Moving to the Netherlands is an exciting adventure, but navigating the local housing market can feel like a challenge. If you are relocating to the Greater The Hague area, you are likely facing a major decision: Should you buy a home in the vibrant city of The Hague, or choose the charming, green surroundings of Leidschendam-Voorburg?
The housing market in the Haaglanden region remains highly competitive. For expats, understanding the local regulations, bidding processes, and neighborhood dynamics is crucial to making a successful purchase.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the pros and cons of each area, explain the buying process, and show you how to secure your dream home without the stress.
1. Choosing Your Location: The Hague vs. Leidschendam-Voorburg
While these municipalities blend into each other seamlessly, they offer distinctly different lifestyles.
The Hague (Den Haag): International & Vibrant
As the political heart of the Netherlands and home to countless embassies and international organizations, The Hague is a truly global city.
- The Vibe: Cosmopolitan, bustling, and close to the beach (Scheveningen and Kijkduin).
- Top Expat Neighborhoods: Statenkwartier (near the international zone), Archipelbuurt, and Bezuidenhout (perfect for commuters using Central Station).
- Best For: Expats who want city life, cultural hotspots, and proximity to international schools right on their doorstep.
Leidschendam-Voorburg: Green, Family-Friendly & Charming
Located just a few minutes by bike or tram from The Hague’s city center, Leidschendam-Voorburg offers a more relaxed, suburban atmosphere. It is the oldest fortified town in the Netherlands, combining rich history with modern amenities.
- The Vibe: Peaceful, historic, safe, and community-oriented.
- Top Expat Neighborhoods: Damsigt and Essesteijn in Voorburg (known for spacious family homes and parks), and the areas near the Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam.
- Best For: Expat families looking for more space, excellent local schools, beautiful parks, and a peaceful environment while staying connected to the city.
2. Crucial Things Expats Must Know Before Buying
The Dutch property market has unique rules that often surprise foreign buyers. Here are three critical factors to keep in mind:
The “Erfpacht” (Leasehold) Factor
In parts of The Hague and parts of Voorburg, you don’t always buy the land the house sits on. Instead, the land is owned by the municipality, and you pay a ground rent (erfpacht). It is vital to check whether the leasehold is perpetual, pre-paid, or expiring soon, as this heavily impacts your monthly costs and future mortgage approval.
Buying vs. Renting in 2026
With the rental market in the Randstad being extremely tight and monthly rents reaching record highs, buying a property in the Netherlands often makes more financial sense. Property values in Leidschendam-Voorburg and The Hague have proven to be highly resilient, making a home purchase a solid long-term investment.
Overbidding is Still Common
While the market has stabilized compared to peak years, high-demand family homes in Voorburg and apartments in popular Hague districts still receive multiple offers. Knowing exactly how much to bid without overpaying requires deep local market data.
3. Step-by-Step: The Buying Process for Expats
Buying a home in the Haaglanden region typically follows these five steps:
- Get Financial Pre-Approval: Before viewing homes, meet with a specialized expat mortgage advisor to calculate your maximum budget. In the Netherlands, expats can often finance up to 100% of the market value.
- Property Viewings: Explore neighborhoods. Don’t just look at the house; check the proximity to public transport, international schools (like the British or International School of The Hague), and local shops.
- The Valuation & Structural Survey: Once you find a house, a certified local appraiser must value it. For older homes (especially in historic Voorburg or older parts of The Hague), a structural survey (bouwkundige keuring) is highly recommended.
- Making an Offer: Your offer includes the price, but also crucial conditions, such as a finance clause (voorbehoud van financiering) or a structural inspection clause.
- The Signing at the Notary: Once accepted, the purchase agreement (koopakte) is signed, followed a few weeks later by the deed of transfer (leveringsakte) at a notary.
4. Why You Need a Local Expat “Aankoopmakelaar” (Buying Agent)
Can you buy a house on your own? Yes. Is it wise? Usually, no. The vast majority of sellers use a professional selling agent who protects their interests. As an expat, having a dedicated buying agent (aankoopmakelaar) levels the playing field.
A local expert helps you by:
- Accessing homes before they hit Funda: Gaining an advantage in a fast-moving market.
- Evaluating the true market value: Ensuring you don’t overbid out of emotion.
- Handling the paperwork: Translating Dutch legal jargon, erfpacht clauses, and VvE (homeowners association) documents.
Let’s Find Your Home in Haaglanden
At SMASH Makelaars, we specialize in helping expats settle smoothly into The Hague, Voorburg, and Leidschendam. We know the streets, the local market trends, and the unique challenges expats face.
Ready to start your journey? Get in touch with SMASH Makelaars today for a free, no-obligation consultation, or check out our current listings in the region.
