Selling or buying a home in Watergraafsmeer. We know these streets.
Green, quiet, and still right in the city.
Where the Amstel and the IJ once formed a lake, there is now one of the greenest areas of Amsterdam: the Watergraafsmeer. Shortly after it was drained in 1629, stately country estates were built here for wealthy Amsterdammers, and from 1817 to 1921 it was even a municipality of its own. Now it is a quiet, village-like area with wide streets, gardens and its own garden city within its borders.
The character of the Watergraafsmeer
The Watergraafsmeer was once the Diemermeer, drained in 1629 in thirteen months with seven windmills. Wealthy Amsterdammers built country estates there to escape the bustle of the city. Only the Frankendael estate, with the house of the same name on the Middenweg, remains.
More than a hundred years ago, Betondorp was also built here, one of the first garden cities in the Netherlands: straight streets around an octagonal square, small courtyards and lots of greenery. The area has never lost that quiet, village-like atmosphere.
Living in the Watergraafsmeer: homes and price level
Most homes date from the 1920s and 1930s, built in the style of the Amsterdam School and the Nieuwe Bouwen (Dutch modernism). Think of spacious single-family homes with their own garden, bay windows and stained glass, something you rarely find in Amsterdam anymore.
Because of that space and peace, the area is sought after, but generally more accessibly priced than areas such as De Pijp or Oud-West. That is exactly why first-time buyers and families are often looking for the same house here.
Shopping, eating and relaxing
The Middenweg is the area's village street, with specialist shops, cafés and restaurants within walking distance of each other. At the end, in the middle of Frankendael park, you will find Grand Café Frankendael and Michelin-starred restaurant De Kas, housed in an old nursery greenhouse.
Frankendael park itself is the green heart of the area: an English landscape garden with ponds, a special flower border and plenty of room to stretch out on the grass.
Foto: Sneeuwvlakte, CC BY-SA 4.0 Getting around from the Watergraafsmeer
Tram 19 runs right through the area, from Sloterdijk station via the centre to Diemen Sniep. On the edge are the Van der Madeweg and Overamstel metro stations, with lines 50, 53 and 54 towards Centraal Station and the Zuidas.
If you live in the eastern part of the area, you can easily hop on the train at Amsterdam Science Park station. By car you are on the A10 ring road within a few minutes.
Foto: Marion Golsteijn, CC BY-SA 3.0 Who is the Watergraafsmeer right for
The spacious homes with gardens, the peace and all the greenery make the Watergraafsmeer the ultimate family area. Children still simply play on the street here, and sports clubs are literally around the corner.
Looking for the lively nightlife of De Pijp or the centre? Then the Watergraafsmeer is a bit quieter by nature. But if you are looking for space, greenery and a village atmosphere within the city limits of Amsterdam, this is the right place.
Sold on Watergraafsmeer?
Choose your route, and we will know exactly where you need to be.
I want to sell
From an honest market valuation to the signature at the civil-law notary.
I want to buy
We search with you, look critically and negotiate sharply.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Watergraafsmeer an expensive area to buy in?
The Watergraafsmeer is generally more accessibly priced than areas such as De Pijp or Oud-West, but because of the peace and greenery it remains a sought-after place. The more spacious single-family homes with gardens, such as in Betondorp, attract many buyers in particular.
Is the Watergraafsmeer suitable for families?
Yes, the Watergraafsmeer is one of the most family-friendly areas of Amsterdam. Spacious homes with gardens, lots of greenery in Frankendael park and quiet streets make it a great place for children to grow up.
How do I get to the Watergraafsmeer by public transport?
Tram 19 runs right through the area towards the centre and Diemen, and the Van der Madeweg and Overamstel metro stations on the edge serve lines 50, 53 and 54. Amsterdam Science Park station takes you quickly to Amstel and Muiderpoort.
Do you also work in Watergraafsmeer?
Yes, Watergraafsmeer is one of the areas where we are regularly active. We know the streets, the types of homes and the market here well.
What does an estate agent cost with you?
When you sell, you pay a fixed fee of 1% of the sale price, including VAT, with no start-up costs. For purchase guidance you pay a fixed price of €3,500 including VAT. Those prices are simply listed on our selling and buying pages.
Do you also help with buying a home in Watergraafsmeer?
Yes. We search with you, view homes critically, check the structural condition and negotiate sharply. That way you buy with knowledge of Watergraafsmeer, without rushed decisions.
Can I also rent out my home in Watergraafsmeer through you?
Yes. Besides selling and buying, we also rent out homes in Watergraafsmeer, from finding a reliable tenant to the contract.
Another question about Watergraafsmeer? Call or message us, we respond quickly.
The coffee is ready.
In a few months the deed is signed and the keys are handed over. The first step is a small one: a free introductory meeting, at your home in Watergraafsmeer or at our office on the Singel.
Book an introductionOr call +31 20 845 5878 · info@makelaarinamsterdam.nl
Singel 374, 1016 AH Amsterdam