How to Find an Apartment in Amsterdam | Tips, Costs, Viewings, and More

Want to live in Amsterdam? Good luck...it’s difficult and stressful!
In this video, I want to share my apartment hunting experiences and show you how to find a place to live in Amsterdam including:
◦ How and where to find housing
◦ How a viewing looks like
◦ Tips & advice
⏰ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
02:01 The process
03:10 4 apartment viewings
06:28 Non-negotiables
08:14 Where to find housing? (Funda/Pararius/FB/Vesteda/MVGM)
08:47 Live housing search!
22:04 Submitting a bid (preparation)
24:11 Four types of rental contracts
25:56 Final tips & reminders
🕸 USEFUL WEBSITES:
◦ funda.nl (rent/buy)
◦ pararius.com (rent/buy)
◦ kamernet.nl (rent and find roommates)
◦ vesteda.com (housing corporation)
◦ mvgm.nl (housing corporation)
◦ wonenbijbouwinvest.nl/ (housing corporation)
◦ hoodmaps.com/amsterdam-neighborhood-map (crowdsourced map)
🎥 MY OTHER VIDEOS:
💶 Cost of Living (Amsterdam) - • How much does it cost ...
🏠 Living in a Dutch Canal House - • Apartment Tour: 400-ye...
🇺🇸 USA vs. Europe - • USA vs. Europe: Live t...
🙏 IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT ME:
PayPal donations - paypal.me/davidswen
Buy me a coffee - www.buymeacoffee.com/davidwen
📌 Subscribe to my channel - bit.ly/3QxPYDW
😁 WHO AM I?
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I grew up in San Francisco, studied and worked in LA, took a sabbatical around the world, and then packed my bags for Europe. I make videos about lifestyle design, hiking, and living/working/studying in Europe.
#apartmenthunting #livinginthenetherlands #livinginamsterdam

[@MrunalKapadia]

This is exceptionally well made content. Thank you David for this!

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome and thanks for the kind words Mrunal! Glad it was helpful

[@jasper265]

"A lot of landlords will put in a maximum of 12 months, 24 months and then you will have to leave" - note that this is true, but specifically for furnished apartments. Furnished apartments are usually aimed at expats and people who don't intend to stay long. The typical Dutch renter will rent an unfurnished home, and do so for much longer than two years.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Jasper for that clarification. I didn’t know that

[@randar1969]

@@hidavidwen Well my rent is 386 euro for a 2 room apartment in Amsterdam i even got 6200 euro's to buy some furnishing but that's social housing expats can't use. The waiting list alone is over a decade and you need a Dutch passport. And then you income can't be above 45000 euro's/year before tax. But once you have it you can rent your home till the day you die if you want.

[@sofrenchnsoclean]

Well the one that was shown was "shell" 😅 kind of crazy thinking you'd install floors etc. And then only stay for 1 year

[@verynice5574]

@@randar1969 Will you be kicked out if your income increases once you live there?

[@randar1969]

@@verynice5574 Nope but then your landlord or coorporation is by law allowed to increase your rent with the maximum (5% each year) if your income is above 45000 and ofcource the government won't help you paying rent by paying part of it, like they do for the people on minimum income

[@bomcabedal]

Our office is in the Amsterdam city center. When new colleagues inquire how to get a place to live in Amsterdam, our first reaction is: "don't". Unless you really need to be in the city itself AND enjoy the hectics of living in Amsterdam particularly, don't bother. In our case, people are expected to work from home half of the time anyway; and with about half of the country within an hour by train, compelling cases to actually live in Amsterdam itself are pretty rare. Even Arnhem, Zwolle, or Den Bosch are really manageable commutes.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing this big tip Bom! Yeah true, it's extremely hard to find a place in Amsterdam. But there is something about living in Amsterdam that attracts people to try anyway...I do see myself in a "quieter" place one day but for now, it's a great place to be with lots of energy

[@TheHotaker]

Thank you David, been watching too many videos about this topic and this is to be honest the most useful and entertaining one!

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome-hope it was helpful. It's a painful process (finding a place)...best of luck to you and everyone!

[@AhmedZaghlol]

Thank you very much David for this decent review, you really have added it all up in a consice conclusive way.

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome Ahmed, glad it was helpful! And thank you for the kind words

[@atrea5824]

Very well informed now, thank you so much! Appreciate it!

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Atrea - thanks for the kind words. Glad it was helpful!

[@ErinMcCoy3]

Fantastic video as always & super helpful, thank you!

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome Erin and thanks for the kind words!

