Getting started
How to prepare for your housing search
Finding the right place to live in Holland can be frustrating - especially when on a tight budget. The country is relatively small and densely populated - housing is expensive and scarce. This advice should help get you off to a good start.
Before you start your search
Decide how much you are able to spend and what your minimum requirements are. If your requirements are low and your budget is reasonable, you can look anywhere. However, if your budget is not high and you have many requirements, forget about looking in the city centers. Instead focus on trying to get a nice apartment on the outskirts of town or beyond. This could save you a lot of time.
Find out where the nicest areas are
You can do this by walking around, as it is a good way to get orientated and to find out where things are. Its also vey useful to ask people that have been living locally as they usually know where the nicest areas are (and where to avoid). You will be able to find cheap apartments for very reasonable prices, but they will be in areas with a lower quality of living (e.g. higher crime, etc.).
One of the great things about Holland is that is has excellent public transport. Most cities and areas are very well connected with trains, buses and trams. Get your map out and start off visiting as many places as you can. You will quickly start to get a good picture of what is available and what you want /can afford. Pay special attention to public transport options nearby for getting places, as you will find this important later on.
Also in this section
- The Rental Market: Housing options and prices in the Netherlands
- Getting started: How to prepare for your housing search
- Where to look: Where to look for accommodation?
- Appointments: How to prepare for an appointment with a Dutch landlord
- Contracts: What to look out for
