There are all sorts of advantages to buying a new-built home. After all, they are not only modern, energy efficient and low maintenance, but they also offer greater clarity about costs, quality and what to expect from the buying process.

Financial clarity from the start

One of the first surprises many expats encounter is ground lease. In large parts of Amsterdam, homes are built on municipal land, meaning buyers pay ongoing ground rent and may face uncertainty about future costs.

“In some new-build developments, such as the Bajeskwartier in Amsterdam Oost, you fully own the land,” says Samantha Oudeman, estate agent at Eefje Voogd Makelaardij. “There is no ground lease and no future uncertainty about those costs. For many international buyers, that clarity is important.”

The broader financial structure of new-build homes also provides predictability. Properties are sold at a fixed price, so buyers do not compete through bidding. In addition, purchasers of newly built homes do not pay transfer tax, which currently stands at 2% for existing properties. Also notary and land registry costs are usually included in the purchase price, making the total investment clearer from the outset.

Certainty about energy costs and more borrowing capacity

Energy performance has also become a financial consideration. Energy labels influence mortgage calculations, meaning efficiency affects not only monthly bills but also borrowing capacity and interest costs.

New-build homes are typically gas-free, well insulated and equipped with modern heating systems. An A+ energy label or higher can allow buyers to borrow up to €10,000 extra on top of the standard mortgage limit but also qualifies them for a sustainability discount of 0.15% on the mortgage interest rate, further reducing their monthly payments. Older homes often require renovation to reach similar standards.

“New-build homes are constructed with modern installations, new materials and warranties,” Oudeman says. “That means less maintenance, which can be especially appealing if you travel often or divide your time between countries.”

A clearer process and personal guidance for international buyers

For people unfamiliar with Dutch procedures, the buying process itself can feel more structured. Buyers of a new-build home generally have more time to review contracts, arrange financing and reflect before signing, rather than having to make decisions within days.

Mortgage guidance can further reduce uncertainty. At Bajeskwartier, buyers can work with ABN AMRO’s International Clients Desk. “This desk is specialised in mortgage guidance for expats and employees of international organizations,” says Barry Zoeters, mortgage adviser at the bank.

“The team understands the complexities of cross-border income, international employment contracts, and foreign documentation requirements. They provide tailored support throughout the mortgage process to ensure clarity and efficiency for clients with an international background.”

Time to plan your move carefully

Certainty also extends beyond the individual home. The Bajeskwartier will eventually comprise around 1,350 homes in a green and vibrant neighbourhood with 68 gardens.

Several buildings have already been completed, and the area is steadily filling up with residents from all over the world. This probably also has to do with the location; within the ring road, 15 minutes from Schiphol by car, next to a metro station and 10 minutes cycling to the historic centre of Amsterdam.

Designed to be pedestrian-friendly and nearly car-free, with underground parking creating space for greenery, cycling and walking, the neighbourhood is slowly taking shape. By the time residents move into upcoming phases, a substantial part of the district will be finished.

Sales have started

Construction of The Emerald, one of the buildings currently on sale within the development, is scheduled to start in spring 2026, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2028.

For buyers, that timeline not only means moving into an established part of the neighbourhood, but also having time to prepare their move carefully – whether they are already living in the Netherlands or planning a relocation from abroad.

More information about the Bajeskwartier development and the buying process can be found via the website, where prospective buyers can explore the available homes and contact the team for further details.