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Finding a rental in the Netherlands is extremely competitive.
14 minutes reading time

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:

  1. Why renting is so competitive in the Netherlands
  2. What this means for renters 
  3. How to find a property you actually want to live in (relatively stress-free)

Euro notes and coins overlapping with keys resting on top.
10 minutes reading time

The 30% ruling: still worth it in 2025?

If your Google search history is full of research about moving to the Netherlands, especially as an expat, there’s a good chance you’ll have come across something called the 30% ruling, sometimes called the 30% facility. Since 1990, it’s been a huge draw for highly skilled migrants to move to the Netherlands for business, even if recent changes are giving some expats pause. So what is the 30% ruling, what’s changed, and is it still worth factoring into your decision to relocate?

A blue van parked in front of a brown brick stone apartment building. A boat bobs by on the canal in front.
10 minutes reading time

The best Dutch cities for remote working expats

Choosing the right city can make all the difference when you’re living and working remotely in the Netherlands. While fast Wi-Fi and a good rental are essential, your surroundings matter just as much. Do you want a bustling city with coworking spaces on every corner, or something quieter and greener, with quick train access to the action?

The Netherlands may be small, but each city offers a unique experience for expats, and some are better suited to remote work than others. Whether you’re moving with your family or flying solo, here are our picks for five of the best cities for remote workers in the Netherlands.

A laptop on a kitchen cabinet, with a teal mug and a red book next to it. Behind, a windowsill with red flowers in a vase and plants.
11 minutes reading time

What to look for in a remote work-friendly rental

The Netherlands has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for remote workers and digital nomads. With excellent infrastructure, fast internet, a well-connected train network, and a strong expat community, it offers the kind of stability and convenience remote professionals are looking for. English is widely spoken, the work-life balance is genuinely valued, and many Dutch cities have a thriving cafe and co-working culture.

For those relocating for work, the Dutch government also offers the 30% ruling—a tax advantage for eligible expats that can significantly increase take-home pay for their first 20 months of Dutch living. Whether you’re staying for a few months or making a longer-term move, the Netherlands combines practical benefits with quality of life. 

But before you can settle in and start working from your new base, you’ll need to find a rental that supports the way you live and work. Here’s what to look for in a home that’s truly remote work-friendly.

A person signing a contract. Hands zoomed in on an empty page. The person is holding a pen, about to sign.
11 minutes reading time

What’s hiding in your Dutch rental contract?

Signing a rental contract is a major milestone when moving to the Netherlands, but it’s also one of the easiest places to get caught off guard if you are not familiar with local practices. While Dutch rental laws offer a lot of protection for tenants, landlords often include extra clauses that can seem surprising, overly strict, or even a little odd to newcomers.

Before you put pen to paper, it is worth knowing about a few of the most common hidden conditions — and what you can do to protect yourself. Here’s what you need to know:

Flexible container housing NL
13 minutes reading time

The rise of container homes in the Netherlands

Ah, the Netherlands. Known for its eclectic blend of tradition, innovation, and… shipping containers? If you’re relocating to the Netherlands, you might find yourself considering a living space that’s a bit unconventional. Enter: the shipping container home.

As the country grapples with a significant housing shortage—expected to reach 450,000+ by 2027—innovative solutions like container housing are gaining rapid traction.

A man and woman with a baby stand in the doorway of a house with a rental agent who smiles with them.
9 minutes reading time

10 tips to nail your house viewing in the Netherlands

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.

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