EverythingAboutBuyingAHouseIn DenHaag
Den Haag is the third-largest city in the Netherlands, which is home to Dutch royals and the government. It is a bustlingcitycenterwithasandycoastline.WhileAmsterdamistheultimatetouristdestination,TheHagueisthe perfect residential haven. It is a place where you can find both a laidback and villagey feel and the convenience of a big city. The place has impressive facilities and is said to be one of Europe’s greenest urban environments. SoifyouwanttobuyahouseinDenHaag,letusseesomethingsyoushouldknow.
FindingAProperty
TherearethreewaysyoucanfindyourperfecthomeinTheHague.
Property websites: There are many property websites where you can begin your search for your new home. You can use these sites to getan idea of themarketin your desired areas, and if youfind somethingperfect, you can contacttherealestateagenttoseetheproperty.
Propertyagents:ThisisthemostviablewaytobuyahouseinDenHaag.Realestateagentscandothenecessary search and initial property screening for you. They will also handle the negotiations and notary meetings and arrange the sale contract. Getting help from property agents can ease the transition for expats and offer a full serviceforfindingahouse.
Other alternatives for finding a house include newspapers, engaging your network to keep an eye out for new properties,orlookingaroundalocationforasuitablehouseforsale.
ViewingAndChoosingAProperty
Once you have found the property you like, immediately contact the owner or the agent to organize a viewing. Remember that the rules may change if the property is new and still under construction. You can see digital images of the property online. However, please connect with a buying agent, as it will help you understand the specifications, facilities, and contract and determine the property’s expected value. When choosing a house, consider the property’s location, quality, fixtures, fittings, and the type of contract you will be bound to. Also, find outifitisalistedbuilding,aslistedbuildingshaverestrictions,buttheremayalsobetaxrestrictions.
TheProcessOfBuyingAHouse
MakingAnOffer
The negotiations can begin once you have found the perfect property for you. For this, you can contact your agent. Remember that you are not obliged to offer the asking price. If you cannot make an offer, you can arrange the first refusal on the property, which will giveyou a few days. This way, youcan get the time to find out how muchyou can borroworevenforcarryingoutabuildingsurvey.
ArrangingTheAppraisalAndSurvey
You will require an appraisal report to obtain a mortgage when buying property in the Netherlands. A valuer carries outthisappraisal,andyouwillhavetopayforthis.Youcanalsoincludeastructuralsurveyasapartofyourcontract. Please hire an independent expert who will identify any potential problems and also give you an estimate of the repaircosts.Thiscanhelpinnegotiatingalowerpurchaseprice.
ExchangingTheContracts
You can also cover the closing date, the price of movable items you are willing to buy, and other conditions in your negotiations. The important factors to consider include a financing clause that will allow you to withdraw if you cannot raise the required mortgage, the National Mortgage Guarantee, and a penalty clause in case either party decidesnottogothroughwiththesale.
Onceallthetermshavebeenagreedupon,apreliminarypurchasecontractwillbesetoutwithcontingencies,which will mean that you are committed to the purchase unless the conditions are not met on either side. Remember that there is a legally mandated 72-hour cooling-off period, which means that after you sign the pre-sale contract, you canchangeyourmindwithinthisperiodwithoutinvitinganypenalty.
PayingTheDeposit
Thepreliminarypurchasecontractmayrequirethatyoutransfer10%ofthepurchasepricetotheseller’snotaryasa deposit.Thisdepositwillbetransferredtothesellerifyoubackoutofthecontractwithoutavalidreason.Ifthebank has paid the deposit, you will be required to transfer this amount to them, and you may also have to pay for a bank guarantee,whichdependsonthedepositamount.
HiringANotary
Hiring a notary who will act as a legal mediator between both parties is an important consideration when buying property in Den Haag and drawing up the deeds to sign. They may alsoinvestigate whether the property can be sold andtakecareoftheregistrationintheLandRegistryandotherlegalrequirements.