Follow-up housing

Find your first home after living in student housing!

When you finish your studies and a new phase of life begins, it often comes with the need for a different place to live. But how do you find a suitable spot, especially when you have no idea where you'll be living soon? It's quite a challenge. The housing market in the Netherlands is pretty tight, so it's smart to start thinking about your future plans early on.

Here are some tips:

Register with huiswaarts.nu if you plan to stay in Wageningen or the surrounding area
 This way, you accumulate waiting time for a social rental home from a housing association. The longer you're registered, the sooner you'll be eligible. It costs a one-time fee of 25 euros to register, and then 10 euros annually to renew your registration.

Register with a housing association elsewhere
 If you're thinking of moving to a different place, register with the relevant housing association for a social rental home. Social rental homes have a maximum rent and are intended for people with lower incomes.

Also look at social housing through a private landlord
You can also find a social renting home through a private landlord. The rental price is then still below the maximum set by the tax authorities, which makes rental allowance possible. A private landlord can set an income requirement. This could, for example, be that your income is at least three times the basic rent.

When you request a viewing, a private landlord often wants you to introduce yourself in a few sentences. Here you can, for example, use the fact that you recently graduated (university). You can also write a description of yourself in which you make it clear that you are a good tenant. You can ask someone around you to help you with this.

Expand your search to nearby places
The rental market is tight, especially in larger cities, making it a real challenge for starters to find an affordable home. Consider looking in the surrounding regions. An additional advantage is that rental prices are often lower than in the city.

Check if a free-sector home is an option for you
These are homes that don't fall under the social rental sector. Free-sector homes have no income limits, and the rental prices are higher than those for social rental homes. Generally, these homes are available to people with higher incomes and often offer more luxurious amenities and larger living spaces compared to social rental homes. Read here to understand the difference between a social rental home and a free-sector rental home. You don't need to be registered as a housing seeker for a free-sector home, and housing subsidies are not available. Read some tips on finding a free-sector home.

Involve a real estate agent to find a suitable home (for rent and purchase
Check the listings on funda.nl or get in touch with an NVM real estate agent. They can help you make the right choice. You can also give them a search request, but be aware that charges may apply.

If you're looking to buy a home, check if you qualify for a Starter Loan. This is an additional loan on top of the mortgage for your first home. This loan bridges the gap between the home's purchase price and the maximum mortgage. Note that not all municipalities in the Netherlands participate in the Starter Loan program. For more information, contact a mortgage advisor.

Shared Housing
To keep costs low, you can also consider living with a friend or friend and sharing an apartment.

Use social media in your search
Activate your social networks and post your housing request on social media. Maybe a friend of a friend has a spare room or someone is moving out of a nice apartment. Leveraging your own network increases your chances.

Consider alternative housing options
More and more starters are opting for alternative housing forms, such as Tiny Housing. These are small, affordable, and sustainable detached homes. Costs range from €40,000 to €60,000. Keep in mind that for many of these, you may not yet have (your own) land to place your house on. Another alternative is anti-squatting.

Some general tips:

  • Make sure you are clear about the requirements the living space must meet. In which region are you looking? How far is it from public transport or the highway? What is your budget?
  • Set up an email alert on websites so that you receive an email when accommodation becomes available that meets your requirements.
  • Don't be put off by the income requirement that many private landlords impose. If your parents can be guarantors, that may also be sufficient.
  • Don't hesitate too long when something becomes available and don't be too critical, but request a viewing immediately.
  • Collect the documents you will need during a viewing, such as:
    • Information about your income, for example an income statement from the Tax Authorities and/or your last three pay slips.
    • A landlord statement. You can request this by sending an email to [email protected].
    • An extract from the Personal Records Database (BRP). You can request this from the municipality. This costs money and is not always necessary, but since the application process can take a while, it may be wise to request this in advance.
    • A copy of your ID.

Useful websites:

  • https://www.huiswaarts.nu/
  • Aanbodsites sociale huur | woonbond.nl
  • https://www.funda.nl/
  • https://www.woningnet.nl
  • https://www.pararius.nl/
  • https://www.sociuswonen.nl/
  • https://www.123wonen.nl/
  • https://www.tinyfindy.com
  • https://www.tiny.nl
  • https://www.villex.nl/woonruimte/antikraak