Rotterdam Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands)

The port city of Rotterdam, in the west of the Netherlands, is primarily known for its commerce. Having largely been redeveloped after WWII, Rotterdam is today home to some of the country's newest accommodation and enjoys the high living standard of other Dutch cities.

Lack of foreign property ownership restrictions in Rotterdam makes buying here an appealing proposition for long-term expats. Up to 50 percent of the population is non-Dutch-evidence of the city's status as host to Europe's largest port.


The city is divided by the Nieuwe Maas, a major shipping canal, with the city centre to the north and new urban developments to the south. As property in the centre is expensive, but less so than in the likes of Amsterdam, most expats set up home in suburbs such as Kralingen - with its excellent transport links, Hillegersberg - with its pre-WWII terraced homes, and Princeland - with its varied homes, from townhouses to thatched cottages.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Rotterdam's serviced apartments are popular among new arrivals, due to their easy-to-find nature and convenience. Lijnbaan, Hoek van Holland and Weena (Central Station) have the best selection of apartments suitable for short-term stays at cheaper rates than comparable city hotels.

Serviced apartments in Rotterdam typically come with all mod cons including a kitchenette, cable TV and high-speed Internet. Long stays may require a two-month deposit and some apartments may have a minimum stay requirement.

Buying Apartments and Houses

Buyers should expect to pay up to ten percent of the property price in fees when purchasing a property, with legal transfer costs coming to six percent, notary fees at 1.5 percent and similar real estate fees. Expat mortgages are easy to secure if you are an EU national that fits the requirements, but tend to be harder to obtain if you are a non-EU national.

Check what comes with the property before closing a deal, as 'unfurnished' can often mean flooring, lights and curtains aren't part of the package. The cheapest apartments are studios, but it is possible to find one to three-bedroom living quarters. Families usually seek out detached homes or townhouses in Rotterdam's suburbs, where prices are more attractive.

Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents (makelaars) in Rotterdam charge varying fees, so it is worth shopping around if you want to ensure paying no more than 1.5 percent of the property price upon purchase. Agents used to dealing with expats are widespread.

Check the agent you use is registered by the Association of Real Estate Agents (Nederlandse Vereniging van Makelaars). Non-Dutch speakers are well advised to use a real state agent, who will be able to translate Dutch rental and purchase agreements.

Check out the following Rotterdam real estate agents:

HBandF Rental Services
Address: Pater Pirehof 9, 3069 CX, Rotterdam, Netherlands, NL
Tel: +31 010 456 8959
Website: www.hbf-rental.nl
Dealing in furnished rentals suitable for both long- and short-term stay expats in Rotterdam.

My Dutch Castle
Address: Beukenlaan 70, 5651 CD, Eindhoven, Netherlands, NL
Tel: +31 040 239 3500
Website: www.mydutchcastle.nl
Specialising in assisting expats to find homes, My Dutch Castle has a selection of city properties to buy or rent.

Houselink
Email: info@houselink.nl
Website: www.houselink.nl
An online agency with a wide selection of rental properties in and around Rotterdam.