What properties can you buy in Rotterdamwith $100k, $300k, $500k and more? (January 2026)

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

What can I realistically buy with $100k in Rotterdam right now?

Are there any decent properties for $100k in Rotterdam, or is it all scams?

With $100,000 (around 85,000 euros) in Rotterdam in 2026, you are below the practical entry price for a normal, self-contained apartment, so at this budget you will mostly find parking spaces, garageboxes, or micro-units under 20 square meters with serious trade-offs like poor energy labels or restrictive lease terms.

If anything residential does appear at this price point in Rotterdam, it is most likely to show up in the cheaper outer areas like Charlois (especially Carnisse or Tarwewijk), IJsselmonde, Pendrecht, or Hoogvliet, where per-square-meter prices are the lowest in the city.

Buying in popular Rotterdam neighborhoods like Kralingen, Hillegersberg, Blijdorp, Scheepvaartkwartier, or Centrum for 85,000 euros is essentially not possible for a habitable home, though you might find a parking space or storage unit at that level.

That said, outright scams are less common in Rotterdam than in many countries because legal transfers must go through a civil-law notary and ownership is registered with the Kadaster (the Dutch land registry), which makes fake-title fraud very difficult to pull off.

What property types can I afford for $100k in Rotterdam (studio, land, old house)?

At 85,000 euros in Rotterdam in 2026, the most realistic purchase is a parking space or garagebox, with the rare possibility of a very small micro-studio of 12 to 20 square meters that comes with significant compromises like ground-lease quirks, poor energy efficiency, or high monthly HOA (VvE) fees.

If you do find something residential at this budget in Rotterdam, expect it to need serious renovation work, often 30,000 to 60,000 euros or more to address issues like old wiring, moisture problems, outdated windows, or a low energy label.

For long-term value at the 85,000-euro level in Rotterdam, a garagebox in a good location is actually the safest bet because it has clear ownership, low maintenance costs, and stable rental demand, whereas a problematic micro-apartment can become a money pit.

What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Rotterdam as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable, self-contained property in Rotterdam is around 220,000 to 260,000 euros (roughly $260,000 to $305,000), which will get you a decent studio or small one-bedroom apartment in a normal neighborhood without major renovation needs.

Most buyers looking for a comfortable standard in Rotterdam need somewhere between 320,000 and 500,000 euros (around $375,000 to $590,000) to access a proper one-to-two-bedroom apartment in a good location with modern finishes.

In Rotterdam, "comfortable" typically means at least 50 to 70 square meters of living space, a reasonable energy label (C or better), a healthy VvE (building association), good natural light, and proximity to public transport or daily amenities.

The required budget in Rotterdam can vary significantly by neighborhood, with areas like Charlois or IJsselmonde allowing entry at lower price points, while Kralingen, Hillegersberg, or Centrum require budgets at the higher end of these ranges for similar comfort levels.

What can I get with a $200k budget in Rotterdam as of 2026?

What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Rotterdam as of 2026?

As of early 2026, $200,000 (around 170,000 euros) in Rotterdam is the real entry level where you can sometimes buy an actual small home, typically a compact studio or modest one-bedroom apartment of 25 to 40 square meters in the city's more affordable pockets.

At roughly 5,000 to 6,000 euros per square meter in Rotterdam's cheaper neighborhoods, 170,000 euros translates to approximately 28 to 34 square meters of living space, so expect a functional but small apartment where every square meter needs to count.

By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Rotterdam.

What places are the smartest $200k buys in Rotterdam as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the smartest neighborhoods to buy at 170,000 euros in Rotterdam include Delfshaven, Overschie, IJsselmonde, select pockets of Charlois, and parts of Prins Alexander like Ommoord, where you get the best balance of livability and price per square meter.

These areas are smarter buys than other 170,000-euro options in Rotterdam because they offer better transit connections, improving local amenities, and more active VvE management compared to the very cheapest outer districts where quality can be inconsistent.

The main growth factor driving value in these Rotterdam neighborhoods is the ongoing spillover effect from buyers priced out of central areas, combined with municipal investment in infrastructure and the general catch-up appreciation that Rotterdam's more affordable districts have experienced in recent years.

What can I buy with $300k in Rotterdam in 2026?

What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Rotterdam in 2026?

As of early 2026, moving from $200k to $300k (from 170,000 to 255,000 euros) in Rotterdam means you shift from "tiny compromise" to something that actually feels like a real home, typically a solid one-bedroom of 40 to 60 square meters or a small two-bedroom of 55 to 70 square meters in many non-prime neighborhoods.

Yes, 255,000 euros can buy a property in a newer building in Rotterdam right now, though usually not in the most central or fashionable areas; instead, look toward Prins Alexander, parts of IJsselmonde, or redeveloped sections of Rotterdam-Zuid where newer stock exists at this price level.

