Buying a home in the Netherlands is not just about whether you can buy. It is also about how much space you get for your money.
House prices have increased significantly over the past years, but one thing has not changed: location makes a huge difference.
In some areas, your budget may only get you a small apartment. In others, you could afford a spacious house with a garden.
At Domek, we see this often: the same budget can lead to very different outcomes depending on where and how you buy.
In this article:
- Why house prices differ
- Most expensive areas
- More affordable regions
- Where you get the most space
- What many buyers underestimate
- How local schemes can increase your budget
- How Domek helps you
Why house prices differ so much in the Netherlands
The Dutch housing market has been growing steadily since around 2013. Although growth has fluctuated in recent years, prices remain high, especially in urban areas.
Prices are influenced by demand, available housing, proximity to major cities, job opportunities, infrastructure, and property condition.
This is why two homes with a similar price can be completely different in size, location, and features.
Understanding this difference is exactly where professional guidance becomes important — especially when you are deciding not just what to buy, but where to buy.
The most expensive areas: less space, higher prices
The highest property prices are found in cities such as:
- Amsterdam
- Utrecht
- Haarlem
- Amstelveen
In these areas, demand is very high.
This usually means higher price per square metre, smaller homes, and stronger competition between buyers.
These locations remain attractive due to job opportunities, international communities, and strong long-term property value, but space is limited for the price.
More affordable regions: more space for your budget
If your priority is space, it may be worth looking beyond the Randstad.
More affordable regions include:
- Groningen
- Drenthe
- Limburg
- Friesland
- Zeeland
In these areas, your budget can often go much further, giving you a larger home, a garden, and a quieter living environment.
The same budget that buys a small apartment in a major city may allow you to purchase a spacious family home elsewhere in the Netherlands.
Where do you get the biggest house?
There is no single answer. It depends on your budget, lifestyle, work location, and long-term plans.
In general, the closer you are to major cities, the higher the price and the smaller the home. Further away from these areas, your budget typically gives you more space.
This is where planning your mortgage strategy and location together becomes essential.
What many buyers underestimate
A lower price per square metre does not always mean a better deal.
You should also consider renovation costs, energy efficiency, commuting time, transport connections, schools, and long-term value.
Sometimes a more expensive home in a stronger location is the better financial choice. In other cases, a cheaper region offers a significantly better lifestyle.
How local schemes can increase your budget
In some municipalities in the Netherlands, first-time buyers can apply for a starter loan (starterslening). This is an additional loan that helps bridge the gap between your maximum mortgage and the purchase price of a home.
More information is available here: Read more about it.
Some municipalities that have offered this scheme in recent years include:
- Zoetermeer
- Haarlem
- Zwolle
- Lelystad
However, availability and conditions can change, as each municipality sets its own rules and budget.
At Domek, we regularly check which local schemes are available for your situation and whether they can realistically increase your buying power.
How Domek helps you
We do not just calculate your mortgage capacity. We help you understand how your budget translates into real housing options across different regions of the Netherlands.
With more than 15 years of experience and a team of over 100 professionals, we guide internationals through the entire process — from the first calculation to the final purchase.
We help you compare lenders, understand your options, evaluate locations, and choose a strategy that fits your financial situation.
If you want clarity on what is possible in your case, call 088 1021 500 or email info@domek.nl.
