Buying real estate in Randstad?

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How much do houses cost now in Randstad? (2026)

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

buying property foreigner The Netherlands

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

Yes, we will answer all your questions about house prices in the Randstad region of the Netherlands.

We know you're wondering what houses actually cost in this densely populated region that includes Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.

We regularly update this article with fresh data so you always have the most accurate picture of the Randstad housing market.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Randstad.

How much do houses cost in Randstad as of 2026?

What's the median and average house price in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the median house price in the Randstad region sits at approximately 575,000 euros (around 605,000 USD), while the average house price reaches about 610,000 euros (roughly 640,000 USD).

The typical price range that covers roughly 80% of house sales in Randstad stretches from 400,000 euros to 950,000 euros (about 420,000 to 1,000,000 USD), with most family homes falling somewhere in the middle of this band.

The gap between median and average prices in Randstad reveals a market where a smaller number of expensive detached homes and properties in prime locations like Amsterdam-Zuid or Wassenaar pull the average up above what most buyers actually pay.

At the median price of 575,000 euros in Randstad, a buyer can typically expect a well-maintained terraced house of around 100 to 120 square meters with three bedrooms, located in a commuter-friendly suburb like parts of Rotterdam or the outskirts of Utrecht.

Sources and methodology: we anchored our estimates using Q4 2025 transaction data from NVM (Dutch Realtors Association) and cross-checked with CBS (Statistics Netherlands) official price indices. We applied a documented Randstad premium based on market tightness signals from De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), combined with our own internal data and analyses.

What's the cheapest livable house budget in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the minimum budget for a livable house in Randstad starts at around 325,000 to 375,000 euros (approximately 340,000 to 395,000 USD), though finding options below 300,000 euros is possible if you accept significant trade-offs.

At this entry-level price point in Randstad, "livable" typically means a small terraced house of 60 to 80 square meters that may have an older kitchen or bathroom, modest insulation, and limited outdoor space, but remains move-in ready without major structural work.

These cheapest livable houses in Randstad are usually found in Rotterdam-Zuid neighborhoods like Charlois, Feijenoord, and IJsselmonde, as well as nearby satellite towns such as Schiedam, Vlaardingen, and Spijkenisse, plus parts of The Hague like Laak, Escamp, and Moerwijk.

Wondering what you can get? We cover all the buying opportunities at different budget levels in Randstad here.

Sources and methodology: we derived entry-level budget ranges from NVM terraced house transaction data for Q4 2025 and filtered for lower-price districts. We also consulted Kadaster (Dutch Land Registry) transaction volumes by municipality, supplemented by our own neighborhood-level research.

How much do 2 and 3-bedroom houses cost in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical 2-bedroom house in Randstad costs between 375,000 and 525,000 euros (around 395,000 to 550,000 USD), while a typical 3-bedroom house ranges from 475,000 to 700,000 euros (approximately 500,000 to 735,000 USD).

The realistic price range for a 2-bedroom house in Randstad falls between 375,000 euros at the lower end for a compact terraced home in an outer suburb to about 525,000 euros (roughly 395,000 to 550,000 USD) for one in a more central or well-connected location.

For a 3-bedroom house in Randstad, buyers should expect to pay anywhere from 475,000 euros for a modest property in a less central area up to 700,000 euros (about 500,000 to 735,000 USD) for a larger or better-located home near good schools or transit.

The typical price premium when moving from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom house in Randstad is around 100,000 to 175,000 euros, reflecting not just the extra bedroom but often a larger overall footprint and a garden or better outdoor space.

Sources and methodology: we estimated bedroom-based pricing by cross-referencing NVM house-type data with typical floor areas in Randstad, since Dutch listings categorize by square meters rather than bedroom count. We also used Funda listing patterns and our own transaction analyses.

How much do 4-bedroom houses cost in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical 4-bedroom house in Randstad costs between 650,000 and 950,000 euros (approximately 685,000 to 1,000,000 USD), with the price depending heavily on whether the property is a larger terraced house or a semidetached home in a family-oriented suburb.

The realistic price range for a 5-bedroom house in Randstad spans from 850,000 to 1,300,000 euros (around 895,000 to 1,365,000 USD), as properties at this size usually require either a semidetached or detached structure with meaningful land.

