International buyers are purchasing fewer homes in the Netherlands, according to a new report from estate agents’ association NVM and its data division Brainbay.
In the second quarter of 2025, internationals accounted for 1.5% of house purchases, down from 1.8% in 2024. Despite frequent claims that foreign buyers are pushing Dutch house hunters aside, the report found their overall impact on the housing market remains limited.
“Internationals play an important role in the Netherlands,” said Lana Goutsmits-Gerssen, chair of NVM’s housing group. “They help fill staff shortages, strengthen the economy, and bring diversity. But there are growing concerns they compete with locals, especially given their higher average incomes.”
NVM figures show the share of foreign buyers rose gradually from 1.1% in 2019 to just over 1.8% in late 2024, before declining this year. Around 3,000 properties are expected to be sold to internationals in 2025, press officer René Loman said.
Regional hotspots
Although the national share is small, the influence of international buyers is stronger in certain areas. In Amstelveen, near Amsterdam, one in five homes is sold to an international buyer. In Eindhoven, the figure is 12%, and in Amsterdam 11%.
The Brainport region around Eindhoven, home to tech giant ASML, is particularly attractive to foreign talent. Estate agent Pieter van Santvoort said internationals make up 60–70% of buyers in some new-build districts like Meerhoven.
High-quality, move-in-ready homes are especially popular among foreign buyers, said Amsterdam realtor Dimitry Jansen, who noted that six in 10 people viewing his listed homes are internationals—an even higher share in the rental market.
Trends and challenges
More than half of international buyers intend to stay in the Netherlands for over five years. However, tighter lending conditions are affecting some groups. Mortgage brokers report that entrepreneurs earning in U.S. dollars are now considered higher risk due to policy uncertainty under Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, labour shortages continue to weigh on the Dutch economy. A recent demographic commission argued the population should grow to 19–20 million to sustain healthcare, pensions, and prosperity levels.