Buying a House to Renovate in the Netherlands as an Expat

Buying a house in the Netherlands is an exciting milestone. For international buyers, however, choosing a property that needs renovation requires some additional planning.

The Hague offers a wide range of homes, from historic townhouses and 1930s houses to apartments and family homes in surrounding areas such as Wassenaar and Voorburg.

An older or outdated property can be an excellent opportunity to create a home that matches your lifestyle. But before making an offer, it is important to understand what renovation the property may require and what that could mean for your budget and planning.

This guide explains what expats should consider when buying a house to renovate in the Netherlands.

Why Buy a House That Needs Renovation?

A property that needs renovation is not necessarily a problem. In many cases, renovation gives you the opportunity to create exactly the home you want.

You may be able to:

• Redesign the interior layout

• Create a larger kitchen

• Modernise bathrooms

• Improve insulation

• Upgrade heating and ventilation

• Replace windows

• Improve electrical installations

• Create additional living space

• Improve the energy efficiency of the property

Renovation can also allow you to preserve the character of an older Dutch home while making it more comfortable for modern living.

What to Check Before Buying a House for Renovation

Before buying a property, try to understand its current condition and the type of work it may require.

The more accurately you understand the renovation before purchasing, the easier it is to create a realistic budget.

Structural Condition

Structural issues can have a significant effect on renovation costs.

Depending on the property, it may be important to investigate:

• Foundation condition

• Walls and ceilings

• Roof condition

• Floors

• Signs of moisture

• Cracks or movement

• Previous structural alterations

For properties requiring significant structural changes, professional advice may be appropriate before committing to the renovation.

Electrical and Plumbing Installations

Older homes may contain installations that need to be upgraded.

Check the condition and age of:

• Electrical installations

• Plumbing

• Heating systems

• Ventilation

• Drainage

Replacing technical installations can become a significant part of a larger renovation budget.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is another important consideration when viewing an older Dutch property.

Look at:

• Roof insulation

• Wall insulation

• Floor insulation

• Windows and glazing

• Heating system

• Ventilation

An inefficient property may offer considerable opportunities for improvement, but these improvements should be included in your renovation planning and budget.

Existing Layout

Older Dutch houses often have smaller, separate rooms.

Consider whether the existing layout works for your lifestyle or whether you would prefer:

• A more open living area

• A larger kitchen

• An additional bedroom

• A home office

• A larger bathroom

• Better connection between the kitchen and garden

Some layout changes are relatively straightforward, while structural alterations can require additional planning and professional advice.

Buying a 1930s House in The Hague

The Hague has many properties dating from the early twentieth century, particularly in neighbourhoods such as Statenkwartier, Benoordenhout, Duinoord and surrounding areas.

These homes can have considerable character, including:

• High ceilings

• Large windows

• Original doors

• Traditional architectural details

• Spacious rooms

At the same time, a 1930s house may need modernisation of its insulation, heating, electrical systems, plumbing, kitchen or bathroom.

If you are buying a character property, consider both the renovation opportunities and the importance of preserving features that give the house its identity.

Renovation Potential Before You Buy

One of the most important questions is not simply:

“What does this house need?”

It is also:

“What can realistically be changed?”

For example, you may want to remove a wall, extend the property, create a dormer or change the position of a kitchen.

The possibilities can depend on the construction of the property, its location and applicable regulations.

If your plans involve structural or exterior changes, investigate the feasibility before assuming that the work can be carried out.

Estimate Your Renovation Budget Before Buying

It is important to consider the renovation budget alongside the purchase price.

Renovation costs depend on many factors, including:

• Size of the property

• Existing condition

• Number of rooms

• Structural changes

• Technical installations

• Kitchen and bathroom choices

• Materials and finishes

• Insulation and energy improvements

• Required professional services

A useful starting point is to divide the renovation into categories.

Cosmetic Renovation

This may include:

• Painting

• Flooring

• Minor repairs

• Decorative improvements

Medium Renovation

This may include:

• Kitchen renovation

• Bathroom renovation

• Electrical improvements

• Heating upgrades

• Interior alterations

Complete Renovation

A complete renovation may involve:

• Structural alterations

• New electrical and plumbing installations

• Heating and ventilation improvements

• Insulation

• Kitchen and bathroom renovation

• New floors

• Plastering and painting

• Complete interior transformation

For an accurate estimate, the actual property and proposed scope of work should be assessed.

Should You Renovate Before Moving In?

For major renovations, completing the work before moving into the property can be a practical option.

