Housing & Living Guides for Expats in the Netherlands 2026 (30 guides)

Housing is often the hardest part of moving to the Netherlands. This section collects our guides on renting, buying, energy and the cities where expats settle, so you can start with the rules that apply to you.

The Dutch Rental Market in 2026

The Netherlands distinguishes between social housing (sociale huurwoningen) and private rental. Social housing is regulated, and waiting times differ per region, so check the housing association or allocation platform of the area you are looking at. As a new arrival you will often look at the private rental market. The Wet betaalbare huur (Affordable Rent Act) has applied to new contracts since 1 July 2024 (Rijksoverheid). In 2026 the maximum rent under the point system runs up to 186 points, which is €1,228.07 a month (Volkshuisvesting Nederland).

We explain how the point system (woningwaarderingsstelsel) works, what it means for your rent, and how to check a listing before you sign. See social housing and finding housing.

City-by-City Cost of Living

Living costs differ per city. Our city guides cover rents, daily costs and practical details for the places expats most often choose, from Amsterdam and Utrecht to Eindhoven and Groningen. Start with best cities for expats or the cost of living guide.

Buying Property as an Expat

Buying a home as a recent arrival is possible, but mortgage rules differ from many countries, and lenders set their own conditions. Our guides cover the process, from finding a mortgage adviser (hypotheekadviseur) to the role of the notaris. See the Dutch mortgage guide for expats and buying vs renting.

Energy Providers

In the Netherlands you choose your own supplier for gas and electricity. Prices, contract terms and green credentials differ per provider. See our energy provider comparison.

Practical Housing Topics

These guides also cover:

• Understanding your huurcontract and your rights as a tenant
• Dealing with a rental agent and the rules on bemiddelingskosten
• Setting up utilities and internet when you move in
• What a deposit (waarborgsom) can and cannot be used for. For contracts signed from 1 July 2023 it is at most two months’ base rent, and at most three months for contracts signed before that date (Rijksoverheid)
• Avoiding scams: see rental scams

Start with the city guide for where you plan to live, then work through the renting or buying guide that fits your situation.

Two Practical Starting Points

If you are still searching, room and studio listings are on Dutch rental platforms. Kamernet describes itself as a platform for rooms, studios and apartments where tenants and landlords get in touch directly. Registering and browsing listings is free, but you need a Premium account to respond to advertisements (Kamernet).

Search rooms and studios on Kamernet →

Once you have the keys, consider contents insurance (inboedelverzekering). It covers your own belongings, depending on the policy for example against fire, water damage and burglary. Cover levels and excess differ per insurer, so compare before you sign.

Contents and liability insurance explained →