Moving to the Netherlands is exciting, especially when you’re relocating for a great job opportunity or a fresh adventure. Unfortunately, moving has its downsides. Finding a place to live is getting harder and harder here, especially in busy cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Rotterdam. Rental houses seem to disappear as quickly as they get listed.

That’s why preparing for a house viewing the right way can give you a major edge, so when you secure that all-important viewing, you can nail it, first time. Whether you’re solo, moving with a partner, or bringing the whole family, these 10 smart tips will help you make a great impression, and maybe even secure the rental on the spot.

1. Be on time (or even better, be early)

Punctuality is key in Dutch culture, and that naturally applies to house viewings too! Real estate agents and landlords don’t appreciate latecomers, and in a competitive market, being late could mean missing your slot entirely.

Arriving 5–10 minutes early gives you time to gather your thoughts and take in the neighborhood. So why rush? Take the time to smell the roses (or, more likely, the tulips).

2. Explore the neighborhood on foot

Before or after your viewing, take a 10–15 minute walk around the area. Look out for nearby grocery stores, tram or bus stops, green spaces, or local hangouts. Does the area feel lively, safe, family-friendly, or not quite your vibe? You’re not just renting a house; you’re choosing a life for the foreseeable. It’s important that you can imagine yourself living there, especially if you’re moving with a friend, partner, or family.

3. Chat with the neighbors

If it’s a shared building or apartment complex, politely introduce yourself to a neighbor. Ask about the building dynamics, noise levels, or how responsive the landlord is.

A quick chat can reveal red flags (or good surprises) you’d never spot during a 15-minute viewing. Tenants are often vocal about any issues, so by just saying hello, you might be dodging a bullet!

4. Ask about other listings

Realtors often handle multiple listings, many of which aren’t even advertised yet. Don’t be shy to ask if they’ve got anything else that might suit your needs.

“Do you happen to have anything else listed in this area?”

“We’re actually looking for something with a bit more space, do you have anything like that coming up?”

“Do you get a lot of properties like this coming through?”

Just be polite and honest, and who knows? You might get a sneak peek at a property before it even hits the market.

5. Show that you’re serious

Bring necessary documents or have them ready digitally—proof of income, employer contract, ID, references. It signals that you’re ready to move forward.

Even if you’re just viewing, letting the agent know you’re prepped can make a great impression.

6. Look beyond the furniture

Many Dutch rentals come furnished—but that trendy couch or pretty dining table might not be part of the deal. Ask exactly what’s included and inspect the state of the appliances, flooring, and heating.

Also, check for mold in the bathroom (a common issue in older Dutch homes) and test water pressure where you can.

7. Ask questions

Don’t hold back. Smart questions make you look engaged and responsible. Ask about:

Utility costs
Heating type (gas vs. electric)
Internet availability
Deposit terms and contract length
Who to call when the boiler breaks

8. Take photos and notes

If you’re viewing several properties in a short period (which is common in hot markets like Amsterdam), details blur together fast. Take a few quick snapshots and jot down any impressions—good or bad—right after each viewing. Compare them with screenshots of the listing to make sure everything adds up and nothing has been missed.

Later, your notes will help you compare options logically and get an accurate bigger picture.

9. Be clear about what you want

If you like the property, say so. Let the agent know you’re interested. If you’re not 100% sure, be honest—but don’t lead anyone on. Agents appreciate clarity and may prioritize your application if you’re upfront. Plus, if you spend too much time going back and forth, chances are the rental will be gone.

10. Follow up promptly

Send a polite follow-up email within a few hours of the viewing. Thank the agent for their time, reiterate your interest (if you are interested) and attach any documents they might need.

Keep it short, polite, and professional. Don’t waste time with a long love letter to the property. It’s a small gesture that can help you stand out.

But before you land that viewing...

Manually checking dozens of housing sites daily isn’t efficient—especially when new listings disappear in hours. Instead, let Rentbird do the work. Rentbird uses AI to scan over 1400 housing sites 24/7 and alerts you instantly when a new rental becomes available.

Try Rentbird today and beat the housing rush before others even see the ad.

Amy Worgan

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