netherlands on renting at a higher level and 'offers'

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Member since 27 February 2019

esoteric1Member27 February 2019 16:06:47

Hi guys

We are looking to move to Den Haag later this year from the UK. we don't need to look for work in the Netherlands as have UK interests that earn us a living.

We are looking in the 2,200 to 3,000 Euros a month level for a minimum of 12 months, and I wondered if it is common practice at this level to 'make offers' a little below the level asked for if the property has been up for rent a few months. I don't want to 'offend' if this isn't done practice, as it is common in the UK. several I have seen have been around 2,850 and I would maybe want to offer 2,600.

Also do they have the equivalent of 'council tax' in the Netherlands, I cant see it mentioned anywhere so can only presume that if there is something like that its the property owners responsibility and not the tenants.

Cynic UK / Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK / Netherlands Expert27 February 2019 16:52:20

7734

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

In general, rented accommodation is in short supply in Holland; the decent stuff you see on websites has almost certainly already been rented and is there to get your interest so they can try and sell you what else they may have. You can always try and make an offer, but because of the market place and swift churnover when stuff is available, I doubt you'll do it, there is always somebody else behind you.

Yes, they do have Council Tax in Holland, it's called Gemeente Belasting and will vary depending on where you live, but Google will help you find out how much, just type in Gemeente Belasting, followed by the Town you are looking at. When you register at the Town Hall (within 5 days of arrival), you will begin to pay council taxes based on the address where you have registered.

One word of warning regarding income tax; where you live decides where you will be assessed for taxes on your world-wide income, if you live in Holland, you will be assessed for both Income and Social taxes in Holland. Any income taxed in the UK is covered by a tax treaty between UK/NL and you should not pay income tax in Holland on income already assessed in the UK. However, the agreement does not cover Dutch social taxes which will clobber you for 27% of your world-wide income.

Also, Medical Insurance is worth considering; it's compulsory in Holland and you can't use the UK EHIC if you are resident in the Netherlands.

Apart from all that, it's a great place to live.

Hope this helps.

Cynic
Expat Team

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