🏠 How to Rent an Apartment in the Netherlands – A Practical Guide from My Experience

Ankit Tomar,

Let’s be honest—finding a place to live in a new country is never easy.
No matter where you go, housing is always one of the biggest challenges. And when it comes to the Netherlands—especially in and around Amsterdam—it can get really tricky, competitive, and time-consuming.

In this blog, I’m sharing my personal experience of renting an apartment in the Netherlands. I hope it saves you time, effort, and some frustration in your own journey.

⚠️ Quick Disclaimer

I’m not a real estate agent or legal expert. This post is based purely on my experience as a tenant, and it’s meant to help you understand what to expect.

📍 Step 1: Choosing a Location

The good news? The Netherlands is small and well-connected by public transport, which gives you a wider range of options when choosing where to live.

✅ Key Questions to Ask:

  • How far is your office?
  • Do you have kids? How close is the school?
  • Are you looking for a ground-level house (woning) or a standard apartment?
  • How many rooms do you need? ⚠️ Important: In Dutch housing ads, a “3 kamer” apartment means 2 bedrooms + 1 living room.

For me, I needed a 2BHK because both my spouse and I work remotely and need separate rooms for office calls.

💰 Step 2: Rent Ranges

Here’s a rough idea of what apartments cost:

TypeStarting PriceUpper RangeNote
1BHK€1,000/month€1,500Exclusive of bills
2BHK€1,300/month€2,600Exclusive of bills

🔍 “Exclusive” means utilities (gas, water, electricity, internet, etc.) are not included and must be paid separately.

I personally rented a 2BHK apartment via MVGM agency for €1,400/month (exclusive).

🏡 Step 3: Apartment Types

There are generally two types of apartments you’ll find:

🛠️ Unfurnished

  • You may even have to arrange your own flooring, lights, curtains, and furniture
  • It’s cheaper in the long run if you plan to stay for years
  • Sometimes, previous tenants sell you their setup, which can help
  • In my case, I was lucky to get flooring included

🛋️ Furnished

  • Move in with your suitcase; everything else is ready
  • Best for short-term stays
  • Costs about €400–€500 more per month than unfurnished

🔄 Step 4: Renting Process

Most apartments come with fixed-term contracts, usually with:

  • One-month notice on either side
  • Contracts start on calendar months, not 30-day cycles

If you’re lucky to get an indefinite contract, you might be required to stay at least a year (unless there’s a diplomatic clause).

🏢 Step 5: Where to Find Apartments

✅ Through Agencies (e.g., MVGM)

  • Generally more structured and reliable
  • Cheaper than private listings
  • But: you must register and qualify, and apartments are allotted via lottery
  • Registration does not guarantee a house, but it’s worth trying

🔗 MVGM Housing – Ikwilhuren.nu

Other agency websites:

🤝 Direct From Owners/Agents

  • Try Funda
  • Facebook groups are super active—just search for “Indians in Netherlands Housing” or city-specific housing groups
  • DO NOT pay anything before physically visiting the apartment or having a trusted friend check it for you

🚨 Scams are real. Never send money in advance without confirmation.

🌍 Other Platforms

👥 Looking for Shared Accommodation?

If you’re new or moving alone, this is a great starting point.

  • Easier to find via Facebook groups
  • Average cost: ~€600–€800/month
  • Ideal for students or singles

✅ Things to Keep in Mind

Here are some tips from my personal journey:

  • Scams are common—be cautious with upfront payments
  • Start house-hunting before you arrive in the Netherlands
  • If unsure about your long-term plans, go for a furnished place
  • Apartments near city centers (centrum) cost significantly more than outskirts
  • Indian stores are available in almost all cities—don’t worry!
  • If you rent alone, you can register a friend at your address—but always check your rental contract before subletting
  • Expect to pay 1 month’s rent as deposit

🎁 Bonus Tip

If you like Indian-style bedsheets, bring them from India! You won’t find the same quality or variety here.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Finding a home in the Netherlands is challenging—but definitely manageable if you’re patient and well-informed. I hope this blog helped clarify your doubts and gave you a head start in your housing journey.

If you want to learn more about life in the Netherlands—travel, visas, work tips, or local guides—check out my other blogs. I regularly share experiences that might help make your transition smoother.

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Thanks for reading. Happy house hunting! 🏡🇳🇱

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