[@juanpaps03]

This video is the best !, I'm planning to move to Amsterdam with my GF next year, and this video is a lifesaver, thank you David!!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Juan! How exciting! And thanks for the kind words, glad to hear it was helpful. Yeah I understand how difficult it can be to finding housing in Amsterdam but once you do…I’m sure you and your GF will love Amsterdam-beautiful place to live!

[@Gabby-wg7cx]

Thank u for showing the ins and outs of the whole apartment hunting process

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome Gabby. Hope it was helpful...I know how hard this can be (probably one of the most challenging things in this country)

[@jameshall1648]

I am really enjoying your channel. Great content. Thank you.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks James, appreciate it!

[@renzopzsrk5655]

This is a treasure of a video. It's totally well explained. I'm using the tools you mentioned to search for housing in Tilburg, gonna start a master's program. Thank you for this!

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and thanks! Glad to hear 🙏

[@usamaarshad7357]

Thanks David. This is very helpful.

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome Usama. Thanks for the kind words and glad you found it helpful!

[@nastyap1902]

Thanks a lot! Very informative guide

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and thanks for the kind words!

[@deneshae]

Hello from Jordaan (been here a month)! Great video - the struggle really is real!!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey! I used to live near Jordaan. How do you like it? But the struggle is real...I know =/ Hang in there, I hope you find a place

[@deneshae]

@@hidavidwen Loving it - can have small town vibes in parts; but also major touristy vibes in others. Good jump off point to other locations too :-)

[@whoopinyou]

Great video! very helpful.

[@kevinysouza76]

Thank you for the video!! im moving soon and it help me a lot

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and best of luck!!

[@thandoboysie9029]

Very informative. Thank you

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Thando and you’re welcome, glad it was informative!

[@dusblinov]

such a helpful video, thank you for your hard work, David!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Andrei and thanks so much for your support! Really appreciate it. 🙏

[@tommy-ob2ie]

Thank you for sharing, its useful

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome tommy and thanks for watching!

[@hansonel]

As an American planning to move to Amsterdam I'm very worried about finding a rental due to the housing crisis and have heard there can sometimes be 50 people in line to view an available apartment. Thinking about looking in nearby towns for lower prices and less competition because it's no joke as you've shown. Though, this is great video with extremely helpful tips. Amsterdam is notoriously difficult to find an apartment in, even more difficult than NYC where I lived. Never saw lines like that at any apartment viewings even in Manhatan :o

[@hidavidwen]

First, thanks a lot! Glad to hear the tips were helpful. And you do have a valid concern-it's not easy to find housing in Amsterdam. I've lived in San Francisco and LA and have never seen something like this before myself...even if you can afford it, it's just so competitive due to shortage of housing. But would encourage you to still try...it's a beautiful place to live! But also have backups like...you may need to stay in short-term housing like Airbnb for a little while...or you could also live in nearby towns (Sander commented and has some good tips and suggestions in the comments section).

[@bomhof2002]

I would advice to read up about nice places around Amsterdam if you have to work there. If its not for work and you could also pick another area go where its not so cramped and full like as in west NL. In the provences Zeeland, Drente, Groningen, Friesland, Gelderland its much cheaper and you have a bigger nicer house for your money. In the west / Randstad and Utrecht you pay crazy prices for a small tiny 1 bedroom house.

[@boterham7791]

Please dont move here

[@R.Hydra.]

Don't move here !!! We born and raised in Amsterdam need houses to live in. Choose another city in the Netherlands.

[@quivop7759]

I live in the Grachtengordel Zuid ( in Keizersgracht) and I have a lot of light. My apartment has south-west exposure. If you live in the Canals up( Grachtengordel West) you won't have direct light because south would be hitting your walls( from Leidsegracht up you won't have direct south light except in Brouwersgracht and the tip of the 4 Canaks next to Brouwersgracht). If you want light in the grachten you have to go for Grachtengordel Zuid( from Leidsegracht to Amstel).

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the insightful tip!! Oh you must have a beautiful place

[@jdhao6498]

very informative video 👍

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks jd, glad it was informative!

[@koffiegast]

There are three ways to get a place in Amsterdam (and near): - Connections - Money - Extreme luck It is extremely difficult for citizens, let alone expats. Although life is great, I would recommend expats trying a different country for the time being cuz there is a major housing crisis going on. As a student you might find yourself looking for a half year, sleeping in hotels, couches and so on...

[@hidavidwen]

Oh yeah I was a student here looking for housing…that was all extreme luck. It’s so difficult to find housing here

[@lacampanella6172]

There is a housing crisis everywhere and literally everyone is saying „go to a different country“ there are no countries left

[@mereanawi6194]

I imagine many Dutch are forced to become expats themselves.

