Navigating Dutch Real Estate: tips from Notary Anne-Marie Snel
Monique Burgemeester recently sat down with Anne-Marie Snel, a notary and owner of Prinsenhof Notarissen in Prinsenbeek, a charming village near Breda. Anne-Marie began her career in 1994 and quickly discovered her passion for notarial work. Over the years, she has built a strong reputation as a trusted notary who offers personal attention to her clients, including a growing number of expats. In this interview, Anne-Marie shares her insights into the process of buying a home in the Netherlands and highlights the critical role a notary plays in property transactions.
From a Notary’s perspective: what’s the expat home-buying journey in the Netherlands?
"Once you’ve found a property and partnered with a reliable real estate agent, the next step is to involve a notary to finalize the legal aspects," Anne-Marie explains. "The notary acts as an impartial party to review contracts and ensure that everything is handled without conflicts of interest."
You will visit the notary twice:
- The first visit is to sign the purchase and sales agreement.
- The second visit is to sign the deed of transfer. If you require a mortgage, you will also sign the mortgage deed during your second visit.
"In Amsterdam, the notary usually prepares the sales contract," Anne-Marie adds, "while outside Amsterdam, this is typically handled by the seller. Additionally, Dutch law requires buyers to declare the source of their funds to prevent money laundering, a process overseen by the notary."
Are there any particular details expats should be aware of?
"Yes, absolutely," Anne-Marie emphasizes. "If you don’t speak Dutch, an official translator must be present when signing the deeds, and this cost should be factored into your budget."
She continues, "Expats should also consider which laws apply to their assets as residents of the Netherlands, such as tax laws or inheritance rules. For instance, you’ll need to think about who will inherit your possessions, including your home, after your death. The notary ensures compliance with both Dutch and international laws."
What do I take with me to the Notary’s office on both visits?
For the first visit, you will need:
- A valid ID.
- A completed "Herkomst Eigen Gelden" form (Source of Funds form). This document is required under the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (Prevention) Act (Wwft) and ensures transparency in property transactions.
For the second visit, you will need:
- A valid ID.
- Proof of payment for the purchase price, if applicable.
- Any additional documents requested by the notary, such as a power of attorney if someone else is signing on your behalf.
"It’s always a good idea to check with the notary’s office beforehand to ensure you have everything in order," Anne-Marie advises.
At what moment do I get my keys and become the official owner?
"You officially become the owner of the house after signing the deed of transfer at the notary’s office," Anne-Marie explains. "Once the deed is signed and the notary confirms that the purchase price has been paid in full, the keys are handed over. This typically happens right after the signing, either at the notary’s office or directly with the seller."
How does the land register work in the Netherlands?
"The Land Register, or Kadaster, is a cornerstone of the Dutch property system," Anne-Marie says. "It records all properties, including ownership, boundaries, and legal rights such as mortgages."
When you buy a property, the notary registers your ownership in the Land Register. "This makes your ownership official and protects your rights," she notes. "It’s a reliable system that helps resolve disputes and provides peace of mind."
Anne-Marie’s Top Tip for expats
"Expats should not only focus on the home-buying process but also consider estate planning and tax implications, particularly regarding inheritance laws. This can vary significantly depending on your country of origin, and the notary ensures compliance with both Dutch and international regulations."
Her most important advice: "Always make sure you fully understand what you’re signing."
If you’d like to learn more or get in touch with Anne-Marie, you can find her online or connect with her on LinkedIn: Anne-Marie Snel, Notary at Prinsenhof Notarissen.
About Anne-Marie
With decades of experience in both small and large notary offices, Anne-Marie has developed a unique perspective on her profession. As the owner of her own practice, she provides personalized attention to every client. Fluent in English and well-versed in international laws, she is particularly skilled in helping expats navigate the Dutch real estate market.
Als je gaat samenwonen in het koophuis van je partner, is het van belang om niet alleen de liefde, maar ook de juridische aspecten helder te regelen. Zonder duidelijke afspraken kan een investering in andermans woning, bijvoorbeeld bij een scheiding of overlijden, leiden tot financiële teleurstellingen. Bij Prinsenhof Notarissen zorgen we ervoor dat je met een gerust hart samenwoont, met duidelijke afspraken die zekerheid bieden. Lees verder voor meer informatie en voorkom onaangename verrassingen in de toekomst.
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