For a 6-bedroom house in Randstad, buyers are typically looking at 1,100,000 to 2,000,000 euros or more (roughly 1,155,000 to 2,100,000 USD), as these larger homes are often found in prestigious areas like the Gooi region, Wassenaar, or Bloemendaal.

Please note that we give much more detailed data in our pack about the property market in Randstad.

Sources and methodology: we built these estimates from NVM detached and semidetached house pricing for late 2025, applying Randstad location adjustments from DNB housing market reports. We also incorporated our own proprietary transaction tracking data.

How much do new-build houses cost in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical new-build house in Randstad costs between 600,000 and 1,100,000 euros (approximately 630,000 to 1,155,000 USD), with pricing pushed higher by construction costs, energy efficiency requirements, and the scarcity of buildable land in the region.

New-build houses in Randstad typically carry a premium of 10% to 25% compared to older resale houses of similar size, with the premium reflecting superior energy labels (often A or A++), lower maintenance needs in the first years, and modern layouts that match current buyer preferences.

Sources and methodology: we derived new-build pricing from NVM Q4 2025 reports, which separately track new construction transactions. We also consulted construction cost indices from CBS and developer pricing announcements.

How much do houses with land cost in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a house with meaningful land in Randstad typically costs between 800,000 and 1,600,000 euros (around 840,000 to 1,680,000 USD), with prices rising sharply in prestige areas like Wassenaar, the Gooi towns, or Bloemendaal where plots are larger and demand is intense.

In Randstad, a plot of around 250 square meters or more generally qualifies as a "house with land" since standard terraced houses often sit on plots of only 100 to 150 square meters, making larger gardens and private driveways a significant value driver.

Sources and methodology: we estimated land-inclusive pricing using NVM detached house data and Kadaster plot-size statistics. We also cross-referenced with WOZ valuation patterns from Waarderingskamer.

Where are houses cheapest and most expensive in Randstad as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest house prices in Randstad include Rotterdam-Zuid districts like Charlois, Feijenoord, and IJsselmonde, nearby towns such as Schiedam, Vlaardingen, and Spijkenisse (Nissewaard), plus parts of The Hague like Laak and Moerwijk, and Utrecht neighborhoods like Overvecht and Kanaleneiland.

In these more affordable Randstad neighborhoods, house prices typically range from 275,000 to 425,000 euros (approximately 290,000 to 445,000 USD), offering the most accessible entry points for first-time buyers looking for actual houses rather than apartments.

The main reason these Randstad neighborhoods have lower house prices is a combination of higher population density, older housing stock that often needs renovation, historically higher crime rates in some pockets, and longer commute times to the main employment centers in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Sources and methodology: we identified lower-price neighborhoods using municipality-level transaction data from Kadaster and CBS StatLine regional price breakdowns. We also incorporated local market intelligence from our network of Randstad-based real estate professionals.

Which neighborhoods have the highest house prices in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest house prices in Randstad are Amsterdam's Oud-Zuid (including Apollobuurt), the coastal prestige belt around Wassenaar and Benoordenhout in The Hague region, and the Gooi area towns of Laren, Blaricum, and Bloemendaal near Haarlem.

In these most expensive Randstad neighborhoods, house prices typically range from 1,200,000 to 3,500,000 euros or higher (approximately 1,260,000 to 3,675,000 USD), with large detached villas and historic properties occasionally exceeding 5 million euros.

These Randstad neighborhoods command the highest house prices because they combine exceptional school quality, mature tree-lined streets, large private plots, proximity to nature reserves like the Veluwe, and an established social infrastructure favored by executives, diplomats, and wealthy Dutch families.

The typical buyer purchasing houses in these premium Randstad neighborhoods is either a senior corporate executive with international ties, a successful Dutch entrepreneur, a diplomat stationed at embassies in The Hague, or a family prioritizing top international schools like the International School of Amsterdam or the British School in The Netherlands.

Sources and methodology: we identified premium neighborhoods using high-value transaction records from Kadaster and supplemented with our own tracking of properties above 1 million euros. We also consulted luxury segment reports from NVM.