[@johnhoogstra8310]

Model A contracts are pretty normal for housing association who have a great percentage of social houses and other in wich their only interrest is to have long term commitments.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing John!

[@ashinidesai9718]

Very informative, thank you for sharing your experience. I will definitely use your tips and tricks for my house search. But if possible I would like to know, if we rent shell appartment and then do the flooring ourselves, do we get the investment we did for flooring? It does not make sense to invest so much in house if are only going to live in it for max 2 years.

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome Ashini and glad you found it informative. If you rent shell and do the flooring, you either sell it to the next tenant (this is usually the most common option) or take the floors with you!

[@dlaci1]

David, excellent, dank je well!

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome! 🙏

[@dlaci1]

@@hidavidwen btw, if most rentals are only for 2 years, does that mean that most people are moving every other year? It sounds exhausting.

[@alexisghillis7799]

Thank you kindly

[@charismahornum-fries691]

It's the same thing in every capital city in Europe. It's the norm and gentrification has gone mad. Be prepared for your stay and expect things to be more expensive than anticipated, have money in the bank at arrival. Know your budget before you sign the contract. Don't expect to be hired at the same job or job level as where you are from. That's not personal but something to prepare for. Just a thought after living in multiple European countries.

[@hydrophonyx]

I noticed that the photos of apartments in Netherlands are very professional, but now i see that the photos are better than apartments themselves

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Pavel. Yes…pictures are deceiving, you need to visit yourself

[@lingyuli9237]

I'm looking for a house right now. Your video is really helpful. Could you make a video about saving on transport expenses?

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome. Thanks for the idea. Biggest way to save? A bicycle! Haha but there are different subscriptions for the train (www.ns.nl/en/nsflex/webshop#/bestelling/producten) Also from time to time, they sell one day passes for unlimited travel in the Netherlands for like 20€ or something

[@claudioramonda275]

Hi David! I am currently looking looking for a furnished room in Amsterdam 😄 Thank you for your very helpful guide, if you happen to know someone who is currently renting out their place it would be really great

[@laetitiangum3979]

Me too

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Claudio - best of luck! I know how hard it can be. Keep looking and trying, you'll find one eventually!

[@R.Hydra.]

Lot's of people in Amsterdam too.

[@atelesh]

Hi David, thanks for such an informative guide. Do you know by any chance if the market situation is any better in other cities?

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome Anton! It is better (compared to Amsterdam)…places like The Hague and Utrecht are quite popular amongst my friends as well (very international). And cheaper too. You can live anywhere really and commute to Amsterdam. Public transportation is very efficient, and you can get anywhere…but of course it’s not the same as living in the city.

[@tim3440]

Depends on the City. Student cities are the most expensive. Amsterdam, Utrecht are the most expensive ones ;-)

[@R.Hydra.]

No in Amsterdam the housing situation is the worst. Amsterdam is not the only city in the Netherlands. Try another city.

[@souvikchakraborty3324]

Hi David, nice video with real info. Could you let me know if I want to furnish a shell or upholstered appt., how much will the cost be?

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Souvik - thanks for checking it out! Hm I think getting and installing a floor cost anywhere between 300-1000€ if you do it yourself (and the material you get). I’m not sure because I never had to do it. Furnishing depends too if you get used or new stuff and how much stuff. I would say an additional 2K if you buy a bed, sofa, tv, tables, etc

[@souvikchakraborty3324]

@@hidavidwen Thanks David. Need another info and if possible do let me know please My office will be near Bijlmer Arena station, Amsterdam. As per rent and all, i think i wont be able to live in Amsterdam itself with family. I have one kid and visa is under process. Considering I will commute to my office on all 5 days, do you think Utrecht will be the best place to stay where I can find some furnished apartment cheaper than Amsterdam? Or any other place u would like to recommend please? I wont mind commuting 20-30 mnts everyday and have thought to put my daughter in dutch public school. Really appreciate your info if you could suggest or advise. Further would be great if you could add other contents reflecting present situation on cost of grocery or gas/electric etc. Take care and keep up good work David. TIA Souvik

[@pedroRodriguesMD]

My priorities is not sleeping in the same room as a stranger in a tiny house by the company, and have a room, dont care in whos house is, have the key to close the door, a good window with light, heating, bed, desk. Done. Less then 900 euros. I would go tomorrow.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing

[@kyra1668]

Hi David, thanks for these amazing videos. I'm planing to move Amsterdam around September and your videos help me a lot. But I also curious about a few things 1. Online shopping - What's the good websites for online shoping? 2. Is there any self service laundry places? 3. and I heard that people are using pin to buy something there, is this true? or they are just using cash/credit card?

