Do You Need an Aankoopmakelaar?
In a hot market, having a professional on your side can make the difference between winning and constantly losing out.
Average Cost
Fixed rate or percentage (1% - 1.5%) of the purchase price. Usually 'no cure, no pay'.
"A good buying agent pays for themselves by knowing exactly what to bid to win without overpaying."
Why use a buying agent?
Access to properties before Funda
Agents share listings with each other via an internal system before they go public, giving you a head start to schedule viewings.
Objective Value Assessment
They check Kadaster (land registry) data for similar recent sales to determine the true appraised value of the home, ensuring you don't overbid blindly.
Taken seriously by selling agents
Selling agents prefer dealing with buying agents because they know the financial checks have been done and the process will be professional.
Can you buy without one?
Yes, absolutely! It is entirely possible to buy a house in the Netherlands without an aankoopmakelaar. However, be prepared to:
- Act extremely fast when new listings appear on Funda.
- Do your own research on structural issues, VvE (Homeowners' Association) health, and exact bidding limits.
- Face stiffer competition, as selling agents sometimes prioritize bids coming from fellow professionals.