Renting vs Buying in the Netherlands – Real Cost Comparisons

Renting vs buying in the Netherlands? That is the million-dollar question. 

Rather than relying on theory, we’ve created realistic calculation examples based on actual properties in popular Dutch cities.

At Expat Mortgage Platform, we believe decisions should be based on numbers, not assumptions. Below you’ll find side-by-side comparisons showing the true monthly costs of renting vs buying.

Want a calculation for your own situation?

Request a free personalised rent vs buy analysis.

How These Renting vs Buying Calculations Work

The examples on this page are based on:

• Real properties in:
  • Amsterdam
  • Amstelveen
  • The Hague
  • Rotterdam 
  • Delft
• Current market rental prices
• Purchase prices based on comparable homes
• Mortgage costs with a 10-year fixed interest rate
• Realistic homeowner costs

Each comparison includes:

• Rent price vs purchase price
• Net mortgage costs
• VvE / maintenance reserves
• Homeowner taxes & insurance
• Total monthly costs
• Monthly difference vs rent
• Total savings over time
• Remaining mortgage balance after several years

This gives a realistic picture of affordability and risk.

Example – Renting vs Buying in Amsterdam

Below is a typical example based on apartments in Amsterdam (Eastern Docklands).

Scenario Overview

• Comparable apartments (rent vs buy)
• Similar size, number of rooms, and location
• Long-term owner-occupied mortgage

Key Insight

In this example:

• Renting costs €1.650 per month
• Buying costs €1.128 per month
• Monthly saving when buying: €522 net
• Total savings after 5 years: €31.320

Even when including:

• Maintenance reserves (VvE)
• Property taxes
• Insurance

Buying is significantly cheaper per month than renting.

(See full calculation table below)

Why Buying Is Often Cheaper Than Renting in the Netherlands

Many expats are surprised by the outcome of these comparisons. The main reasons are:

• Mortgage interest is tax-deductible
• Interest rates are historically low
• Rent prices in the free market are very high
• Mortgage payments build equity
• Part of your monthly payment is repayment, not cost

In contrast:

• Rent payments are 100% cost
• Rent increases annually
• You build no ownership or wealth

What About the Risks of Buying?

Buying does involve risk, but the calculations show that risk is often limited.

Residual Debt Risk

• After 5 years, a significant part of the mortgage is repaid
• Even with a 10-12% price drop, residual debt is often avoided
• Monthly savings compared to rent can be set aside as a buffer

National Mortgage Guarantee (NHG)

In many cases, buyers qualify for NHG, which:

• Protects against residual debt caused by unemployment, divorce, or illness
• Results in lower mortgage interest rates

This further reduces risk.

City-Specific Comparisons on This Page

On this page you’ll find rent vs buy tables for properties in:

• Amsterdam
• Amstelveen
• The Hague
• Rotterdam
• Delft

Each table shows how the decision plays out in that specific city, based on realistic market data.

Scroll down to view all calculation examples.

Renting vs Buying – What should Expats Conclude?

Based on these calculations:

• Renting offers flexiblity, but at a high monthly cost
• Buying often results in lower monthly expenses
• Buying builds equity and long-term financial security
• Risks are manageable with the right structure and advice

However, the right choice still depends on:

• Length of stay in the Netherlands
• Income stability
• Personal risk tolerance
• Local market conditions

Want to See Your Own Numbers?

These examples are indicative – your personal situation may look even better.

We can:

• Calculate your maximum mortgage
• Compare your current rent to buying options
• Assess risks realistically
• Explain everything in clear English
  
  

Request your free rent vs buy calculation.