Investing in Dutch Real Estate in 2025: Is It Still the Best Investment in the Netherlands?

The Dutch real estate market has long been a hot topic for investors, but as we enter spring 2025, recent events are shaking things up. With housing shortages plaguing cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, interest rates fluctuating, and new government policies rolling out, many ask: Is investing in Dutch real estate still the best investment in the Netherlands?

In this article, we’ll dive into the latest trends, explore real estate investment opportunities in the Netherlands, and show how small, independent investors—especially those using platforms like DeGiro or eToro—can stay ahead with tools like ZuneMoney, the ultimate investment dashboard.

Dutch Real Estate in 2025: What’s Happening Now?

As of March 2025, the Dutch housing market is alive with momentum. The government continues its push to address the persistent housing shortage, building on past commitments like the €1 billion housing boost from 2021 and ongoing plans to deliver 100,000 homes annually. Amsterdam’s average home price reportedly reached €550,000 in Q1 2025—a 5% rise from 2024—while The Hague and Utrecht follow closely behind. For those considering real estate investment in the Netherlands, this presents both promising opportunities and notable challenges.

But it’s not all smooth sailing. The European Central Bank’s recent decision to tweak interest rates (March 2025) has mortgage rates hovering around 3.5%, up slightly from late 2024. This could cool demand for buying, pushing more people into renting—a boon for those investing in Dutch real estate for rental income. So, is it still the best investment in the Netherlands? Let’s break it down.

Why Invest in Real Estate in the Netherlands?

1. Steady Appreciation

The Dutch market has historically been a stable bet. Despite global economic wobbles, property values here have climbed steadily over the past decade. In 2025, experts predict a modest 3-4% annual increase, making investing in Dutch real estate a solid long-term play.

2. Rental Yields

Cities like The Hague offer yields of 5.6% to 6.4%, while Amsterdam averages 3.7% to 5.3%, according to Global Property Guide’s latest data. With demand for rentals soaring—thanks to that housing shortage—real estate investment in the Netherlands remains attractive for cash flow.

3. No Restrictions for Foreigners

Good news for European investors: there are no barriers to buying property here. Whether you’re in Germany, France, or the UK, you can freely invest in real estate in the Netherlands without jumping through extra hoops.

4. Crowdfunding Boom

For those with smaller budgets, real estate crowdfunding is exploding. In 2024, Dutch platforms raised €730 million, nearly double the previous year’s total. It’s a low-barrier way to dip your toes into the market without buying a whole property.

Challenges of Investing in Dutch Real Estate

It’s not all rosy. High demand has pushed prices up, and competition is fierce—especially in urban hubs. The 2% transfer tax for resale properties (or 10% VAT for new builds) adds to the upfront cost. Plus, with mortgage rates ticking up, financing could get trickier for some. For small investors, balancing real estate with other assets like stocks might be the smarter move in 2025.

Is Dutch Real Estate the Best Investment in the Netherlands?

While investing in Dutch real estate is a strong contender, it’s not the only game in town. The Dutch stock market, tracked via indices like the AEX, has been on a tear in early 2025, fueled by tech and green energy sectors. For small, independent investors—particularly those in Europe using brokers like DeGiro or eToro—diversifying into stocks could offer higher short-term returns with less capital tied up.

This is where ZuneMoney comes in. Our investment dashboard isn’t a trading platform—it’s a powerful tool designed for folks like you. Upload your DeGiro or eToro data, and ZuneMoney tracks your stock portfolio alongside other investments (yes, even real estate gains!). With real-time insights, you can see if Dutch real estate or stocks are truly the best investment in the Netherlands for your goals.

How to Get Started with Real Estate Investment in the Netherlands

1. Research the Market: Focus on high-demand areas like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague.
2. Set a Budget: Factor in taxes, notary fees, and potential renovation costs.
3. Explore Options: Buy a property outright, join a crowdfunding platform, or invest in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) via DeGiro or eToro.
4. Track Your Portfolio: Use ZuneMoney to monitor your investments, whether they’re in bricks or stocks.

Diversify and Track with ZuneMoney

So, is investing in Dutch real estate still the best investment in the Netherlands in 2025? It depends. If you’re after steady growth and rental income, it’s hard to beat. But for agility and diversification, blending real estate with stocks might be the winning combo—especially with recent market shifts.

For European small investors, staying on top of it all is key. That’s why ZuneMoney is here: upload your data, get a clear dashboard, and make smarter moves. Ready to see how your investments stack up?

Try ZuneMoney today and take control of your financial future.

What do you think—real estate or stocks in 2025? Drop your thoughts below!