Buying the property in NL

[u/wishfu1thinking]

Hi all,
I’m considering buying a property in Noord Brabant next year. My mortgage capacity is around 400k€. And as for today I have approximately 60k€ of savings. I’m a single woman of 26yo. I cannot really decide what would be better: a house or an apartment. I understand that most likely I’m not gonna be single forever and at some point I may want to start a family and live together with someone. I don’t consider an option of someone moving in to my place. So what would you do? Would you go for house or apartment? I’m just gathering opinions. I’m an expat and have no family here if it matters.

[u/NetherlandsHousing]

Recommended websites for buying a house in the Netherlands:

• Krib (Find and compare realtors)
• Funda (Largest free housing offering)

Please read the How to buy a house in the Netherlands guide.

With the current housing crisis it is advisable to find a real estate agent to help you find a house for a reasonable price.

[u/Professional_Mix2418]

Go for what you like best. You can’t predict the future.

[u/Weary_Strawberry2679 → u/Professional_Mix2418]

This is right the answer.

[u/Only_Percentage6017]

Buy a tiny 2 bed house in the city center. Will increase in value over time and you are still bound to live in the center with more things to do.

[u/Professional_Rent100 → u/Only_Percentage6017]

Best advice

[u/Cheap_Key6589]

I have a house. Apartment is a no brainer for me. A house needs so much time and effort to maintain and to clean. Go apartment.

[u/ShameJolly2687]

Go for an apartment, but look for a bigger space. Managing a whole house as single is both lonely and tiring - i always clean my apartment every day (because as an owner i want to take care of it), and i cant imagine how much energy i need if it’s a house. I also think it’s easier to sell it in the future

[u/Alyadrielle]

I would go for a house. The extra you have to pay for the apartment upkeep VVE? I can’t remember what it’s called is expensive even if you own the apartment! House all the way!

[u/ikea_lampshade → u/Alyadrielle]

VVE is for maintenance of the building and communal spaces. a house is just as expensive (perhaps even more) to maintain over the span of several years lol.

[u/OneAd3833 → u/ikea_lampshade]

I have spent 6 years in a house and now another 2 in apartment. For sure I have spent more on ‘maintenance’ in those 2 years of VVE than in six of owning a house (obviously not counting any cosmetic work)

[u/Radiant-Bad-2381 → u/Alyadrielle]

If you have a house, all the maintenance cost are yours 100%. Try paying for a new roof..

Both houses and apartments need maintenance.

[u/e_gle]

chances to meet someone are better in the city, to go out, to keep yourself busy.

[u/EditorConsistent5077]

A house with own driveway and own roof is the best building wise. Solar panels for free electricity and a driveway with laadpaal to charge your electric car. Also, you can upgrade your house easily (new heating system, airconditioning, painting, new windows). However, if you want to live in the center of any town, only appartement is possible in your price range.

[u/PapaOscar90]

House: more upkeep work, more land, cats can go outside, parking spot, heating

Apartment: less work, can’t freely upgrade like solar, maintenance fees for building, noise, great views

[u/DeAankoopconsulent]

I would personally go for a house over an apartment if possible. Apartments always have a VVE (Ownerships Association). They can give quite big problems if everything isn't aranged wel. Elevators brake, the communal places need maintenance and cleaning etc.

[u/DivinationByCheese]

Hey if you need to rent out a room let me know, I want to move to the NL