Despite all the headlines about how difficult it is to find somewhere to live in the Netherlands, there are options out there – if you know where to look.

Amsterdam sells itself as a place of pretty canals and culture, so it is little wonder that city centre living is so popular. But if you want space, modern living, direct links to public transport and a hassle-free move, it is well worth considering a state-of-the-art home outside the touristy canal rings.

Take the Singelblok project in Amsterdam Noord, for example. The building is located in a green neighbourhood that is still being developed, and the apartments offer great views over a large part of the city. With the Noord-Zuid metro line just around the corner, you can be in the city centre in seven minutes and the Zuidas central business district in just fifteen.

“Noord is really up and coming, with loads of restaurants, bars and cultural activities,” says Tom Brinkman, the man to go to about moving to the Singelblok development.

“There is a bit of a pioneering spirit here, but at the same time you are so close to the rest of the city. And if you want to sample the countryside, it’s just a quick car or bike ride to the rural villages of Noord-Holland.”

Penthouse views

While 150 apartments have already been let, some 30 apartments are still available in the project, including a penthouse of 75 square metres with panoramic views and plenty of outdoor space.

If you’ve got a small family or are planning to start one, you might prefer one of the two-bedroom maisonettes with a ground-floor private terrace, or a three-bedroom apartment with lots of storage space.

“One of the great things about these apartments is that they are fully equipped with everything you need, so the kitchen is ready to start cooking in,” says Tom. “The only thing you need to decide about is what sort of flooring you want. And we do offer a service to help you sort that out as well.”

Sunny evenings

The apartments range in size, with bedrooms in the east so you can spend your afternoons and evenings in the sunny sitting room. The apartments all have underfloor heating, which provides even and efficient heating in the winter and a cooling effect in summer, ensuring a comfortable indoor climate all year round.

Apartment rents start at €1,800 a month plus €85, which covers the cost of the communal areas and maintenance of the garden. If you’d like a viewing, go to the website and create an account. You can check out the apartments on offer the next day.

Despite the great public transport links, the complex caters fully to car owners as well, with spaces in the underground car park available for €100 a month plus €19 in service charges.

As for cyclists, when you are not out exploring Amsterdam Noord and discovering new favourite places, your bike can be kept safely in the communal bike shed.

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