Renovation costs: what should I budget in Netherlands?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Netherlands Property Pack

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our The Netherlands Property Pack

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in the Netherlands. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How much does it usually cost to renovate per square meter in the Netherlands right now?

Renovation costs in the Netherlands currently range from €500 to €1,200 per square meter as of September 2025.

Basic cosmetic renovations including painting, new flooring, and light updates cost between €400-€700 per square meter. These projects typically involve surface-level improvements without major structural changes.

Major renovations involving utility upgrades, layout changes, and comprehensive updates range from €800-€1,200 per square meter. Designer or high-end renovations with premium materials and finishes exceed €1,300 per square meter.

Cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht command higher prices due to increased labor costs and stricter building regulations. Rural areas in the Netherlands typically see costs 10-15% lower than major urban centers.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

What's the average total cost range for renovating a typical 100 m² Dutch house or apartment?

A typical 100 square meter property in the Netherlands requires €50,000 to €120,000 for complete renovation.

Light renovations focusing on cosmetic improvements cost closer to €50,000-€70,000. These projects include painting, new flooring, updated fixtures, and minor kitchen or bathroom refreshes.

Full gut renovations with complete utility upgrades, layout changes, and high-quality finishes range from €80,000-€120,000. Properties requiring structural work or premium materials can exceed these ranges significantly.

Pre-war Amsterdam apartments often require extensive electrical and plumbing updates, pushing costs toward the higher end of this range.

How much should I expect to pay for demolition and waste disposal in the Netherlands?

Demolition and waste disposal costs in the Netherlands vary significantly based on the scope and disposal method.

Municipal depot disposal costs €1.65 per 25 liters for non-commercial DIY projects. A standard 6-cubic-meter rubble container with 8-week rental costs approximately €275-€300 all-inclusive.

Professional demolition services charge additional fees for hazardous materials like asbestos removal. Larger renovation projects requiring multiple container rentals can cost €800-€1,500 for waste management alone.

Amsterdam and other major cities have stricter waste separation requirements, potentially increasing disposal costs by 15-25% compared to smaller municipalities.

What's the going rate for plumbing and electrical rewiring work per hour and per project?

Don't lose money on your property in the Netherlands

100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.

Download Now

How much do Dutch contractors usually charge for painting, plastering, and finishing walls?

Dutch contractors charge €15-€35 per square meter for painting walls and ceilings, with hourly rates ranging from €39-€55.

Plastering costs vary from €9-€25 per square meter depending on the complexity and finish quality. Basic wall plastering starts at €9 per square meter, while decorative or textured finishes can reach €25 per square meter or higher.

Premium painting services using high-quality paints and multiple coats command higher prices, particularly in luxury Amsterdam properties. Ceiling work typically adds 20-30% to standard wall painting rates due to increased difficulty.

Preparation work including sanding, priming, and repair adds €5-€10 per square meter to base painting costs.

What's the average price per square meter for new flooring options like laminate, tiles, and parquet in the Netherlands?

Flooring costs in the Netherlands vary significantly based on material quality and installation complexity.

Laminate flooring including materials and labor costs €15-€36 per square meter for standard installations. Budget DIY laminate options start as low as €4-€15 per square meter for materials only.

Tile installation ranges from €25-€60 per square meter depending on tile quality and pattern complexity. Natural stone tiles and intricate patterns command premium pricing.

Parquet flooring costs €35-€70 per square meter for quality hardwood installations. Premium oak parquet in Amsterdam properties can exceed €80 per square meter.

Underlayment, moisture barriers, and subfloor preparation add €3-€8 per square meter to total flooring costs.

How much should I budget for a standard kitchen renovation, including cabinets and appliances?

Standard kitchen renovations in the Netherlands cost €12,000-€30,000 for complete cabinet and appliance replacement.

Basic kitchen refreshes including cabinet painting, new countertops, and updated appliances range from €4,000-€10,000. Mid-range renovations with quality cabinets and integrated appliances typically cost €15,000-€25,000.

High-end kitchen renovations with premium materials, custom cabinetry, and luxury appliances can exceed €40,000-€60,000. Amsterdam properties often require custom solutions due to space constraints, adding 15-20% to standard costs.

