Many internationals move to the Netherlands for work opportunities and a better future. But after some years, you may decide that it’s time to return to your home country.
If you own a house in the Netherlands, this decision raises an important question: what should you do with your property?
Selling a home while preparing to move abroad can feel complicated. There may be paperwork, financial decisions, and legal steps involved. At the same time, the Dutch housing market has seen strong demand in recent years, which means selling your property could also be financially beneficial.
Understanding your options can help you make the right decision and avoid unnecessary stress when planning your move.
What needs to be arranged before leaving the Netherlands?
If you have lived in the Netherlands for several years, your life is connected to many local systems and services. Before leaving the country, it is important to arrange several practical matters.
For example, you may need to:
- Close or adjust your Dutch bank accounts
- Cancel subscriptions and service contracts
- Handle tax matters with the Dutch authorities
- Cancel or transfer insurance policies
- End utility contracts such as electricity, gas, and internet
For homeowners, the most important decision is usually what to do with the property.
What can you do with your house in the Netherlands?
When you plan to return permanently to your home country, there are generally three main options regarding your property.
Renting out the property
Renting out your home may seem like a good solution because it can generate regular income and allows you to keep the property in case you decide to return to the Netherlands in the future.
However, renting out a property also comes with responsibilities. Managing tenants, maintenance, and potential repairs can become complicated, especially when you live in another country. There is also the risk that tenants may stop paying rent or cause damage to the property.
In addition, some mortgage lenders in the Netherlands do not allow homeowners to rent out a property that was financed as their primary residence.
Leaving the property empty
Some homeowners consider leaving their house empty while they decide what to do next.
Although this might seem like a simple option, an empty house can quickly deteriorate without regular care. Gardens can become overgrown, maintenance issues may go unnoticed, and security risks can increase.
You may also need to travel back to the Netherlands occasionally to check on the property.
Selling the property
For many people who are leaving the Netherlands permanently, selling the property is the most practical option.
In recent years, house prices in the Netherlands have increased significantly in many areas. This means that many homeowners have built home equity (overwaarde) — the difference between the current market value of the property and the remaining mortgage.
Selling the property allows you to release that equity, simplify your move abroad, and avoid the responsibilities of managing a property from another country.
However, selling a house in the Netherlands involves several steps, including property valuation, preparing the home for sale, negotiating with buyers, and completing the legal transfer at a notary.
How Domek can help
If you are planning to return to your home country, selling your property in the Netherlands may be one of the most important financial decisions you make.
At Domek, we help internationals navigate the entire process of selling a home in the Netherlands. Our advisors explain the market, help you understand the value of your property, and guide you through every step of the sale.
We support you with:
- estimating the current market value of your property
- preparing your home for sale
- communicating with potential buyers
- guiding you through negotiations
- coordinating the final transfer at the notary
With clear guidance and support in your own language, we help make the process simple, transparent, and efficient — even if you are preparing to move abroad.
The all-in-one housing service for internationals
At Domek, we make managing your housing situation in the Netherlands simple — whether you are planning to sell your property, buy a new home, or arrange financing.
With more than 15 years of experience and a team of 100+ professionals, we help internationals understand their options and make confident decisions about their property.
Our advisors guide you through the entire process — from evaluating your situation and explaining the possibilities to handling the practical steps involved in selling or financing a home.
Call us today at 088 1021 500, send an email to info@domek.nl, or fill in the contact form.
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