How much do houses cost near the city center in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a house near the city center in Randstad costs between 700,000 and 1,500,000 euros or more (approximately 735,000 to 1,575,000 USD), with the highest prices in Amsterdam's canal belt and Oud-Zuid, followed by central Utrecht, inner The Hague districts like Statenkwartier, and Rotterdam's Kralingen area.

Houses near major transit hubs in Randstad, such as those within walking distance of Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht Centraal, Rotterdam Centraal, or Den Haag Centraal, typically command prices of 650,000 to 1,200,000 euros (around 685,000 to 1,260,000 USD), though actual houses (versus apartments) near these stations are quite rare.

Houses near top-rated international schools in Randstad, such as the International School of Amsterdam in Amstelveen, the British School in The Netherlands near Voorschoten, International School Utrecht, and Rotterdam International Secondary School, typically cost 600,000 to 1,000,000 euros (approximately 630,000 to 1,050,000 USD), with the school proximity adding roughly 10% to 20% to comparable homes one district away.

Houses in expat-popular areas of Randstad, notably Amstelveen, Wassenaar, parts of The Hague like Benoordenhout, and the Oudwijk area of Utrecht, typically range from 650,000 to 1,100,000 euros (around 685,000 to 1,155,000 USD), reflecting strong demand from international professionals who value English-speaking services and international community networks.

We actually have an updated expat guide for Randstad here.

Sources and methodology: we mapped city-center and transit-adjacent pricing using Funda listing analysis combined with Kadaster transaction records. We also used school catchment data and expat relocation agency reports to identify premium school and expat zones.

How much do houses cost in the suburbs in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical house in the suburbs of Randstad costs between 450,000 and 750,000 euros (approximately 475,000 to 790,000 USD), with prices varying based on commute distance to job centers and the quality of local schools and amenities.

The typical price difference between suburban houses and city-center houses in Randstad is around 25% to 40% lower, meaning a family that might pay 900,000 euros in central Amsterdam could find a comparable-sized house in a suburb like Hoofddorp or Nieuwegein for 550,000 to 675,000 euros.

The most popular suburbs for house buyers in Randstad include Amstelveen and Hoofddorp near Amsterdam, Nieuwegein and Houten near Utrecht, Rijswijk and Leidschendam near The Hague, and Capelle aan den IJssel and Barendrecht near Rotterdam, all offering good transit links and family-friendly environments.

Sources and methodology: we calculated suburban pricing differentials using NVM regional breakdowns and commuter-town transaction data from CBS. We also incorporated our own suburb-by-suburb market tracking.

What areas in Randstad are improving and still affordable as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top improving yet still affordable areas in Randstad for house buyers include Rotterdam's Katendrecht and edges around Kop van Zuid, parts of The Hague's Laak district near transit improvements, and well-connected towns on the fringes of Leidsche Rijn in Utrecht where new infrastructure is being completed.

The current typical house price in these improving yet affordable Randstad areas ranges from 350,000 to 500,000 euros (approximately 370,000 to 525,000 USD), offering meaningful savings compared to established premium neighborhoods while still providing appreciation potential.

The main sign of improvement driving buyer interest in these Randstad areas is a combination of new metro or tram line extensions, urban renewal projects converting former industrial sites into mixed-use developments, and spillover demand from young professionals priced out of traditional hotspots like Amsterdam's ring.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Randstad.

Sources and methodology: we identified improving areas by tracking infrastructure investment announcements from municipal planning documents and comparing price growth rates across Kadaster data over the past three years. We also consulted urban development news and our own on-the-ground research.

What extra costs should I budget for a house in Randstad right now?

What are typical buyer closing costs for houses in Randstad right now?

The estimated typical total closing cost for house buyers in Randstad is between 4% and 6% of the purchase price, though first-time buyers under 35 purchasing homes up to 555,000 euros can pay significantly less thanks to a transfer tax exemption.

The main closing cost categories in Randstad include transfer tax at 2% of the purchase price (around 10,000 euros on a 500,000 euro home), notary and land registry fees of 1,000 to 2,000 euros, mortgage advice fees of 2,000 to 4,500 euros, and a property appraisal of 500 to 900 euros.

