Want to remodel, but in doubt about the VvE?

You just bought an apartment in De Pijp, Oud-West or Amsterdam-Noord. Or you’ve lived there for years and are ready for a new layout. But before you start, you might need to think about rebuilding apartment permission. A wall out, a modern kitchen, maybe a different front door.

But then comes the question: do I have to ask permission from the VvE for this?

The short answer: usually not.
The longer answer: sometimes yes, and it depends on exactly what you want to remodel.

In this blog I clearly explain when you do and do not need permission from the VvE when renovating your apartment in Amsterdam.

When do you need permission from the VvE?

An apartment is legally part of a larger whole: the building. Anything that affects the construction or appearance of that building affects other owners as well.

In three situations, you almost always need permission from the Owners’ Association (OA):

1. You want to remove a load-bearing wall

Want to create an open kitchen or larger living room by removing a wall?

Then it is crucial to know if that wall is load-bearing.

• A load-bearing structure is part of the building

• Removal may affect stability

• This affects all owners within the CoE

In that case, you must ask permission and often have a structural calculation made. In many Amsterdam buildings – especially in Old South or the Jordaan – constructions are older and more sensitive.

2. You change something on the facade

The facade is almost always jointly owned by the CoE. Consider:

• New window frames

• Other window arrangement

• Installing a sliding door

• Air conditioning unit visible from the outside

Even if you pay the costs, the facade remains part of the shared building. You may not change anything about it without permission.

Some neighborhoods, such as the canal belt, may even require a permit from the City of Amsterdam due to monumental status.

3. You change the location of your front door

Want to move the entrance to your apartment?

This also affects the common part of the property. The front door and stairwell are covered by the CoE. Therefore, changing the location or breaking through a hallway wall requires permission.

When do you not need permission?

Good news: for most internal renovations, you don’t need permission from the VvE.

Consider:

• New kitchen or bathroom

• Replace floor (do pay attention to noise standards!)

• Removing non-bearing walls

• Plastering, painting

• Modify electricity and plumbing within your own apartment

In short, anything that takes place within your apartment right and does not affect construction or common parts, you may basically perform.

In doubt? Then it’s smart to grab the subdivision regulations or the deed of subdivision.

Don’t forget your neighbors

Even though you don’t formally need permission, it is kind of neat to inform your neighbors in advance.

Especially in Amsterdam porch houses or upstairs apartments, you often hear renovations well. A short notification in the group app or a bill in the hall prevents irritation.

That’s how you keep the atmosphere in the CoE good – and that’s ultimately pleasant for everyone.

What does this mean if you want to sell your apartment?

A well-done renovation can significantly increase the value of your apartment. Especially in popular neighborhoods like Amsterdam-West or Amsterdam-South.

But: renovations without required VvE approval can raise questions when sold. Buyers (and their buying agent) are increasingly checking this.

As a real estate agent in Amsterdam, I always take a sharp look at this during sales counseling. This way we avoid surprises during the bidding process.