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Overbidding on a house is becoming increasingly normal

Overbidding on a house has never happened so often. More and more houses are being sold above the asking price. Currently, 28% of houses are selling for the asking price, or even more. In Amsterdam, more than three-quarters of homebuyers paid at least the asking price in 2017. Overbidding is also the norm in Utrecht, Groningen, Haarlem, and Amstelveen.

Run on owner-occupied homes

This trend is driven by a rising demand for available homes for sale. Fewer and fewer homes are on the market for extended periods. Three years ago, 18.2% of homes were on the market for more than two years; today, that figure is only 9.4%. The number of sales is also showing a significant increase. In the second quarter of 2017, a total of 276,000 homes were sold. That's 20.3% more than the previous year. This increase is particularly noticeable in the more expensive segment.

Uncertainty for buyers

For homebuyers, this situation creates uncertainty and frustration. How much should you bid? A low bid could mean missing out on that dream home, while a high bid could easily mean overpaying. The current situation forces homebuyers to make quick decisions. Fortunately, a building inspection can be arranged quickly, but there's not much time for a financing contingency.

How to avoid paying too much

  • Determine your budget beforehand. Factor in moving, furnishing, and renovation costs. For a 1960s terraced house, that can easily be €10,000. Keep your monthly expenses in mind and resist the temptation to spend your maximum budget.
  • Check if the asking price is realistic. You can do this by finding out what comparable homes in the neighborhood are selling for.
  • No cooling-off period? Have a building inspection carried out within three days of signing the purchase contract. Within that period, you can still cancel the purchase free of charge. The bank finances up to the appraised value, so if you pay more, you'll have to use your own funds.

Would you like to make an appointment for a building inspection?

The cost of a building inspection (up to 250 m²) is only €489 including VAT. We'll conduct a comprehensive building inspection and you'll receive a building report. Do you have any questions? We're happy to help and can schedule an appointment with an expert inspector right away if you wish!

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