Your first apartment in Nieuw-Vennep or Hoofddorp: what should you look out for?
TLDR: For many first-time buyers, an apartment is the first step onto the housing market. Start with your budget, check whether you can use the starter exemption and check the owners' association (VvE) carefully. A buying agent helps you with the viewing and the offer.
Buying a first apartment means that, as a first-time buyer, you buy an apartment to live in yourself, often after a period of renting.
You are renting now and want to buy your first home. For many first-time buyers, an apartment is the logical first step, because apartments are more affordable than family homes. We see that it is now often younger buyers who make the step from renting to buying.
In this blog, you can read what to look out for when buying your first apartment in Nieuw-Vennep or Hoofddorp.
What is your budget?
First have someone calculate how much you can borrow. A mortgage adviser looks at your income, your fixed costs and any debts. In addition, take buyer's costs into account, such as the notary and your mortgage adviser. That way you know what amount you can search with.
Can you use the starter exemption?
Are you younger than 35 and buying a home to live in yourself? Then, under conditions, you do not have to pay transfer tax. In 2026, this starter exemption applies up to a market value of 555,000 euros. If the market value is higher, the exemption does not apply. The date of transfer at the notary determines which year counts.
What should you look out for with an apartment?
With an apartment, you automatically become a member of the VvE, the owners' association. The VvE takes care of the maintenance of the shared parts, such as the roof, the facade and the stairwell. You pay a monthly contribution for this. Before you buy, check whether the VvE is financially healthy and what maintenance is coming up. You can read more about this in our blog check the owners' association before you buy an apartment.
How do you prepare for a viewing?
- Make a list of your wishes: number of rooms, outdoor space, storage, location
- Request the VvE documents in advance
- Pay attention to the state of maintenance and the energy label
- Look at how easy it is to reach work, the station and amenities
View the homes for sale in Nieuw-Vennep to get an idea of what is on the market.
How does a buying agent help?
A buying agent assesses the home, advises on the price and makes an offer on your behalf. An offer is the amount you want to pay for the home. That gives you something to hold on to, especially with your first purchase. Hier Makelaars guides you through the purchase, from the first viewing to the transfer at the notary.
Frequently asked questions
Up to what age does the starter exemption apply?
Up to 35. You must also live in the home yourself, and in 2026 the market value may not exceed 555,000 euros.
What is a VvE?
The Vereniging van Eigenaars is the association of all owners in an apartment complex. The VvE takes care of the maintenance of the shared parts.
What do I pay in addition to the purchase price?
Buyer's costs, such as the costs of the notary and your mortgage adviser, and a monthly contribution to the VvE. You do not pay transfer tax if you can use the starter exemption.
Do I need a buying agent?
It is not mandatory. A buying agent assesses the home and advises on the offer, which gives you something to hold on to, especially with your first purchase.
Would you like to know what your first purchase involves? Read more about buying with Hier Makelaars and view the homes for sale in Nieuw-Vennep.
