Buy a House in Bunschoten-Spakenburg, Netherlands

Spakenburg is a former fishing harbour on the old Zuiderzee coast, famous for traditional dress still worn on special occasions and a working harbour with historic flat-bottomed boats. The area is known for a close-knit, church-centred community, so expect a quieter, more traditional atmosphere than in Utrecht or Amsterdam. Amersfoort is the nearest large town, and Utrecht and Amsterdam are within commuting distance by road or rail. Buyers are mostly Dutch families, with a few foreign professionals working around the Randstad.

For a lively town centre instead, look at Amersfoort, Hilversum or Baarn.

There are no nationality restrictions on buying a home. Transfer tax is 2% for an owner-occupied home and 8% for other homes, which matters if you plan to let. Add notary fees, valuation, and if you use a buyer's agent (aankoopmakelaar) their fee. Offers are normally made subject to financing and a building survey, and a binding purchase agreement carries a three-day cooling-off period. Non-resident mortgages exist but need a larger deposit; see our Netherlands mortgage guide.

The wider market is covered on the Netherlands page and the foreign buyer guide. Nearby markets include Nijkerk, Soest and Huizen.