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome and thanks for sharing! 1. Bol.com/amazon.nl 2. Yes, I see them on the streets (never used but they are there) 3. Yeah they use debit cards here. Credit cards are rarely used here. I rarely use cash. All debit card Good luck and enjoy!

[@rosebeaukay5238]

Really interesting information, not sure if I missed it but would be cool to know the square footage. This is wildly expensive :/

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Rosé. Oh yeah, it's like 1500-1600€ for a 1-bedroom 50 s.q. apartment (excluding utilities).

[@roozbehk7332]

First of all thanks for the tips second that i am looking for a studio for weeks and it comes to nothing my classes are beggining in four days and i am totally stressing out

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Roozbeh. I understand it’s stressful and not easy. I wish you the best of luck

[@5erendipity754]

David, you did not say anything about how you decided on the bidding amount with such a ferocious bidding war, in Amsterdam. Any tips, tricks/advice on that?

[@hidavidwen]

Hey hey - I never had to overbid for a rental. But you do need to overbid if you want to buy. Depends…it could be 10% to 30% over asking price (from what I hear). But renting…never had to overbid.

[@m2_95]

David, thanks for the tips. My main question is on the amount of offers/bids you can send at the same time? Say you did 2 viewings at the same day. If you only can make one offer at a time, by the time you wait for the bid's response (which most likely gonna be rejection), the other flat will definitely be gone at that point. What did you do in these situations?

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome! You can send as many bids as you want-you should submit as many bids as possible to increase your chances. It doesn't cost anything. And if they accept you, you don't have to say yes. I never had that happen-it's luxurious to have multiple accepted bids at the same time haha. But yeah...I'd imagine you'd have to choose

[@m2_95]

@@hidavidwen Thanks for the reply David! My agent in the past said email bidding in Netherlands is legally binding.. Meaning if they say yes you have to accept the offer. In Reddit I'm also seeing quite a few people from US being very surprised by this.. so i'm a bit lost if it's legally binding or not

[@hidavidwen]

@@m2_95 No experience with overbidding so I can't offer any input =/ But I've heard it's illegal, though I've also heard stories of overbidding...

[@prettycyber8332]

Hi David. Really appreciate your content. Fellow Californian residing in Germany. We deal with similar struggles. How does one connect with you? Ciao

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and thanks for the kind words! What brought you to Germany? (Just out of curiosity)

[@MansMan918]

Need to get the social housing percentage much higher. Austria owns over 90% of all flat rentals. Keeps prices low.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing

[@florrosas1689]

Hola David, gracias por la información 😀👍

[@hidavidwen]

Muchas gracias flor! :)))

[@KINO_IWN]

This is really helpful. Thanks a lot for the content. I am moving to Amsterdam from Asia for work in a few weeks and my company will provide accommodation for a month so I need to find for my own place after that. Since I won’t have a 3-months pay slip or statement in NL (yet), do you have any suggestions which extra document that I should ask from my employer to provide me in order to bid for an apartment/house, please? Hopefully you come across this comment. Thank you in advance, David!

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome Kino. Oh that’s understandable. In that case, you could probably just show your contract. Or perhaps a recent payslip from another employer? If you have enough funds, you could also show them a screenshot of bank account (some ask for this). They just want to make sure you can pay (most important would be your employment contract showing how much you earn)

[@hidavidwen]

And best of luck!! I hope you have a wonderful time :) I feel the excitement

[@KINO_IWN]

@@hidavidwen Thank you so much for answering me! And yesssss, I’m super excited for this new journey!

[@xpaartan6916]

Hi Kino! How did your move go? I just finished a master's in the Netherlands and got offered a job, but I need to move across the country for it and am worried about the requirement for pay stubs... I thought having a contract would be enough. I'd love to hear your experience!

[@KINO_IWN]

@@xpaartan6916 congratulations for your master and new job opportunity! I found a new place within 3 weeks after 2 rejection of my proposals. I submitted only my introduction letter, work contract together with my HR contact so they can do background checks. Hope it helps!

[@bobhackney3870]

So all the places you've looked at are furnished. Any feedback on looking at unfurnished spaces? Thank you. This was very informative. I live in Portland, OR. The prices are very similar.

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome...there are far more unfurnished places...they're cheaper...finding a furnished place is difficult..

[@marcymarc1981]

As Dutch living abroad I cannot believe the price of the places for the size of the rooms! Living in Johannesburg I have twice-thrice the space (with garden!) and half the rent! Strange how it differs so much per country.

