The house has become too big. Time for something new.
The children have moved out, and there are a few rooms you hardly use anymore. We help you say goodbye to your home and take the step to something smaller, calmly and at your own pace.
A house full of memories, and full of things.
After decades in the same house, selling is a big step. This is what we hear most often.
"Where do I go with all these things?"
After all those years, the house is full. We help you prepare and give you all our tips and tricks.
"Should I buy first or sell first?"
Most people buy first, so they only have to move once. Work out beforehand what that means for your monthly costs.
"Hasn't my house become old-fashioned?"
Maybe, but a spacious home in Amsterdam is always in demand. What matters is that buyers see what it could become.
"It feels like saying goodbye."
It is. A lot has happened in this house, and we take the time for that.
Saying goodbye, without the hassle.
Micha, Erik or Lisa is your own estate agent, from the first conversation to the keys. This is how we work.
- First the plan and the orderUsually you buy something new first and sell afterwards, so you only move once. We time the sale around the moment your new home is ready.
- The numbers, with a mortgage adviserHow much equity is released, how long can you carry two sets of housing costs, do you need a bridging loan (overbruggingskrediet)? A mortgage adviser from our network works it out for you in advance.
- The preparationClearing out, giving things away, a lick of paint? We walk through the house together and give you all our tips and tricks, so you know what is worth doing and what is not.
- Showing what it could beHadewij photographs your home in the right light, with video and a 3D tour. Buyers need to see the space and the possibilities, not just the furniture.
- We handle the restViewings, negotiations and the civil-law notary. You keep your mind free for the move.
What you want to know when selling your big house.
A few things that often come up when you move to something smaller.
Buy first, then sell
Moving only once is the nicest option. It often means paying two sets of housing costs for a while. With a bridging loan you can already use the equity in your current home before it is sold. Such a loan usually runs for a maximum of two years.
Your equity
Often most of your equity goes into your new home, which keeps your monthly costs low. If you borrow more for your new home than the purchase price minus your equity, the interest on that extra part is not tax-deductible. Ask your mortgage adviser to work this out.
Taking an old mortgage with you
Do you have a mortgage taken out before 2013, for example an interest-only one? Then under certain conditions you can take it with you to your new home and keep the old rules for mortgage interest relief (transitional rules).
Clearing out for the photos
Fewer things show more space. You don't have to get rid of everything, but tidy rooms and cupboards really make a difference in the photos.
Renovate or not?
Renovating before the sale is usually not necessary. Small improvements can pay off, and we tell you honestly what is worth the effort.
The documents
Buyers ask for the energy label, and for an apartment, the owners' association (VvE) documents. If your home is on ground lease (erfpacht), they want to know exactly how it is arranged. We make sure everything is ready.
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.
From three floors to a warehouse in the city centre.
Recently we sold a home for a lady who lived there on her own. The building had three floors and was really far too big: she no longer even used some of the rooms.
She was able to buy a lovely apartment in a converted warehouse in the city centre, and she now lives there very happily.
Leaving such a big house is quite a step. But it often gives you a lot in return: peace of mind, a clear overview and a home that suits you again.
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 calculate how much equity is released and whether you need a bridging loan.
- Your new homeWould you like us to find your smaller home as well? Our buying agents are happy to help, and then the sale and the purchase fit together well.
- Moving and clearing outWe know several removal companies and are happy to think along about who can help you clear out.
- NotaryNo fixed notary: you choose, and we help you make that choice.
We can help with everything. But the choice is always yours.
A fair price, no surprises.
A 1% fee on the sale price, including VAT. No start-up costs, and you only pay once your home is sold. The first conversation and the market valuation are free and without obligation.
The only thing you choose and pay for yourself is the funda package, directly to funda. Shall we also find your new home? Then you pay our fixed buying fee of €3,500 including VAT.
Frequently asked questions about downsizing
Should I sell my house first or buy something new first?
Both are possible. Most people buy first, so they only have to move once. You will then pay two sets of housing costs for a while. Have the numbers worked out beforehand so you know what that means for you.
What is a bridging loan?
A temporary loan that lets you use the equity in your current home for your new one, before your old home is sold. Such a loan usually runs for a maximum of two years.
Should I renovate my house before I sell it?
Usually not. Clearing out and small improvements often make more difference than a renovation. We walk through the house together and tell you honestly what is worth it and what is not.
How do I get rid of all my things in time?
Start early, one room at a time. We help you prepare, give you tips, and think along about who can help you with the move or clearing out.
Can I take my old mortgage with me?
If you have a mortgage taken out before 2013, you can take it with you under certain conditions and keep the old rules for mortgage interest relief (transitional rules). Your mortgage adviser knows exactly how this works.
Can you also find my new, smaller home?
Yes. We then make sure the sale and the purchase fit together well. For the purchase you pay our fixed fee of €3,500 including VAT.
What does selling cost?
A 1% fee on the sale price, including VAT, and you only pay once your home is sold. The first conversation and the market valuation are free. You pay for the funda package yourself, directly to funda.
Also looking for something smaller?
When you downsize, selling and buying often go hand in hand.
Tell us about your plans.
The first conversation is free and without obligation, at our office on the Singel or simply at your home. Afterwards you know what your home is worth, what the move could look like and what the next step is.
Or call +31 20 845 5878 · WhatsApp us
Singel 374, 1016 AH Amsterdam
