Expat Housing Guide: Moving to Amsterdam

Amsterdam's housing market is notoriously competitive and expensive, with demand consistently outpacing supply. Prices have been steadily increasing for years, with only brief periods of stabilization. The city offers a mix of historic canal houses, pre-war apartments, post-war developments, and modern high-rises. The market is highly internationalized, with a significant portion of properties catering to expatriates and international students. The rental sector is divided between social housing (with long waiting lists), private rentals, and a growing mid-market segment. Recent regulations aim to control short-term rentals and protect the long-term housing stock, but finding affordable accommodation remains challenging for newcomers.