europe
Going Dutch
A region in the Kingdom of the Netherlands just to the west of Denmark, Holland is famous for its colourful bulb fields, cheeses and extensive waterways. Its capital, Amsterdam, has no less than a quarter of its surface area taken up by canals and harbours. The city’s 65 miles of canals provide a mode of transport as well as a source of recreation, with more than 15,000 pleasure boats registered in the city. These thriving waterways are also dotted with houseboats, canal-side terraces, cafes, bars and restaurants. Holland also boasts a long coastline with beautiful beaches while its flat landscape makes it an ideal place for cycling. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying a house in the Netherlands and this appears to be attracting overseas interest as Hans Veenhuijsen, CEO of Residence 365, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, explains. “Most of the buyers are Dutch however we have done some major transactions with Asian buyers. Other international buyers until now come from the USA, Turkey, Australia, UK and Switzerland. “Buyers traditionally purchase homes in or near the big cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. Prices per square metre for high end apartments on prime locations in the Netherlands vary from €6,000 (Rotterdam and The Hague) to even €16,000 (Amsterdam). The average is €10,000 per square metre.” Mr Veenhuijsen expects prices to rise, depending on interest rates and other macro-economic factors. This is due to the fact that Dutch properties still are relatively affordable compared to other European countries, particularly cities such as London, Berlin and Paris. “We are experiencing a lot of confidence in the market again and buyers – both national and international – are buying homes for investment,” he says.
carefully restoring the property’s distinctive characteristics and combining them with modern finishing. The property has five floors and all rooms offer stunning views of the Vondelpark.
Van Eeghenstraat 80, Amsterdam
These include a large, modern kitchen with spacious dining room, classic sitting room with fireplace, second stylish dining room, work room with private balcony, two home
This stately family home of 595m2 features
cinemas, five bedrooms, four bathrooms
spacious rooms, a magnificent stairwell
and a lift. Outside is a large sunny garden
and light-filled bay windows. The villa is
(under which a six-car garage could be built
a nationally listed building built in 1899
if wished) and a garden house.
with a rich history and a wealth of original
£16.5m / €18.75m / $20m
period features. Only high-quality materials
Christies Real Estate
have been used during the renovation,
www.ipmag.link/2ptO6zC
86
Denmark & Holland.indd 86
13/04/2017 15:56