[@johnguttink]

I live here in the Netherlands and I was shocked seeing these prices too. I have a 155 square meter 4 bedroom apartment near Rotterdam and I pay € 860/month. That includes central heating. Amsterdam is a lot more expensive.

[@Alberto-xt6ks]

Nice video! What do you think about Amsterdam North?

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Alberto - Amsterdam North is becoming more and more popular. They are building more apartments there. There is a metro so very convenient. It’s less busy and more residential. It feels a little removed from the city city…so depends on your preference. I did not consider living in North because I wanted to be more central but I know a few who live there

[@Alberto-xt6ks]

@@hidavidwen Thanks for your reply!

[@christophdenner8878]

I was trying to find an apartment in Zürich, Switzerland, in autumn - it turned out very difficult. At the viewings, more than 100 people are showing up, many couples, which means their 2 payslips will trump mine as a single person. Also, 2-room apartments are rarely available below 2000 EUR/month. The average gross salary is only about 40.000 EUR per year in the Netherlands - I really wonder how people can even afford a 1500 EUR apartment in Amsterdam with this.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Christoph. Yeah it's hard everywhere. The first few I found via Facebook groups. I mean, you have to get lucky. Or know people. A lot of hard work to search. And a lot luck is involved...

[@HaruoJenkins]

Please check Dublin, there is much worst situation with rent. Compared to Dublin, it's easy to find an apartment in Amsterdam and cheaper

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Oh wow, if Dublin is even worse…I can’t even imagine

[@user-bg2ip3zt8m]

It's all luck! I live in Dublin, found a new apartment for 2300 in a month. I'm moving to Ams next month and can't find a decent place with a budget of 2500, these bidding wars are crazy!

[@edpaolo]

Hey man , very informative video. You mentioned a basketball group in NL able to share group name if you dnt mind please ?👊🏼

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Ed. Check out MeetUp app/website and you can find basketball groups

[@logan1769]

Hoi David! Did you speak Dutch in your vieweings/emails/offers? I have heard others' experience in foreigner discrimination.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Logan - I did not speak Dutch. I did not experience any discrimination but again…I don’t know whether I did or not. The market is just a huge pain in the ass

[@yunleung2631]

just got admitted to Tilburg! It seems like only 30% of international students get reserved accommodations. absolutely a nightmare. Your video does help a lot, but I don't understand why anyone would look for housing for months if I need to start end of August It sounds like Vesteda is off the table for students huh?

[@jhunelleremikie9183]

Love u bro

[@hidavidwen]

😊

[@AlexisVentures]

Hey, Im really enjoying your videos as an American in Colorado thinking of moving to Netherlands. I noticed there wasn’t options for dog owners, in your opinion is Amsterdam dog friendly?

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for watching :) I think Amsterdam is quite dog friendly-I have several friends who own dogs. The guy above me owns a dog. It's supposedly one of the most pet-friendly cities out there = www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/amsterdam-unleashed-exploring-the-city-with-your-canine-friend

[@AlexisVentures]

@@hidavidwen Love this article! super helpful, and comforting to hear. thank you, David :)

[@florrosas1689]

Hi, David 🤗

[@hidavidwen]

Hola Flor! Cómo estás? :)

[@chelovekx121]

What is your recommendation for bids? Should a remnant add on of requested sum, if yes, how much?

[@hidavidwen]

I never overbid for a rental-they say you should never overbid for rental (but I hear stories of some who do just to get the place). But you do need to overbid if you want to buy (if you are serious about buying a place in Amsterdam). If you want to buy, I hear people typically overbid 10-20%

[@kirstenlee3441]

Can you feature also enschede? I've heard a nice school there w/c is the UT?

[@hidavidwen]

Also on my list to visit one day! A lot of internationals go there to study

[@hazeyy26]

Hi David I was wondering, I am looking at apartments in the Netherlands at those that come without floors, do I have to really buy the laminated floors myself or is there a cheaper way?

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there - depends haha. It should say in the listing if you need to buy floors or not. Usually you only need to buy if it’s a completely new build. You can buy and do it yourself or hire someone to do it for you. But usually, if you’re moving in after someone else…they will usually sell the floors to you (I’ve only heard of a few cases where they took the floors with them)

[@hazeyy26]

Ok thank you so much David !

[@melisaksoy464]

Hello. Thank you for making this informative video. I have a question.My partner will rent a flat when he goes to Amsterdam. Since i am a non European citizen, i need to do some paperwork to get my partner visa and for that to happen i need to live with my bf in the same adress. I was wondering if it was possible for my bf to invite me to stay with him when he is renting. I mean can you invite people to stay with you for like 2-3 months. I need to amount of time to get my work permit and start working then we can rent another place just for me and my bf. Thank you in advance 😊🙏🏻

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Melis - thanks for the kind words and your question. You can invite people to stay with you while you wait. But I wouldn't worry...I know many couples who did the same-they came with their partner and waited for their visas to get processed. In terms of renting and how many people can stay in the department-this depends on the rental contract terms (eg. 1 person or 2 persons).

