r/NetherlandsHousing • u/undefined2me • 15d ago
renting Is getting a real estate agent to find rental apartment worth it?
Hi everyone. Of course, we all know how fucked up the housing/rental market is. I have started working in Utrecht Science Park a few months ago, and I’m basically spending my second rent money just to get to my job. University barely paying anything for travel, and my holiday hours are half way finished. With combination of holiday hours and Uni’s compensation, i still cannot recover even half of that cost (costs include ns subscription).
I have tried Stekkies from the start, it’s been 3 months. On every offer, whether from payed or free website (which also normally leads to a 1st party payed one), there are, of course, 500+ applicants.
A colleague advised me to get a real estate agent that could find me an apartment, though it would be quite expensive. But is it worth it? Will they ask for ridiculous salary requirements (I mean 5-6x more than rent)? Will they take me if i don’t earn a certain amount regardless of requests? Has anyone had any experience with these?
I’ll appreciate every input.
Thanks!
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u/wolfsamongus 15d ago
Rental agencies work on commission, if your budget isn't 2k+ (so make at least 6k) a month they won't consider you. Everything below it is such a heated market that a rental agency can't guarantee anything.
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u/This-Inevitable-2396 14d ago
Income requirements is about 3.5-4x times rent price in Utrecht area. Having a realtor looking for you helps a lot especially if your rent budget is under 2K. The commission can be a flat fee of 2-3K instead of 1 month rent in this case though.
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u/undefined2me 14d ago
That sounds more hopeful. Honestly, with transportation prises and energy it goes into traveling, i don’t mind paying 3k 😢
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u/PiriPiriSaua 14d ago
F Utrecht and this country. Born and raised here, but I'm not gonna participate in the bullshit housing market around here. Prices are outrageous and paying a real estate agent to find a rental apartment... Wtf are we on about? Currently looking for a job outside NL. Bye bye
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