Heerenveen, Friesland: Houses and Flats Near the Lakes

Heerenveen is a regional hub with a station on the line between Zwolle and Leeuwarden, shops and sports venues, including the Thialf ice rink. The Frisian lakes around Sneek and the Princenhof area are popular for sailing.

Buyers include local families, sports-related residents, water-sports owners and those priced out of the Randstad. Prices are lower than the west of the country.

Foreigners can buy without restriction. Offers are followed by a purchase agreement, a three-day cooling-off period and completion at a notary. Transfer tax is 2% for a main home and 8% for other homes.

For apartments, read the owners' association (VvE) budget; for older houses, check foundations and the energy label. See our Dutch buying guide and financing guide.

Friesland is flat and windswept, so ask about window quality, insulation and the heating system. Low-lying areas rely on water boards to manage drainage, which add an annual levy to your costs. Properties close to the lakes may allow a mooring or boathouse, but check whether the berth is owned or rented before counting it as part of the value.

Sneek, Drachten, Leeuwarden and Wergea are the nearest alternatives, and Meppel lies to the south. See Netherlands property.