[@Mycake100]

interesting how is the current situation, i live in campus and planing to find something in Feb , should i start already?

[@hidavidwen]

May be a bit early to find much but worth trying because it isn’t easy. Most advertise 1-2 months in advance. Best of luck!

[@jonalesch]

Wondering if there are similarities to luxembourg?

[@mongoliagolia9172]

Hi David, if I want to stay for a month for travels, do you know If there are temporary/short term rentals available?

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there. For one month, most people I know did Airbnb or you can stay in private rooms in hostels. You can also try Facebook groups because some people do sublet their places for 1 month (if you get lucky)-it's worth it to ask. Some people will post asking if they can sublet for one month and their budget-you never know who may respond to you (though beware of scammers).

[@mongoliagolia9172]

@@hidavidwen thanks David! Out of curiosity, can you speak Dutch?

[@tim3440]

@@mongoliagolia9172 Doubt it, not a lot of expats living in Amsterdam speak Dutch.

[@hidavidwen]

@@mongoliagolia9172 not yet :/ I’ve taken a course but I cannot say I speak it. I genuinely do want to learn though (but I also have a long list of things I want to learn and do haha)

[@nessariana2987]

If i work at vijfhuizen, where area I suppose to rent?

[@farazumer6876]

Hey David . A question, what would be the average cost of biying a 1 or 2 room apartment in Amsterdam?

[@hidavidwen]

Hm check out funda.nl It depends on which area but think 400-700k

[@jayantanath9]

hi david what will be advice regading the residing in an apartment in nederland for first time for an expat who will be shifting there for job purpose . please let me know

[@hidavidwen]

Hi…be patient and keep looking…and these practical tips..and you may need to live in multiple places or try thinking of smaller towns or less popular places…good luck!

[@Hanshuber161]

12:25 Does this mean I have to keep relocating every 2 years? That's so crazy. That can't be a real thing, can it? Also, for most of the apartments I find, there seems to be a cap of max. gross salary allowed of 61K/year. What if someone is earning more than that? Is there a website that has a filter to filter out all the houses which require a housing permit (AKA Huisvestingsvergunning)? Thanks!

[@hidavidwen]

No no, but make sure you understand your housing contract before you sign. I made that mistake. And yeah many ask 3-5x salary. I don’t think there’s a filter but you do need to read into the fine details. Good luck!

[@roel455]

😮 3k for 100m2 in an area which was considered quite ghetto not so long ago. Plus a lot of your neighbours will rent a similar place for €500 with social housing.

[@hidavidwen]

3K includes everything in a month but yeah still expensive !

[@RubensBudgetCreations]

Just a question, but is that a really Brood behind you or is it a replica?

[@hidavidwen]

I hope it’s real…

[@jcw0]

A lot of the apartments do not come with flooring. Do people in the Netherlands hire someone to install flooring for them?

[@essychan]

Most Dutch will install a laminate floor themselves, with friends/family.

[@Adeline9418]

I'd love to live there. life seems easier.

[@hidavidwen]

I hope you get the chance one day. Where are you from?

[@Adeline9418]

@@hidavidwen I'm from Indianapolis Indiana.

[@hidavidwen]

@@Adeline9418 Would you ever consider moving?

[@Adeline9418]

@@hidavidwen possibly. My daughter would definitely come with me.

[@NobelMicha]

what do you have left over from your salary at the end of the month if you spend 1500 net on your apartment?

[@hidavidwen]

Depends on how much you make and how much you spend on other stuff =)

[@BrokenNoseola]

Are other cities better in the Netherlands in terms of finding an apartment?

[@hidavidwen]

Haha easier? YES. Any other city it will be easier. The nice thing is you can live in a small town nearby and get to Amsterdam quickly via public transportation

[@BrokenNoseola]

@@hidavidwen haha thanks dude.I am searching for a job there mainly due to the cycling culture

[@rm783]

Pais Bas le meilleur

[@Caroni-cp4dl]

I am looking for a Rental house in Netherlands, Can you able to help me on that?

[@denccvv1107]

What about moving with a dog and a cat? most of the websites does not contain filters for " pet friendly" places

[@hidavidwen]

That can be more challenging. But I would call and ask them directly when you schedule a viewing

[@denccvv1107]

@@hidavidwen That makes sense, thanks

[@EMGoudsmit]

Fascinating. A disabled person who has never worked has serious problems.