At the 255,000-euro budget in Rotterdam, you start seeing better energy labels (often B or C), updated kitchens and bathrooms, healthier VvE reserves, and sometimes features like a balcony or dedicated storage that simply do not exist at lower price points.

Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Rotterdam in 2026 in good areas?

As of early 2026, finding a 2-bedroom apartment for 255,000 euros in Rotterdam's truly premium areas like Kralingen or Blijdorp is unlikely, but a 2-bedroom in decent, improving, or simply less-hyped areas is absolutely realistic and common at this budget.

Specific good areas in Rotterdam where you can find 2-bedroom options at 255,000 euros include Delfshaven, parts of Noord (like Oude Noorden), Overschie, and IJsselmonde, all of which offer solid livability without the price premium of the most fashionable neighborhoods.

A 255,000-euro 2-bedroom in Rotterdam typically offers around 55 to 70 square meters of living space, which is enough for comfortable daily life, a proper bedroom layout, and often a small separate workspace or dining area.

Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Rotterdam as of 2026?

At 255,000 euros in Rotterdam, neighborhoods that were previously out of reach start to open up, including better parts of Delfshaven, more options in Noord, some units in the Stadshavens or Kop van Zuid fringe areas, and the more desirable streets in up-and-coming districts.

What makes these newly accessible Rotterdam areas desirable compared to cheaper options is their stronger transit links (metro, tram), better street-level amenities like cafes and shops, more established neighborhood character, and proximity to the waterfront or parks that define Rotterdam's appeal.

For 255,000 euros in these newly accessible Rotterdam neighborhoods, buyers can typically expect a well-maintained one-bedroom or small two-bedroom apartment in an older but solid building with a functional VvE, often with original period details or recent updates.

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

What does a $500k budget unlock in Rotterdam in 2026?

What's the typical size and location for $500k in Rotterdam in 2026?

As of early 2026, $500,000 (around 425,000 euros) in Rotterdam typically buys you 70 to 100 square meters in many solid neighborhoods, and at this budget you can choose your location more deliberately rather than taking whatever is available in your price range.

Yes, 425,000 euros can buy a family home with outdoor space in Rotterdam, though usually by trading centrality for size; realistic targets include smaller family homes in Schiebroek, Hillegersberg edges, Prins Alexander, or IJsselmonde where garden or terrace options appear more frequently.

At the 425,000-euro level in Rotterdam, you can typically expect 2 to 3 bedrooms and 1 to 2 bathrooms, which is enough space for a small family or a couple who wants a dedicated home office and proper guest accommodation.

Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Rotterdam here.

Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Rotterdam in 2026?

At 425,000 euros in Rotterdam, premium neighborhoods start to become accessible, including smaller apartments in Kralingen, Blijdorp, Kop van Zuid, Wilhelminapier, and Scheepvaartkwartier, where you are buying into the best addresses in the city.

What makes these Rotterdam neighborhoods premium is the combination of factors that are hard to replicate elsewhere: proximity to Kralingse Plas lake and the park, waterfront views and iconic architecture at Kop van Zuid, excellent schools and green space in Hillegersberg, and the historic character of Scheepvaartkwartier near the city center.

For 425,000 euros in these premium Rotterdam neighborhoods, buyers can realistically expect a well-maintained smaller apartment of 50 to 70 square meters in a desirable building, or an older larger unit that may need some updates, but not a large modern family home at prime addresses.

What counts as "luxury" in Rotterdam in 2026?

At what amount does "luxury" start in Rotterdam right now?

In Rotterdam in 2026, luxury real estate typically starts at around 800,000 euros (roughly $940,000), which is the threshold where you can combine a prime location, high-quality finishes, and good size rather than just one or two of those elements.

At the entry point to luxury in Rotterdam, expect features like waterfront or park views, high ceilings and period details in historic buildings, modern kitchens with high-end appliances, private outdoor space like a terrace or garden, and premium building amenities in newer developments.

Rotterdam's luxury threshold is notably lower than Amsterdam (where luxury starts around 1.2 to 1.5 million euros) but similar to other major Dutch cities like Utrecht or The Hague, making Rotterdam relatively accessible for buyers seeking high-end living in the Netherlands.

Mid-tier luxury in Rotterdam runs from about 1.2 to 2 million euros ($1.4 to $2.35 million), while top-tier luxury starts above 2 million euros for penthouses on Kop van Zuid, large townhouses in prime Kralingen, or detached villas in Hillegersberg.

Which areas are truly high-end in Rotterdam right now?

The truly high-end neighborhoods in Rotterdam right now are Kralingen (especially near the park and Kralingse Plas lake), Hillegersberg (green, spacious, family-oriented), Scheepvaartkwartier (historic, central), prime Centrum waterfront locations, and Kop van Zuid/Wilhelminapier (modern towers with skyline views).

What makes these Rotterdam areas truly high-end is the combination of factors that cannot be replicated elsewhere in the city: Kralingen offers lakeside living with excellent schools, Hillegersberg has villa-style homes with large gardens, and Kop van Zuid provides iconic waterfront architecture with direct views of the Erasmus Bridge and city skyline.