The single largest closing cost category for house buyers in Randstad is the transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting), which at 2% of the purchase price represents roughly half or more of total closing costs for those who do not qualify for the first-time buyer exemption.

We cover all these costs and what are the strategies to minimize them in our property pack about Randstad.

Sources and methodology: we compiled closing cost ranges from official Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) transfer tax rules and Notaris.nl fee guidance. We also consulted mortgage broker fee surveys and our own transaction cost tracking.

How much are property taxes on houses in Randstad right now?

The estimated typical annual property tax amount for a house in Randstad is between 800 and 1,500 euros (approximately 840 to 1,575 USD), depending on the municipality and the assessed WOZ value of the property, with the total including OZB, waste collection, and water authority levies.

Property tax in Randstad is calculated by multiplying the OZB rate (which varies by municipality) by the property's WOZ value, with 2026 rates including Amsterdam at 0.0363%, Rotterdam at 0.0652%, The Hague at 0.0521%, and Utrecht at around 0.0806%, meaning a 500,000 euro property would generate OZB of roughly 180 to 400 euros depending on location.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a page with all the property taxes and fees in Randstad.

Sources and methodology: we gathered OZB rates from official municipal regulations including Rotterdam's 2026 OZB ordinance, Utrecht's BghU tax office, and The Hague's published tariff documents. We also used Waarderingskamer data on WOZ value trends.

How much is home insurance for a house in Randstad right now?

The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for a house in Randstad is between 300 and 700 euros (approximately 315 to 735 USD), with building insurance (opstalverzekering) averaging around 300 to 500 euros for a mid-sized family home and contents insurance adding another 100 to 200 euros if purchased separately.

The main factors that affect home insurance premiums for houses in Randstad include the property's rebuild value (herbouwwaarde), the construction type (brick versus wood), the age and condition of the roof, the neighborhood's burglary statistics, and whether the home has flood risk given parts of the region sit below sea level.

Sources and methodology: we estimated insurance costs using industry benchmarks from Alpina and Expatica's insurance guides, which cite average premiums of around 1.30 euros per 1,000 euros of rebuild value. We also consulted Dutch insurance comparison platforms.

What are typical utility costs for a house in Randstad right now?

The estimated typical total monthly utility cost for a house in Randstad is between 200 and 300 euros (approximately 210 to 315 USD), covering gas, electricity, and water for an average family home, though this varies significantly based on the property's energy label and insulation quality.

The breakdown of main utility categories for houses in Randstad includes gas heating at around 100 to 150 euros per month, electricity at 30 to 60 euros per month, and water at 15 to 25 euros per month, with well-insulated homes with A or B energy labels often paying 20% to 30% less than poorly insulated older properties.

Sources and methodology: we derived utility ranges from Nibud (National Budget Institute) household budgeting guidance and CBS energy bill statistics. We also consulted Dutch energy comparison platforms for current tariff estimates.

What are common hidden costs when buying a house in Randstad right now?

The estimated total of common hidden costs that house buyers in Randstad often overlook ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 euros (approximately 5,250 to 21,000 USD), covering items like structural surveys, energy upgrades to meet modern standards, and potential foundation repairs in areas with peat or clay soil.

Typical inspection fees buyers should expect when purchasing a house in Randstad include a standard building inspection at 400 to 900 euros, with optional add-ons for electrical systems, roofing, or foundation assessments that can add another 200 to 500 euros each.

Other common hidden costs beyond inspections when buying a house in Randstad include mortgage arrangement and advice fees (2,000 to 4,500 euros), bank guarantee costs if you cannot pay the 10% deposit immediately (roughly 1% of the guarantee amount), and potential erfpacht (leasehold) buyout costs in parts of Amsterdam where the land is owned by the municipality.

The hidden cost that tends to surprise first-time house buyers the most in Randstad is the cost of energy upgrades, as many older properties have poor insulation and single-glazed windows that new owners want to improve, with full window replacement and insulation projects often running 10,000 to 30,000 euros.

You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Randstad.

