Hoorn Real Estate: Historic Harbour Homes North of Amsterdam

The old centre has the Roode Steen square, the Westfries Museum and a steam tram line to Medemblik, and the lake provides sailing. Intercity trains reach Amsterdam Centraal in about 40 minutes. Nearby towns include Heerhugowaard, Alkmaar, Purmerend and Schagen; Bergen is the dune-side village on the coast near Alkmaar. The link called t Veld is a smaller place farther north in the same province. Hoorn sells to Amsterdam leavers as a cheaper alternative.

The waterfront quarter around the Binnenhaven is where flats and renovated warehouses cluster, and newer Kersenboogerd and Westerblokker districts hold more family housing. Cycling is the default mode of getting around, and many streets have limited parking.

Foreigners can buy without restrictions. Transfer tax is 2% for owner-occupiers and 8% for other homes, which covers second homes and rentals. Costs also include notary, valuation and survey fees, and a bidding contest is common in popular towns. You can usually dissolve the contract within three days of signing. Non-residents may find lenders cautious. Read our Netherlands consultation guide, financing page and the Netherlands overview.