[@gemmawearn4013]

but doesn´t kamernet cost money? I have been on so many websites that expect you to pay 30€ just to contact landlords etc... ??

[@hidavidwen]

It does cost money but when you pay, there’s statistically a higher chance for you as less people in the pool and no (fewer) scammers

[@Madling1968]

Not where the dutch would look for houses. Those broker sites are extremely expensive. They pocket half of the rent and make you pay a ton of extra fees. I pay not even 500 euros for a 1 bedroom because i went through a home-association. And yes, get used to just getting a shell... Cheaper and your can decorate to your own likings. The prices you are showing are not affordable for normal working people in the Netherlands.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Peter. Oh wow 500 in Amsterdam? What is this home association???

[@Orbitinbloom19018]

Old south is known as the “preppy” neighborhood by amsterdammers themself. Isnt that very expensive ?

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah parts of Oud Zuid (Old South) are very “preppy” and one of the nicest areas (depending which part of Oud Zuid of course)

[@Orbitinbloom19018]

@@hidavidwen yeah im a native amsterdammer and used to go to school when i was a kid in oud zuid, im not suprised a line of 30 people was waiting for a relatively big apartment and a pretty fair price ( considering the house market rn lol )

[@hidavidwen]

@@Orbitinbloom19018 the housing market here is crazy! It’s like trying to win the lottery…

[@farazumer6876]

Also seems like a nightmare, reading all the comments . Would you recommend living in another city close enogh to Amsterdam? From an immigration point of view

[@hidavidwen]

I have a video coming out later this month about this :) But I would if you’re willing to pay for the experience… You can live cheaper outside but not the same as living inside of a city

[@farazumer6876]

Wonderful. Will wait on that . Hats off to keeping up with all the responses 👏

[@robertamirtha4242]

Do most people speak English in Netherlands?

[@hidavidwen]

Yes...the Dutch are the best English speakers in the world (where English isn't the native language)

[@KimyDeHexter]

Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇷🇺 the place to be...

[@hidavidwen]

A great place to be :)

[@Noviomagus024]

As a Dutchie, what I like most about the Netherlands, is that we are great at sports worldwide. So small as we are, the whole world knows us because of it.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Rex. Yes...indeed a small country...but lot of big things have come out of such a small country!

[@JacobPlat]

Pardon? Sports? What the hell are you talking about??

[@hidavidwen]

@@JacobPlat 😆Max?

[@JacobPlat]

@@hidavidwen ah max.

[@redrumreverse964]

i studied in amsterdam for a whole semester and spent my entire stay sleeping in my car and showering at a gym

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah housing crisis is really bad :(

[@bomhof2002]

I realy advice not to go to Amsterdam. There are so many nice city's in NL where you can cycle to restaurants, cinema and other events. My home is in Apeldoorn. I cycle to the cinema, restaurant, park, and other sight seeings. If I wanna go to a big event in Ziggo dome or so Amsterdam is easy. There is a direct train. Only a bit more then an hour. Public transportation is overall very good here and its small. Nothing is crazy far by car. And if you work in Amsterdam you are faster with the train if you live a bit outside Amsterdam.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Claudia for your response. Yeah I do love how convenient it is to travel in the Netherlands. You can live anywhere and get anywhere within a short amount of time.

[@crackk_anime]

Hi david, as I'm a student from india and i want to study in Netherlands. I'm confused how to find an accomodation there ? Can you provide me an insight on this matter

[@namastelove5393]

Yes Amsterdam is expensive other city's are chipper. It is always , where are litille space and a lot people. It will be more expensive. I earn ich month 1700,00 euro. I can't to live in amsterdam.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi there - thanks for your comment. You’re right. Amsterdam is and has been getting more expensive. The nice thing is you can find a cheaper place outside and travel to Amsterdam easily by public transportation

[@ilhanciger6967]

Anyone who intends to come and work in Amsterdam , dont come . I have checked all over the world and there is no same city like here. Last year I couldnt find a house in Amsterdam and I had to change my company and job. This year after getting higher level job offer from Amsterdam, it has been 1.5 month and even though my 25 application I didnt get a positive response even for viewing. Amsterdam municipality or Netherlands government should stop this housing nonsense . New job vacancies immediately should be stopped except for remote working ones. Especially new IT related positions need to be suspended. Indian companies are already at the market and they employee people from India with remote working. This is frustrating and fucking hotels are using this as favour by taking the prices to 85 euro per night as cheapest price in Hoofddorp neighbourhood near Amsterdam. In Amsterdam it is 100 euro for now. Unbelievable. Just for your knowledge, for 1 house at least 160 application is being done within one day.

