Buying property In The Hague with a dedicated expert

Purchase prices in The Hague vary considerably by property type. The following figures are based on NVM transaction data for the Haaglanden region and broker market reports.

• Apartments (appartementen): The most accessible entry point to the market. The average transaction price per square metre for apartments in the Haaglanden region was approximately €4,232/m² in Q1 2024 (source: NVM regional analysis, Q1 2024). By Q1 2026, the average apartment price in The Hague stood at approximately €405,102 (source: De Hypotheker, Q1 2026).
• Mid-terrace houses (tussenwoningen): The most common house type in The Hague. Average price per square metre was approximately €3,996/m² in Q1 2024 (source: NVM regional analysis, Q1 2024). This segment operates in an extremely tight seller's market (NVM krapte-indicator below 2 in 2025).
• Detached and semi-detached houses (vrijstaande woningen / 2-onder-1-kapwoningen): The premium segment. Average price per square metre for detached properties reached approximately €5,316/m² in Q1 2024 (source: NVM regional analysis, Q1 2024). The market for detached homes is comparatively more balanced, with an NVM krapte-indicator of 5.8 in 2025 (source: De Vries Robbé Makelaardij, annual review 2025).
• Overall market average: The average transaction price across all property types in The Hague was €515,888 in Q4 2024 (source: REMAX, Q4 2024). The average house price (all types) reached €767,613 in Q1 2026 (source: De Hypotheker, Q1 2026), reflecting the continued upward trajectory of the market.

Prices in premium neighbourhoods such as Statenkwartier and Benoordenhout significantly exceed these averages, with price per square metre regularly above €6,500 (source: huizenprijzen Den Haag per wijk, 2026).

When purchasing property in The Hague, the listed price is almost always quoted kosten koper (k.k.), meaning the buyer bears all acquisition costs on top of the purchase price. According to Expatica (2025), total purchase costs — including taxes and fees — typically range between 4% and 6% of the purchase price for a primary residence.

• Transfer tax (overdrachtsbelasting): The rate depends on the buyer's profile. In 2025, first-time buyers aged 18–35 purchasing a property valued at up to €525,000 benefit from a 0% rate. Owner-occupiers who do not qualify for this exemption pay 2%. Investors and buyers of second homes pay 10.4% (source: Dutch Tax Administration / Belastingdienst, 2025).
• Notary fees: The civil-law notary (notaris) charges for both the deed of transfer (leveringsakte) and, if applicable, the mortgage deed (hypotheekakte), registers both deeds with the Kadaster, and handles the financial settlement. Total notary fees typically range from €1,000 to €2,000 (source: Expatica / Investropa, 2025).
• Valuation report (taxatierapport): Required by mortgage lenders; cost is approximately €500.
• Technical building inspection (bouwkundige keuring): Recommended for older properties; typically costs around €400–€600.
• Buyer's agent fee (aankoopmakelaar): If you engage a buying agent, fees are generally around 1–1.5% of the purchase price or a fixed fee, negotiated in advance.
• Land Registry registration (Kadaster): A small administrative fee charged by the notary.

New-build properties are sometimes sold vrij op naam (v.o.n.), meaning the seller covers transfer tax and notary costs for the deed of transfer — buyers should verify this in the sales documentation.

Annual property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting, OZB) is levied by the Municipality of The Hague based on the WOZ value of the property; the exact rate is set annually by the municipality.

Before committing to a property purchase in The Hague, buyers must carry out thorough legal and technical due diligence. Dutch law places a clear duty to investigate (onderzoeksplicht) on the buyer, meaning that failure to identify discoverable defects before signing the purchase agreement may limit the buyer's ability to claim redress later.

Legal checks:

• Kadaster extract: Confirms the registered owner, the property's cadastral boundaries, and any encumbrances such as mortgages, easements (erfdienstbaarheden) or rights of way. The notary obtains this as part of the transfer process, but buyers can also consult Kadaster.nl independently.
• Ground lease (erfpacht): Some properties in The Hague are built on land held under a ground lease rather than freehold ownership. Buyers must verify the terms, duration and canon (annual fee) of any ground lease, as these significantly affect value and financing.
• Homeowners' association (VvE): For apartments, verify that the Vereniging van Eigenaren is active, financially sound and maintains an adequate reserve fund. Review the VvE minutes and financial statements.
• Seller's questionnaire (vragenlijst): The seller is legally required to disclose known defects. Review this document carefully alongside the list of fixtures and fittings.
• Energy performance certificate (energielabel): Mandatory for all property sales; indicates the energy efficiency rating of the building.
• Zoning and planning (bestemmingsplan): Check the municipality's zoning plan to confirm permitted uses and any planned developments in the area.

Technical checks:

• Building inspection (bouwkundige keuring): A structural and technical survey carried out by an independent inspector. Strongly recommended for older properties — The Hague has a significant stock of pre-war and early 20th-century buildings. The inspection covers foundations, roof, facade, installations and any visible defects. Cost is typically €400–€600. A building inspection clause in the purchase agreement allows the buyer to withdraw or renegotiate if serious defects are found.
• Asbestos and soil contamination: For properties built before 1994, asbestos may be present. Soil contamination (bodemverontreiniging) is also a risk in certain urban areas; a soil investigation report may be advisable.

Negotiating a property purchase in The Hague requires a clear understanding of local market dynamics. The city operates in a predominantly seller's market, with the NVM scarcity indicator at 2.3 in Q2 2025 — well within the tight range — meaning buyers have limited choice and competition is intense.

Overbidding is common: In The Hague, particularly for apartments and mid-terrace houses (tussenwoningen), properties regularly sell above the asking price. The asking price is a strategic starting point set by the seller's agent, not necessarily a reflection of market value. Banks finance only up to 100% of the independently appraised value, so any amount bid above that value must be covered by the buyer's own funds.

Key negotiation principles:

• Know the appraised value: Research comparable recent transactions on Kadaster.nl and Funda before making an offer. Base your bid on market value, not solely on the asking price.
• Secure mortgage pre-approval first: Including proof of financing with your offer signals credibility and speed to the seller.
• Minimise conditions where possible: In a competitive situation, reducing or waiving the financing clause or building inspection clause can make your offer more attractive — though buyers should weigh the risks carefully.
• Consider non-financial terms: Flexibility on the transfer date, willingness to purchase fixtures, or accommodating the seller's preferred timeline can differentiate your offer without increasing the price.
• For properties listed over 30 days: Sellers become more motivated; an offer at or slightly below asking price may be considered, supported by market data.
• Engage a buyer's agent: An experienced aankoopmakelaar with local knowledge of The Hague's neighbourhoods can provide bidding strategy, access to off-market properties and professional negotiation on your behalf.