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10 tips to nail your house viewing in the Netherlands
1 year ago
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Moving to the Netherlands is exciting, especially when you’re relocating for a great job opportunity or a fresh adventure. Unfortunately, moving has its downsides. Finding a place to live is getting harder and harder here, especially in busy cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam. Rental houses seem to disappear as quickly as they get listed.
That’s why preparing for a house viewing the right way can give you a major edge, so when you secure that all-important viewing, you can nail it, first time. Whether you’re solo, moving with a partner, or bringing the whole family, these 10 smart tips will help you make a great impression, and maybe even secure the rental on the spot.
1. Be on time (or even better, be early)
Punctuality is key in Dutch culture, and that naturally applies to house viewings too! Real estate agents and landlords don’t appreciate latecomers, and in a competitive market, being late could mean missing your slot entirely.
Arriving 5–10 minutes early gives you time to gather your thoughts and take in the neighborhood. So why rush? Take the time to smell the roses (or, more likely, the tulips).
2. Explore the neighborhood on foot
Before or after your viewing, take a 10–15 minute walk around the area. Look out for nearby grocery stores, tram or bus stops, green spaces, or local hangouts. Does the area feel lively, safe, family-friendly, or not quite your vibe? You’re not just renting a house; you’re choosing a life for the foreseeable. It’s important that you can imagine yourself living there, especially if you’re moving with a friend, partner, or family.
3. Chat with the neighbors
If it’s a shared building or apartment complex, politely introduce yourself to a neighbor. Ask about the building dynamics, noise levels, or how responsive the landlord is.
A quick chat can reveal red flags (or good surprises) you’d never spot during a 15-minute viewing. Tenants are often vocal about any issues, so by just saying hello, you might be dodging a bullet!
4. Ask about other listings
Realtors often handle multiple listings, many of which aren’t even advertised yet. Don’t be shy to ask if they’ve got anything else that might suit your needs.
“Do you happen to have anything else listed in this area?”
“Do you happen to have anything else listed in this area?”
“We’re actually looking for something with a bit more space, do you have anything like that coming up?”
“Do you get a lot of properties like this coming through?”
Just be polite and honest, and who knows? You might get a sneak peek at a property before it even hits the market.
5. Show that you’re serious
Bring necessary documents or have them ready digitally—proof of income, employer contract, ID, references. It signals that you’re ready to move forward.
Even if you’re just viewing, letting the agent know you’re prepped can make a great impression.
6. Look beyond the furniture
Many Dutch rentals come furnished—but that trendy couch or pretty dining table might not be part of the deal. Ask exactly what’s included and inspect the state of the appliances, flooring, and heating.
Also, check for mold in the bathroom (a common issue in older Dutch homes) and test water pressure where you can.
7. Ask questions
Don’t hold back. Smart questions make you look engaged and responsible. Ask about:
- Utility costs
- Heating type (gas vs. electric)
- Internet availability
- Deposit terms and contract length
- Who to call when the boiler breaks
8. Take photos and notes
If you’re viewing several properties in a short period (which is common in hot markets like Amsterdam), details blur together fast. Take a few quick snapshots and jot down any impressions—good or bad—right after each viewing. Compare them with screenshots of the listing to make sure everything adds up and nothing has been missed.
Later, your notes will help you compare options logically and get an accurate bigger picture.
9. Be clear about what you want
If you like the property, say so. Let the agent know you’re interested. If you’re not 100% sure, be honest—but don’t lead anyone on. Agents appreciate clarity and may prioritize your application if you’re upfront. Plus, if you spend too much time going back and forth, chances are the rental will be gone.
10. Follow up promptly
Send a polite follow-up email within a few hours of the viewing. Thank the agent for their time, reiterate your interest (if you are interested) and attach any documents they might need.
Keep it short, polite, and professional. Don’t waste time with a long love letter to the property. It’s a small gesture that can help you stand out.
But before you land that viewing...
Manually checking dozens of housing sites daily isn’t efficient—especially when new listings disappear in hours. Instead, let Rentbird do the work. Rentbird uses AI to scan over 1400 housing sites 24/7 and alerts you instantly when a new rental becomes available.
Try Rentbird today and beat the housing rush before others even see the ad.
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Why finding rental properties in the Netherlands is so hard (and what you can do about it)
Anyone who’s ever rented (or tried to rent) in the Netherlands knows one thing: the competition can be extreme.
It can be tough to even find listings for properties you like that you can actually afford. And when (or if) you do? You could easily be competing with as many as 200 people to even get a viewing.
Often, this means that you spend far too much time glued to Funda and obsessively checking for messages from prospective landlords. And when that doesn’t work, you might well end up settling for a place that you know you don’t really want, in an area you don’t like or that you know you’ll struggle to afford.
Because (of course), you’ve got to live somewhere.
Here’s the thing: renting is hard, and extremely competitive, but it is possible to find a place you love, without your property search becoming a full-time job.
In this blog, we’ll look at:
- Why renting is so competitive in the Netherlands
- What this means for renters
- How to find a property you actually want to live in (relatively stress-free)
Find your new rental property in no-time!
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