History
In the First World War the Netherlands remained neutral but in the Second World War got invaded by Germany for 5 years. After 1945 The Netherlands colonies became independent and The Netherlands won independence in 1975. It is part of the European Union and was the founding member of both the EU and NATO. It adopted the Euro in 1999 and is fully involved in what is happening in the European Union.
Where to buy
The most popular place to purchase property is in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and surrounding areas such as Hilversum. Rotterdam offers a lot of new built accommodation. Hilversum has a lot of countryside properties available and Amsterdam has a lot of various types of properties on offer.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in The Netherlands is not cheap but it is not too expensive.
Buying real estate
Once the buyer has found the right property then a real estate agent should be appointed by the buyer to check the structure, there are no liabilities on the property; check all documentation and the contract agreement. Once the sale has been completed, the title deeds will need to be registered with the local land registry office so that the property is transferred into the buyer's name.
Legal
A solicitor/lawyer should be appointed on behalf of the buyer to deal with all documentation which includes drawing the contract, dealing with the notary and registering the property with the local Land Registry.
Fees payable
The legal fees/estate agent fees are around 2.5% of the property purchase price. Notary fees are around 1.5% and this is included with VAT at the rate of 17.5%.
Taxes
Various types of tax needs to be paid this includes income tax, vehicle road tax, capital tax, personal property tax, real estate tax and dividend tax. The amount tax paid for each varies from town to town. The local council will be able to tell the buyer more about how much tax will need to be paid. Salary is 35% tax fee. Transfer tax is around 5-6% of the property purchase price.
Finance
Can be arranged through either international brokers or from a Netherlands bank for both residents and non-residents with variable interest rates and payment terms being available.
Embassy
38 Hyde Park Gate
London
SW7 5DP
United Kingdom
Tel: 020 7590 3200
Fax: 020 7225 0947