Electrical and plumbing modifications for kitchen islands or layout changes add €2,000-€5,000 to renovation budgets.

What's the average cost of a bathroom renovation with Dutch suppliers and installers?

Bathroom renovation costs in the Netherlands range from €2,500 for basic updates to €30,000+ for luxury installations.

Basic bathroom updates including new fixtures, tiles, and paint cost €2,500-€5,000. These projects typically retain existing plumbing layouts and use standard materials.

Mid-range bathroom remodels with quality fixtures, tiling, and layout changes cost €8,000-€15,000. Luxury bathroom renovations with premium materials, underfloor heating, and custom features range from €20,000-€30,000 or higher.

Waterproofing requirements in Dutch building codes add €500-€1,000 to bathroom renovation costs compared to other European markets.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the Netherlands versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

How much do Dutch carpenters typically charge for custom furniture, built-ins, or stairs?

Dutch carpenters charge €30-€50 per hour for custom work, with project costs varying significantly based on complexity and materials.

Built-in furniture pieces typically cost €700-€2,500 each depending on size, materials, and finish quality. Custom wardrobes in Amsterdam apartments often require specialized designs due to slanted roofs and irregular spaces.

Stair renovation costs approximately €1,200 for refinishing existing stairs, while complete new stair installations range from €2,000-€4,000. Spiral or space-saving stair designs command premium pricing.

Custom kitchen islands, bookcases, and storage solutions add significant value to Dutch properties, particularly in space-constrained urban markets.

What percentage should I add on top of renovation costs for permits, inspections, and taxes in the Netherlands?

Budget an additional 5-10% of total renovation costs for permits, inspections, and taxes in the Netherlands.

Municipal building permits vary by project scope and location, with major renovations requiring detailed submissions and inspections. Structural changes typically require architect drawings and engineering reports.

VAT rates of 9% apply to labor and materials for properties over 2 years old, providing tax advantages compared to new construction. Properties under 2 years face the standard 21% VAT rate.

Amsterdam and other major cities have additional permit requirements and fees that can increase bureaucratic costs by 20-30% compared to smaller municipalities.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

How much extra should I set aside for unexpected issues like mold, old wiring, or foundation problems?

Set aside 10-20% of your total renovation budget for unexpected issues and complications.

Properties built before 1970 in the Netherlands frequently reveal hidden problems including outdated electrical systems, asbestos materials, and foundation settlement. Mold remediation in humid coastal areas can cost €2,000-€8,000 depending on severity.

Foundation issues in Amsterdam properties built on reclaimed land require specialized solutions costing €15,000-€50,000 or more. Structural problems discovered during renovation can double project timelines and budgets.

Pre-renovation inspections help identify potential issues, but comprehensive assessments aren't always possible until demolition begins. Conservative budgeting prevents project delays and financial stress.

What's the typical cost difference between hiring a general contractor in the Netherlands versus managing subcontractors myself?

General contractors typically charge 10-20% markup over direct subcontractor costs for project coordination and risk management.

Managing subcontractors yourself can reduce total costs by €5,000-€15,000 on major renovations, but requires significant time investment and construction knowledge. Self-management works best for experienced property investors comfortable with project coordination.

General contractors provide valuable services including permit handling, quality control, timeline management, and warranty coverage. They also maintain relationships with reliable subcontractors and suppliers.

The complexity of Dutch building codes and permit requirements often justifies general contractor fees, particularly for investors unfamiliar with local regulations.

It's something we develop in our Netherlands property pack.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Grand Renovation - Apartment Renovation Costs
2. Afzetbak - House Renovation Costs
3. Tillume Light - Home Renovation Guide
4. Den Haag Municipality - Waste Disposal
5. Zoofy - Plumber Costs
6. Skilled Contractors - Painter Prices
7. Moovick - Flooring Services Netherlands
8. Whispering Bold - Kitchen Renovation Costs
9. De Badkamer Renovatie - Bathroom Costs
10. Aannemer Amsterdam - Remodeling Costs