If you have tried to find a rental apartment in The Hague recently, you already know the truth: the rental market is in absolute chaos. With mid-market rent regulations squeezing landlords, the supply of available rental homes has plummeted, while prices for what’s left have skyrocketed.
But while renters are feeling the pinch, this crisis has quietly created a massive, golden window of opportunity for expat buyers.
Here is what is happening in the Dutch housing market right now, and why the “buy vs. rent” math in The Hague has completely shifted.
The Peak of the “Buy-to-Leave” Wave
Over the last two years, private landlords across the Netherlands have been selling off their properties in record numbers. Faced with higher taxes and the end of temporary rental contracts (which officially phased out by July 2026), investors are deciding that being a landlord is no longer worth the headache.
The result? Thousands of mid-sized apartments and starter family homes that used to be rented out are suddenly being put up for sale.
According to Rabobank, we are reaching the absolute peak of this investor sell-off wave right now. For buyers, this has flooded the market with a type of inventory that was almost impossible to buy a few years ago.
Sell-off in rental housing seems to have peaked
Why the “Bidding War” Fever Has Broken
If you were terrified of the housing market in 2024 or 2025, when buyers were routinely overbidding by 10% to 15% just to stand a chance, you can take a deep breath.
With more homes on the market and slower wage growth, the relentless price rally of the last few years has finally cooled down. Major banks expect a very moderate 3% to 4% price growth for the rest of 2026.
What does this mean for you?
- More room to breathe: Houses are staying on the market slightly longer. You actually have time to think before making an offer.
- Negotiation power: For the first time in years, we are seeing buyers negotiate on price and successfully include critical clauses like financiering (subject to finance) and technical building inspections.
The Hague: The Ultimate Expat Sweet Spot
While this cooling trend is happening nationwide, it is particularly visible in The Hague area. Many of these ex-rental properties are located in highly desirable expat hubs like Bezuidenhout, Regentessekwartier, and Leyenburg.
Combine this extra inventory with the fact that the 2026 transfer tax exemption threshold sits at €555,000 (meaning buyers under 35 pay 0% tax), and suddenly, buying a home becomes significantly cheaper than paying €2,000+ a month in unregulated rent.
The Professional Edge: While there are more homes on the market, the best ex-rental properties still sell fast. Many of them require a bit of TLC or an energy label upgrade (and as we know, energy labels dictate your mortgage limits!). Having a real estate agent for expats by your side ensures you spot the structural red flags and value-add opportunities before you sign.
The Verdict
The rental market isn’t getting easier anytime soon. But the forces making life difficult for landlords have created a unique, temporary buyer’s market for expats. If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for the next few years, transitioning from tenant to homeowner is the smartest financial move you can make right now.
Ready to escape the rental trap?
Let’s look at your options. Whether you want to explore ex-rental apartments or family homes in The Hague’s best neighborhoods, I can help you navigate the bidding and buying process with confidence.