Less space, more ease. We search with you.
You know what you no longer need. Now it is about finding the home that suits the way you want to live today, close to everything that matters to you.
Living smaller means making choices.
People who downsize often know exactly what they can do without. But what do you actually want? This is what we often hear.
"What do I really need?"
How many rooms, a guest room for the children, a balcony or rather a roof terrace? Choosing is easier when you list it all together.
"Can I stay in my own neighbourhood?"
Many people want to stay close to their friends, shops and familiar places. We search specifically in the areas where you feel at home.
"How do I avoid paying double costs?"
Buying first is the most comfortable route, because then you only move once. Work out in advance what that will cost.
"What do I do with my equity?"
Most of it often goes into your new home, so your monthly costs stay low.
A home that suits the way you want to live now.
Micha, Erik or Lisa is your own buying agent, from your first search question to the keys. This is how we work.
- Your wishes on paper firstHow much space do you really need, which neighbourhood, and what is your budget? Together we draw up a clear search profile.
- Your budget and the order of thingsA mortgage adviser from our network calculates what your current home will free up, how to put your equity to work and whether you need a bridging loan (overbruggingskrediet).
- A focused searchWe search in the neighbourhoods that suit you and keep an eye on the market for you, so you don't miss a good home.
- A critical eyeAt every viewing we take a critical look at the condition of the property and at the owners' association (VvE): how is the maintenance, how much is being saved, and what are the service charges?
- Sharp offers and good planningBased on recent sales in the area, we decide how far it makes sense to bid. And we match the completion date to the sale of your current home.
What to look out for when you buy smaller.
Going from a big house to something smaller is about more than fewer square metres.
From your own house to an owners' association
If you are coming from a single-family house, you may now become a member of an owners' association. You pay service charges and decide on maintenance together. Check the long-term maintenance plan (meerjarenonderhoudsplan) and how much is being saved.
Storage and outdoor space
Fewer rooms means less space for your things. Look for a storage room, and for a balcony or roof terrace if you like sitting outside.
Putting your equity to work
If you put your equity into your new home, your monthly costs stay low. If you borrow more than the purchase price minus your equity, the interest on that extra part is not tax-deductible.
The bridging loan
If you buy first, a bridging loan lets you use your equity before your old home is sold. Such a loan usually runs for a maximum of two years, and you pay interest on it.
Costs on top of the purchase price
If you buy a home to live in yourself, you pay 2% transfer tax. On top of that come the civil-law notary, an appraisal (taxatie) and your mortgage advice.
Ground lease
Many Amsterdam homes are on ground lease (erfpacht). For every property, we check whether the ground lease has been bought off or whether you pay ground rent every year.
This is general information. Always have your own situation worked out by your mortgage adviser. We are happy to put you in touch with a good one.
An apartment in a warehouse, right in the city.
Recently we helped a lady who lived alone in a building with three floors. She no longer even used some of the rooms. Time for something smaller.
She was able to buy a lovely apartment in a converted warehouse in the city centre. Smaller, with everything around the corner.
She now lives there very happily. Sometimes less space is exactly what you need.
A trusted team, and the choice is yours.
Alongside your own estate agent, we work with people we know and trust.
- Mortgage and bridgingWe work with several mortgage advisers we know and trust. They work out what your current home frees up and whether you need a bridging loan.
- Structural surveyWe know the best structural surveyors in the city, who are happy to help you with a structural survey.
- NotaryNo fixed notary: you choose, and we help you make that choice.
- MovingWe know several removal companies and are happy to help you choose.
We can help with everything. But the choice is always yours.
A fixed price, no surprises.
€3,500 including VAT for full purchase guidance, for homes up to €1,000,000. Above that, we agree on a tailored fee in advance. The first conversation is free and without obligation.
Shall we also sell your current home? Then you pay a 1% fee including VAT for that, only once your home is sold.
Frequently asked questions about buying a smaller home
Should I buy first or sell first?
Buying first is the most comfortable: you know where you are going and you only move once. You do pay two sets of housing costs for a while. A mortgage adviser from our network works out in advance what that means for you.
Can I use my equity before my home is sold?
Yes, with a bridging loan. That is a temporary loan against the equity in your current home. Such a loan usually runs for a maximum of two years.
What should I look out for with an apartment?
Mainly the owners' association: is there a long-term maintenance plan, how much is being saved and what are the service charges? Also look at storage, outdoor space and the ground lease.
What if I find the right home but my current one has not sold yet?
You can still buy, with a bridging loan. If we also sell your current home, we put it on the market properly straight away, so the period of double costs stays as short as possible.
Can you search in my own neighbourhood?
Yes. We search specifically in the neighbourhoods that suit you and keep an eye on the market for you, even when there is little for sale.
Can you also sell my current home?
Yes. We then line up the purchase and the sale, so you only have to move once. For the sale you pay a 1% fee including VAT, only once your home is sold.
What does a buying agent cost with you?
€3,500 including VAT for full purchase guidance, for homes up to €1,000,000. Above that, we agree on a tailored fee in advance. The first conversation is free.
Selling your current home?
When you downsize, buying and selling often go together.
Tell us what you are looking for.
The first conversation is free and without obligation, at our office on the Singel or at your home. Afterwards you know what you can afford, where to search and what the next step is.
Or call +31 20 845 5878 · WhatsApp us
Singel 374, 1016 AH Amsterdam
