The housing options in Rotterdam are vast. The city of Rotterdam is a popular choice for buying real estate and is home to many companies and universities. But finding the right Rotterdam houses for sale can be a challenge. Choosing living accommodation in Rotterdam that suits all your needs includes understanding the property market and housing so that you can make informed decisions.
Buying A House In Rotterdam
There is no restriction in the Netherlands for property ownership based on nationality. So no matter which nationality you belong to, you can buy Rotterdam houses for sale. But you may need to pay more transfer and property taxes if you do not plan to move immediately.
Moreover, the mortgage providers usually issue mortgages to people who have been a resident in the country for at least five years. Although some may offer mortgages for those living here for a lesser time, it is seen as riskier and thus will cost more.
Expats can benefit from the many specialist elders who recognize the value of this market. They can take advantage of the expat mortgages that only require detailed proof that you are a reliable borrower. Hence you will need to be an EU/EEA citizen, have a permanent work contract, and your partner should also be a resident. If you are self-employed, you can still get a mortgage, but you need proof of income over the previous three years. And if you do not require any mortgage, you can just pay in cash and own a house.
Property Tax And Transfer Tax In Rotterdam
Transfer tax should be paid at the time of purchase of any property. There is an exception if you are between 18 and 35 years and the property value is under 400,000 Euros. But the regular transfer tax rate tax is 2% of the purchase price, and if you are not moving in immediately, it is 8%.
Every property owner has to pay property tax too, which is called Onroerende-zaakbelasting (OZB) and is based on the property’s official value (WOZ). The government determines the WOZ, usually below the actual market value. It represents a fair way of calculating tax. If you want to be a homeowner in Rotterdam, you must pay 0.0774% of the WOZ value based on the current rates. The WOZ value is revised and updated at the beginning of each year.
For business properties, the owner and user are both liable to pay property tax at different rates. The user pays 0.2546% and the owner 0.3574% of the WOZ. However, the tax rate for OZB can change each year to meet the prevailing economic conditions and the ability of people to afford it.
To conclude
If you want to buy an apartment in Rotterdam, the best way to look for it is through the Internet. Going through the Internet will give you a chance to get a sense of the market and see the variation in different houses and apartments in Rotterdam. You may also contact real estate agents who can offer you a complete service that includes finding prospective properties. But make sure you search well before moving there, as finding the perfect home can take a lot of time.
