Quality of life

Is there temporary housing available and what does it cost?

There is a large variety of property to choose from in the Netherlands. Many rental properties are available in the so-called Randstad area (Rotterdam, The Hague, Amsterdam), in the north-western part of the country. Rental prices here are somewhat higher compared to other parts of Europe, but below rent levels in capitals such as London or Paris. The sales market is tight. Still, like anywhere else, if you are considering staying for a longer period of time, it may be worth it to buy property rather than rent. The transaction costs of buying a house are approximately 11% of the purchase price as well as additional costs, such as contractors' fees etc. The main advantage to buying in the Netherlands is the tax advantage—the interest paid on a mortgage is fully deductible on your income when you use the house as your principal place of residence. So too are expenses related to the mortgage, such as the notary fee, registration fee, bank fee and appraisal fee.

Will my family be able to live in a Dutch city without speaking Dutch?

Yes, a large proportion of Dutch people speak English. So, if you family is comfortable with English, they should not face a problem.