Sources and methodology: we compiled hidden cost estimates from buyer experience surveys, De Hypotheker closing cost guides, and our own transaction tracking. We also consulted renovation cost databases for energy upgrade pricing.

What do locals and expats say about the market in Randstad as of 2026?

Do people think houses are overpriced in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the general sentiment among both locals and expats in Randstad is that house prices feel high relative to incomes, but most accept this as the reality of a supply-constrained market where demand consistently outstrips the number of homes available.

Houses in Randstad typically stay on the market for only 25 to 35 days before selling, with desirable properties in popular suburbs often receiving multiple offers within the first two weeks, reflecting the continued tightness of supply even as prices have grown more slowly than in previous years.

The main reason locals and expats give for feeling house prices are high in Randstad is that borrowing capacity has not kept pace with price growth, meaning young professionals and first-time buyers often need significant help from family or must compromise on location or size to enter the market.

Compared to one or two years ago, sentiment on house prices in Randstad has shifted from frustration at rapid increases (prices rose around 7% in 2025) to a cautious acceptance that while growth is slowing to around 4% in 2026, the fundamental shortage means meaningful price drops are unlikely.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Randstad here.

Sources and methodology: we gathered sentiment data from expat forums, local news commentary, and our own buyer interviews. We also tracked selling times using NVM Q4 2025 reports and consulted Rabobank housing market quarterlies.

Are prices still rising or cooling in Randstad as of 2026?

As of early 2026, house prices in Randstad are still rising but at a cooler pace than the peak years, with the rate of increase expected to be around 4% to 5% for the year, down from roughly 7% to 8% annual growth seen in 2025.

The estimated year-over-year house price change in Randstad is approximately 4% to 5% as of early 2026, with some outer areas and satellite towns seeing slightly higher growth while central Amsterdam shows more restrained increases partly due to former rental properties entering the sales market.

Experts and locals expect house prices in Randstad to continue rising modestly over the next 6 to 12 months, with major Dutch banks like Rabobank and ABN AMRO forecasting national increases of around 4% to 5.5% for 2026, supported by ongoing housing shortages and stable mortgage rates.

Finally, please note that we have covered property price trends and forecasts for Randstad here.

Sources and methodology: we based trend assessments on De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) housing outlook reports and Rabobank quarterly forecasts. We also consulted ABN AMRO economic research and CBS price indices.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Randstad, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.

Source Name Why It's Authoritative How We Used It
NVM (Dutch Realtors Association) Covers the largest share of Dutch real estate transactions with transparent quarterly reports. We used NVM data to anchor house-type prices for terraced, semidetached, and detached homes. We also relied on their time-on-market and overbidding statistics.
CBS (Statistics Netherlands) The official national statistics agency providing verified transaction data. We used CBS to cross-check national price levels and validate Randstad premium estimates. We also referenced their energy cost and household spending data.
Kadaster (Dutch Land Registry) The official registry recording all property transfers in the Netherlands. We used Kadaster transaction data to verify volume trends and regional price differentials. We also used it to identify which neighborhoods have actual house sales versus apartments.
De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) The Dutch central bank publishes authoritative housing market outlooks. We used DNB forecasts to establish expected price growth rates for 2026. We also referenced their affordability analysis and Randstad supply constraint commentary.
Waarderingskamer The official supervisor of the municipal WOZ valuation system. We used Waarderingskamer data to explain why WOZ values are rising in 2026 and how this affects property tax bills.
Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Authority) The official source for all Dutch tax rules including transfer tax. We used Belastingdienst to state accurate transfer tax rates for owner-occupiers, first-time buyers, and investors.
Notaris.nl A major Dutch notary information platform reflecting standard practice. We used Notaris.nl to estimate typical notary and land registry fees for house purchases.
Nibud (National Budget Institute) The independent Dutch household finance institute providing budgeting guidance. We used Nibud to establish realistic utility cost ranges for energy and water in Dutch households.
Rabobank A major Dutch bank publishing detailed quarterly housing market research. We used Rabobank forecasts to validate 2026 price growth expectations and transaction volume projections.
Official Municipal Regulations Government-published legal texts with exact OZB tax rates by municipality. We used Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague official documents to provide real examples of 2026 property tax percentages.