[@hidavidwen]

Sorry to hear, I can understand. The market here is crazy.

[@pedroRodriguesMD]

Finding a place to live in Portugal is even worst. With a minimum wage of 800 euro a month and a room rent at 650 minimum. Try that. House? Impossible. Im 43 and I am getting out of here.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing...sounds bad....=/ Wishing you the best

[@xyzxyz4575]

Do you need to learn Dutch?

[@hidavidwen]

Of course learning Dutch always helps...if you're asking if you need Dutch to live in Amsterdam...the reality is everyone speaks English in Amsterdam. I know people who have lived in Amsterdam for 20 years and still don't know Dutch. You can get by with just English because the Dutch have the most proficient level of English in the world (where English is 2nd language). But if you are asking if it helps to know Dutch to find a place to live-it can. It opens up many more opportunities. I hear it's easier for Dutch people to find housing. Also you'll see advertisements on Facebook groups looking for "Dutch only" roommates

[@svlagonda7417]

Damn 1000 euros for a shared flat is expensive

[@petershearman5098]

It seems to me it would be better for tenants to change the law to give them less protections after 2 years. Then they wouldn't be getting kicked out at 2 years on the dot. Is this fair to say ? Some of the protections they get after 2 years - I would rather trade away personally - less security for more time without scaring my landlord to death. I just want to stay somewhere 3 years, maybe 4 rather than 2 years all the time

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Peter. Oh I would’ve loved the option to stay 3 years. I mean especially if the tenant is good, why not right? I don’t really know why it’s only 2 years. Maybe someone out there can let us know?

[@EpreTroll]

Honestly, don't go live in Amsterdam. It's not worth it.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing

[@joostprins3381]

So don’t live in Amsterdam. If you only live about 30 km from Amsterdam you will pay about half, and using public transport will leave you with enough money to party a lot in Amsterdam.

[@hidavidwen]

Good tip…I am grateful for Public transportation here

[@KeeNGaming]

@@hidavidwen public transport is extremely expensive in the netherlands compared to other european countries, like 33% more expensive. and compare it to another modern country like south korea, you can travel for a hour to and back, only paying 2 euros and the train quality is as good or better.. in NL it costs me 40 euros just to visit a relative. Unless you have free OV from work, it is super expensive. Groceries overall are pretty cheap though compared to other countries (aslong as you go to Aldi/lidl/dekamarkt and not albert heijn.) as a a dutch person I find amsterdam/rotterdam unsafe I know it is one of the best and safest cities to live in, but I feel much safer waking around in seoul or any other korean city than any city in NL. Stabbings are so common nowadays, and explosions in rotterdam. The small towns that have train stations, grocery stores, and shops + gym are much better compared to something like amsterdam + its more peaceful and quiet & much much cheaper. And less "trouble immigrants"

[@R.Hydra.]

Just don't live in Amsterdam. Choose Rotterdam if you want a big city where you can party and have fun. Utrecht, Den Haag...

[@ditadelugt8874]

It is impossible …stop it …there is no place more….to much people in Amsterdam …please no more international students !!!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Dita - I can feel how hard it must feel for you. I can also feel for international students too-I was one of them. You get accepted into school...you are super happy to start your adult life...then you come and realize how painful it is to find housing...and most students don't have much money...it's hard to be a student in general in Amsterdam-some end up homeless and some end up going back home. We are all together in trying to find housing...it's not the students' faults

[@pilarbenitez6410]

Hello, your comment seems a bit selfish to me. I am Spanish. The prices of housing on the coast or tourist areas are high in large part due to the purchase of the rest of the European people who come here. Should I say that no one from outside Spain comes to live here? I don't believe it. I'm sorry about your situation but that happens all over the world not only in Amsterdam. And I'm sure there are many people from Amsterdam who enjoy their life in other countries. They should return to Amsterdam and not take rental places from the natives of those countries? I don't think so either. Remember your comment for the future because no one knows where they may end up living.

[@R.Hydra.]

@@pilarbenitez6410 You would never know how hard it is to find housing here. The waiting list in Amsterdam is 18 years.... Is it the same in spain? I don't think so.

[@R.Hydra.]

@@pilarbenitez6410 Amsterdam is a very small city comparing to most of the cities in Spain. Meaning the cities in Spain could take a bigger amount of immigrants, students and expats to live in. I wish you students the best but there are so many other cities in the Netherlands where you can study. Very little of you students choose them to study in. You all want Amsterdam and Amsterdam only. Choose something else for a change.

[@gilleslevesque7248]

Useless info

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your opinion Gilles