Finding the right home
We turn your wishes into a clear search, follow the market every day and send you only the homes worth seeing.
- A search profile built on your wishes
- New listings checked every day
- A shortlist, not a flood of links
Buyer’s agent for expats in Eindhoven & Brainport
Your key to feeling at home in the Netherlands
An English-speaking buyer’s agent who searches, views, bids and handles the paperwork with you.
Why buy with Expat Homebuyers
Buying a home in a new country means a new language, new rules and a fast market. We are by your side from the first viewing until the day you get your keys.
-
One contact
You work with Thijs from the first call to the key handover.
-
Buyers only
We focus on one thing: helping you buy. Our advice is always in your interest.
-
In English
Viewings, contracts and negotiations, explained in plain English.
-
Local knowledge
We know Eindhoven and the towns around it, and how the market moves there.
What we take off your hands
Buying a home involves many steps. We handle them with you, so you always know where you stand.
Price and negotiation
Before you bid, we check what the home is really worth. Then we plan your offer and negotiate with the seller’s agent for you.
- Value check
- Offer strategy
- Negotiation
Viewings with a second pair of eyes
We join you at viewings and point out what to look at, from the foundation to the energy label.
- With you at every viewing
- Condition and energy label checked
- Owners’ association papers for apartments
From contract to keys
We check the purchase contract, arrange the building inspection and keep your mortgage advisor and notary on schedule.
- Contract explained in English
- Building inspection arranged
- Final inspection together
How it works
Three steps from your first message to a clear plan for buying your home.
-
Tell us what you are looking for
Fill in the short intake form. It takes about two minutes.
-
Get to know each other
Thijs calls you to talk through your wishes, budget, timing and mortgage, and explains how buying works here.
-
We start your search
You receive a clear proposal. Once you agree, we start searching and stay with you until you have the keys.
Buying in the Netherlands, step by step
It works differently from most countries, and it is one of the biggest purchases of your life. This is the route we walk with you, and where we protect you along the way.
Step 1 of 6
Budget and mortgage
Before you start viewing, you find out what you can borrow. A mortgage advisor looks at your income, your employment contract and your residence status. Asking prices are usually kosten koper: transfer tax and notary fees come on top.
Watch out
Without a clear budget you cannot act quickly, and in a busy market the right home can be gone fast.
What we do
We help you set a realistic budget including the extra costs, and point you to a mortgage advisor if you need one.
Step 2 of 6
Search and viewings
Most homes for sale appear on Funda. Viewings are often short, sometimes with other buyers walking through at the same time.
Watch out
Half an hour is not enough to spot the things that cost money later.
What we do
We shortlist homes that fit, join your viewings and check what matters: the state of the home, the energy label and, for apartments, the owners’ association (VvE).
Step 3 of 6
Making an offer
You make your offer through the seller’s agent. In popular areas homes often sell above the asking price, sometimes in a bidding round where every buyer makes one final offer.
Watch out
The bank lends on the valued price. If you offer more, you pay the difference from your own savings.
What we do
We compare recent sales, work out what the home is worth to you and build an offer strategy that fits your budget.
Step 4 of 6
Conditions that protect you
Your offer can include conditions, such as financing or a building inspection. If a condition is not met, you can cancel the purchase without a penalty.
Watch out
Offers without conditions win more often, but then you carry the risk yourself.
What we do
We help you decide which protection you need, and we arrange the building inspection.
Step 5 of 6
The purchase contract
Once you agree on the price, the seller’s agent draws up the purchase contract. After signing you have three days to change your mind. You usually provide a deposit or bank guarantee of 10% of the price.
Watch out
The contract is in Dutch, and every clause counts once you have signed.
What we do
We check the contract clause by clause and explain it in English before you sign.
Step 6 of 6
Notary and keys
On the transfer date you sign the deed at the notary. The notary registers you as the owner in the Land Registry (Kadaster), and you receive the keys.
Start your searchWatch out
Check the home once more just before the transfer, so there are no surprises.
What we do
We join the final inspection and make sure everything is ready for the notary. Then the keys are yours.
Every purchase in the Netherlands goes through an independent notary and is registered in the Land Registry. We make sure you understand each step before you sign anything. Read the full buying guide, including the costs and the Dutch terms you will hear.
Hi, I’m Thijs
I help expats buy a home in and around Eindhoven, and I take the worry out of the whole process.
We search together, I join you at viewings, I negotiate for you and I handle the paperwork until you hold the keys. You deal with me from start to finish, so you never have to explain your situation twice.
Expat Homebuyers focuses on buying only. That keeps it simple: one goal, one contact and advice that is always about your interests.
Thijs van der VleutenFounder, Expat Homebuyers
Questions expats ask Thijs
Straight answers to what most internationals want to know before they buy. Tap a question to see the answer.
Rather talk it through?
Call Thijs or send an email. He answers your questions personally.
Thijs van der VleutenExpat Homebuyers · English and Dutch
Yes. There are no general restrictions on foreigners buying property in the Netherlands. Whether you can get a mortgage depends on things like your income, your employment contract and your residence status. Speak to a mortgage advisor early, so you know your budget before you start viewing.
The agent selling the house works for the seller and aims for the highest price. A buyer’s agent works only for you: we check the value, point out risks, plan your offer and negotiate on your behalf.
No. We guide you in English from start to finish. Documents such as the purchase contract are usually in Dutch, and we explain what they say before you sign.
It helps to know your maximum budget before you start, so you can act quickly when the right home comes along. No mortgage advisor yet? We are happy to point you in the right direction.
Eindhoven and the towns around it in the Brainport region, such as Best, Veldhoven, Son en Breugel, Nuenen, Geldrop, Waalre and Helmond. Looking a little further away? Just ask.
The first conversation is without obligation. Afterwards you receive a clear proposal with our fee, so you know where you stand before we start.
That depends on the market and on your wishes. Once your offer is accepted, the transfer at the notary usually follows a few weeks to a few months later, on a date you agree with the seller.
Ready to find your home?
Tell us what you are looking for. Thijs will contact you personally to plan a first conversation, without obligation.