An empty property gives contractors more freedom to carry out construction work without working around furniture and personal belongings.

Potential advantages include:

• Easier access for contractors

• Faster demolition and construction

• Less disruption to daily life

• Easier installation of new flooring

• Simpler coordination of multiple trades

• A finished home ready for your move

This approach can be particularly attractive for international buyers who are moving to the Netherlands and want to complete major work before settling into the property.

Popular Renovations After Buying a Dutch Home

Complete Home Renovation

A complete renovation can transform an outdated property into a modern home.

Depending on the project, this can include structural work, new installations, flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, insulation, plastering and painting.

Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen is often one of the main priorities for new homeowners.

Possible improvements include:

• Open kitchen layouts

• Modern appliances

• Improved storage

• Better lighting

• New flooring

• New plumbing and electrical connections

Bathroom Renovation

A bathroom renovation can improve both comfort and functionality.

Common improvements include:

• Walk-in showers

• Modern sanitaryware

• New tiling

• Improved ventilation

• Underfloor heating

• Better lighting

Home Extensions

If the property has sufficient space, an extension can increase the usable living area.

Possible projects include:

• Rear extensions

• Larger kitchens

• Additional living areas

• Garden rooms

The feasibility of an extension depends on the property and local requirements.

Renovating as an Expat in The Hague

For international homeowners, the renovation itself is only part of the challenge.

You may also need to navigate:

• Dutch construction terminology

• Local contractors

• Building requirements

• Project planning

• Material choices

• Multiple trades

• Communication while living abroad

Working with an English-speaking renovation contractor can make the process easier to understand.

At Floramer Construct, we work with international homeowners and communicate in English throughout the renovation process.

Renovating While Living Abroad

You do not necessarily need to be living in the Netherlands throughout your renovation.

Some international homeowners purchase a property before relocating or continue working abroad while renovation work is being carried out.

In this situation, clear communication and project coordination become particularly important.

A renovation contractor can coordinate the work, communicate progress and organise the different specialists involved in the project.

Sustainable Renovation

Buying an older property can also provide an opportunity to improve its energy efficiency.

Depending on the house, renovation measures may include:

• Roof insulation

• Floor insulation

• Wall insulation

• Energy-efficient windows

• Improved heating

• Underfloor heating

• Better ventilation

These improvements can increase comfort and improve the energy performance of the property.

The most suitable measures depend on the existing construction and condition of the home.

How Floramer Construct Can Help

Once you have purchased a property, managing a renovation can involve many different specialists.

Floramer Construct can coordinate different aspects of a renovation, including construction, structural alterations, electrical work, plumbing, plastering, painting, flooring, insulation and heating.

Our approach focuses on:

• Clear English communication

• One central point of contact

• Practical project coordination

• Clear planning

• Transparent quotations

• Local knowledge of The Hague and surrounding areas

If you are considering buying a property that needs renovation, we can discuss your plans and the type of work you are considering.

Areas Around The Hague

Floramer Construct primarily works in The Hague and surrounding areas, including:

• The Hague

• Scheveningen

• Wassenaar

• Voorburg

• Leidschendam

• Rijswijk

• Delft

• Zoetermeer

• Leiden

• Oegstgeest

• Surrounding areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I renovate before moving into my new house?

For major renovations, renovating before moving in can be practical because contractors have easier access to an empty property and there is less disruption to your daily life.

Can you help after buying a house in The Hague?

Yes. Floramer Construct works with homeowners and expats on renovation and construction projects in The Hague and surrounding areas.

Do you work with expats?

Yes. We work with international homeowners and provide communication in English throughout the renovation process.

Can you renovate older Dutch houses?

Yes. Older homes can be renovated and modernised while retaining important character features. The appropriate approach depends on the construction and condition of the property.

Should I get a renovation estimate before buying?

If significant renovation is required, understanding the likely renovation costs before purchasing can help you make a more informed decision about the total investment.

Can you manage a complete renovation?

Yes. Floramer Construct can coordinate different construction disciplines and manage the renovation process from planning through to completion.

Can you work with my architect or project manager?

Yes. We can work alongside an architect, project manager, independent supervisor or other professional appointed by the homeowner.

Buying a House to Renovate in The Hague?

Buying a property that needs renovation can be an excellent way to create a home that is designed around your own lifestyle.

The key is to understand the property's condition, renovation potential, likely costs and practical requirements before you commit to the project.

If you are buying a house in The Hague or the surrounding area and are considering renovation, contact Floramer Construct to discuss your plans. 

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