Real estate guidance in the Netherlands, Spain and Dubai

I guide you from strategy to letting. Together we determine your goal, budget and risk profile. I help you find and assess properties, arrange the financing, guide the offer and the legal completion through notaries in my network, and advise on letting and rent levels. Because I am also a mortgage adviser, you have one point of contact for both purchase and financing.

For a first property, a flat in the private rental sector (vrije sector) in a city with strong rental demand is often a good start. The entry price is relatively low and rental demand is high. A family house usually attracts tenants who stay longer, but costs more. Shared housing (woningdeelpanden) and buildings with several homes can yield more, but often require permits and more management.

Start with the gross initial yield: the annual rent divided by the total investment including buyer's costs. A € 250,000 property with € 25,000 in costs and € 1,200 rent per month gives 5.2%. Then deduct the owners' association (VvE) contribution, maintenance, insurance, taxes and vacancy to get the net return. In the end, the cash flow after mortgage payments determines whether the property makes you money.

Each year, allow 1% to 2% of the property's value for maintenance, at least 5% for vacancy, insurance, municipal property tax (onroerendezaakbelasting) and, for a flat, the VvE contribution. If you outsource management, that costs 5% to 10% of the rent. Also keep a reserve of at least six months of mortgage payments for periods of vacancy.

There is no legal maximum, but lenders do set limits. Some lenders set a maximum of 3 to 5 buy-to-let mortgages (verhuurhypotheek) per person. With several properties, all mortgage payments are included in the assessment. As your portfolio grows, specialist lenders that accept more properties become an option.

There are three routes. You can increase the mortgage on your Dutch home, you can borrow locally from a bank in Spain or the Emirates that lends to international buyers, or you can buy with your own funds. I can arrange financing throughout Spain, in Dubai and in Abu Dhabi. I compare which route suits your income, your assets and your plans.

Yes, if your income and the value of your Dutch home leave enough room. The lender assesses your income, your existing debts and the test rate. Because you are not using the money for your own home in the Netherlands, the increase falls into box 3 and the interest is not deductible. You do, however, arrange the financing entirely in the Netherlands.

I work with local partners. Together we select suitable properties, I guide the financing in the Netherlands or locally, and the legal side is handled by local lawyers and notaries I trust. In Spain I specialise in Andalusia. After the purchase, I remain available for questions about letting, management and tax matters.

In any case, you need an NIE. This is the identification number for foreigners with economic interests in Spain, such as buying a home. You apply for it at a Spanish consulate or in Spain itself. You should also have the property and the purchase contract legally checked by a local lawyer. I arrange that step through my network.

If you live in the Netherlands, you declare a home abroad in box 3, at its market value with vacant possession on 1 January. The Netherlands has a tax treaty with both Spain and the United Arab Emirates, so you are generally entitled to relief to prevent double taxation. Have a tax adviser assess the Dutch and the local side together.