The typical buyer profile for these high-end Rotterdam areas includes senior executives and partners at major Rotterdam companies, successful entrepreneurs, established medical and legal professionals, and international expats on corporate packages who want space and quality without Amsterdam prices.

How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Rotterdam in 2026?

What are the total closing costs in Rotterdam in 2026 as a percentage?

As of early 2026, total closing costs for an owner-occupier buying a home in Rotterdam typically run between 4% and 6% of the purchase price, assuming you qualify for the 2% transfer tax rate that applies when you will actually live in the property.

The realistic low-to-high percentage range for most standard Rotterdam transactions is 3.5% for a simple purchase with minimal extras up to 6% or more if you need a full valuation, extensive legal review, or have a more complex mortgage structure.

The specific fee categories that make up this total in Rotterdam include transfer tax (2% for owner-occupiers), notary fees for the transfer deed and mortgage deed, Kadaster registration fees, property valuation (taxatierapport), and any structural inspection costs.

To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Rotterdam.

How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Rotterdam in 2026?

As of early 2026, notary fees in Rotterdam typically run 1,000 to 2,000 euros for the transfer deed (roughly $1,175 to $2,350), with an additional 500 to 1,000 euros if you need a separate mortgage deed, while Kadaster registration is around 104 euros for a standard electronic deed submission.

These fees together represent roughly 0.5% to 1% of a typical Rotterdam property purchase price, which is relatively modest compared to the 2% transfer tax but still adds several thousand euros to your total closing costs.

Of the three fee types in Rotterdam, notary fees are usually the most expensive because the notary performs the legally required work of verifying ownership, drafting the transfer deed, holding funds in escrow, and ensuring the transaction is properly executed under Dutch law.

What annual property taxes should I expect in Rotterdam in 2026?

As of early 2026, annual property tax (OZB) in Rotterdam is calculated at 0.0643% of your property's WOZ value, so a home with a 300,000-euro WOZ value pays about 193 euros per year, while a 500,000-euro WOZ value means around 322 euros per year in OZB alone.

Property taxes in Rotterdam typically represent a very small percentage of property value, under 0.1% annually for OZB, though when you add water board levies and waste collection fees, total annual local taxes often reach 1,500 to 2,000 euros for a typical Rotterdam home.

Property taxes in Rotterdam vary based on your WOZ value (the official assessed value updated annually by the municipality), so a penthouse on Kop van Zuid with a 1.2-million-euro WOZ pays significantly more than a small apartment in Charlois with a 200,000-euro WOZ.

There are some exemptions in Rotterdam, such as the 0% transfer tax for first-time buyers under 35 (on homes up to 550,000 euros in 2026), but annual OZB itself does not have standard exemptions for owner-occupiers.

You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Rotterdam here.

Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Rotterdam right now?

Yes, mortgages are viable for foreigners buying property in Rotterdam in 2026, especially if you live and work in the Netherlands with stable income, though non-residents face stricter requirements and typically receive lower loan-to-value ratios around 60% to 70% rather than the up-to-100% available to Dutch residents.

Typical loan-to-value ratios for foreign buyers in Rotterdam range from 60% to 90% depending on residency status and income documentation, with mortgage interest rates currently around 3.3% to 4.3% for owner-occupied properties depending on the fixed-rate period and whether you qualify for NHG (the national mortgage guarantee).

To qualify for a mortgage as a foreigner in Rotterdam, you typically need a valid residence permit (if applicable), proof of stable income that the bank can underwrite (ideally a Dutch employment contract), a clear credit history, and sometimes a larger down payment if your income comes from outside the Netherlands.

You can also read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Rotterdam.

What should I predict for resale and growth in Rotterdam in 2026?

What property types resell fastest in Rotterdam in 2026?

As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Rotterdam are turnkey one-to-two-bedroom apartments in good condition, especially those with strong energy labels (A or B), healthy VvE finances, and proximity to metro or train stations like Rotterdam Centraal or Blaak.

Typical time on market in Rotterdam ranges from about 3 to 8 weeks for well-priced, good-condition apartments in normal neighborhoods, while properties with obvious issues (poor energy label, problematic VvE, overpriced) can take 2 to 4 months or longer to sell.

What makes certain Rotterdam properties sell faster than others is the combination of transit accessibility (Rotterdam buyers value metro and tram connections highly), move-in-ready condition (the Dutch dislike renovation hassles), and reasonable VvE monthly costs (buyers increasingly scrutinize these).

The slowest-selling properties in Rotterdam are typically high-priced luxury units above 1 million euros (smaller buyer pool), homes with serious energy inefficiency (label F or G), ground-floor apartments in less desirable streets, and units with unusually high VvE contributions or looming special assessments.

If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Rotterdam.

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 Rotterdam, 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.