Buy a House in Borne, Twente

Borne lies between Hengelo and Almelo in Twente, with a compact centre, rail connections and cycling routes across farmland. The area has a history in textiles and today has engineering, logistics and the University of Twente in nearby Enschede. German border towns are also within easy reach.

Compare Hengelo, Almelo, Oldenzaal and Enschede for neighbouring options, while Nijverdal and Lochem are other eastern Dutch towns.

Twente's housing market is calmer than the western Randstad, so there is usually time to commission a survey and compare several homes before bidding.

Transfer tax is 2% for owner-occupied homes and 8% for other homes, which includes second homes and investments. You also pay a notary, and often a building survey. Offers are normally made through an aankoopmakelaar (buyer's agent), and a three-day cooling-off period follows signing the purchase agreement. Mortgage lenders look hard at income and residency for foreigners.

See the Netherlands consultation guide and financing guide.