local estate agents on social media (some share their listings there first).
Check out project websites for new-build properties in Amsterdam.
Use property alerts on multiple platforms.

The faster you respond to new opportunities, the better your position will be.

9. Found a property to buy in Amsterdam? Prepare yourself well for bidding.

Bidding on a property in Amsterdam requires a well-considered approach. Bidding too low means missing out, bidding too high can lead to financial risks. Use the knowledge of your purchasing agent to make a realistic offer.

Smart bidding means:

Taking into account market value and the seller's emotions.
Including resolutive conditions (such as a structural survey or financing reservation).
Clarity on the completion date and conditions.

Seek guidance in this matter. A good bid is not just an amount, but also a strategy.

10. Trust your instincts and your common sense

Finding a home to buy in Amsterdam is not just a rational process. You also need to feel at home in a property and neighbourhood. But it is important not to let your emotions take over.

Always take the time to really assess a property for the long term. Ask yourself:

Can I see myself living here in 5 years' time?
Does the property fit in with my plans for the future?
Is it worth the investment?

If both your head and your heart say “yes”, then you know you're in the right place.

Looking for a home to buy in Amsterdam? We can help you

Finding a home to buy in Amsterdam doesn't have to be a frustrating process. With the right preparation, a clear plan and professional guidance, you can greatly increase your chances of success. Amstelland Makelaars is at your service with local market knowledge, personal advice and a large network in the region.

Send an email to info@amstellandmakelaars.nl or call +31 20 320 90 80. Together, we will take the next step towards your new home in Amsterdam.

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