Practice Area
Real Estate Law
Property law expertise for owners, landlords, and investors
Overview
Real estate law governs property transactions, rental relationships, and property development. Whether you’re buying commercial property, managing rental properties, or dealing with tenant disputes, understanding Dutch real estate law protects your interests.
At Law & More, we advise both landlords and tenants, property buyers and sellers, and developers on all real estate matters. Our real estate lawyers handle property transactions, rental agreements, evictions, and commercial real estate development.
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What We Do
Property Transactions
Rental Agreements
Evictions
Commercial Leases
Property Development
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Due diligence for property purchases
Deposit disputes
Why Choose Law & More
Represent both landlords and tenants
Experience with commercial and residential property
Fast eviction proceedings when needed
Thorough due diligence for property purchases
Multilingual service for international investors
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about real estate law answered by our experts
For social rental housing (regulated sector), maximum annual increase is inflation + 1% (2026). For liberalized rentals (market sector, monthly rent above €1,200 approx), increases depend on contract terms but must be reasonable. Large increases may be challenged. Increases typically once per year with minimum 1 month notice. Contract may specify different terms.
Eviction timeline: 1-2 months notice period (depending on rental duration), 1-3 months for court proceedings if tenant contests, then 2-4 weeks for actual eviction by bailiff. Total 4-8 months for contested cases. Faster for urgent situations (illegal subletting, serious nuisance). Eviction only through court - self-help eviction is illegal. Grounds must be valid (non-payment, contract violation, owner needs property).
No, unless there's legitimate damage beyond normal wear and tear. Landlord must provide detailed statement with evidence (photos, repair invoices) within reasonable time after tenant moves out. Tenant must have opportunity to contest. If dispute arises, burden of proof is on landlord. Deposits cannot be used for normal cleaning or minor wear. Maximum deposit is typically 2-3 months' rent.
1) View properties and arrange financing pre-approval. 2) Make offer through real estate agent (usually 2-4% commission). 3) Sign preliminary purchase agreement (koopovereenkomst) with 3-day cooling-off period for buyers. 4) Pay 10% deposit within weeks. 5) Conduct building inspection and review legal documents. 6) Finalize mortgage. 7) Sign deed at notary (transfer taxes 2% first home, 10.4% investors as of 2026). Entire process 8-12 weeks.
Key Legal Terms
Important terminology explained in plain language
Rental Agreement (Huurovereenkomst)
A contract between landlord and tenant setting out the terms of property rental. Must comply with Dutch rental law which provides significant tenant protections.
Eviction (Ontruiming)
The legal process of removing a tenant from a property. Requires a court order in the Netherlands - self-help eviction is illegal. Process typically takes 4-8 months for contested cases.
Security Deposit (Waarborgsom)
Money paid by a tenant as security for rent and property condition, typically 1-3 months' rent. Can only be used for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Purchase Agreement (Koopovereenkomst)
The preliminary contract for property purchase. Buyers have a 3-day cooling-off period. Typically followed by a 10% deposit and building inspection before notarial transfer.
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