Essential Guides for Housing in Almere

Types of Housing

Neighborhoods

Practical Stpes

Key Considerations

Red Flags to Avoid

Useful Resources

Types of Housing

Social Housing (Sociale Huur)

• Rent-controlled apartments and houses

• Income limits apply (typically under €43,000 annually)

• Register with Mijn DAK (housing corporation)

• Waiting times: 2-10 years depending on area and property type

• Monthly rent: €400-1000

Private Rental (Particuliere Verhuur)

• No income restrictions

• Faster availability but higher costs

• Monthly rent: €800-1,500+ for apartments, €1,200-2,500+ for houses

• Use platforms like Funda, Pararius, Facebook groups, or neighbourhood app Nextdoor.

Buying Property

• Houses: €250,000-600,000+ depending on type, size, and neighborhood

• Apartments: €180,000-400,000+

• Mortgage advisor ("hypotheekadviseur") essential for home buyers

Neighborhoods

Key Neighborhoods

Popular Areas for Internationals:

• Almere Centrum: Urban feel, close to train station, shops, restaurants

• Almere Buiten: Family-friendly, larger homes, green spaces

• Almere Stad: Mix of apartments and houses, good amenities

• Almere Poort: Newest district, modern housing, direct train to Amsterdam

Practical Steps

Practical Steps

Before You Start House Hunting

1. Register with municipality/gemeente for BSN (Burgerservicenummer) - required for all housing applications

2. Open Dutch bank account - needed for rent payments and deposits

3. Apply or activate your DigiD - digital identity for government services

4. For social housing: Register immediately with MijnDAK. Please note that waiting times are long

5. For buying: Find a certified makelaar and mortgage advisor/hypotheekadviseur

6. Understand most rentals are unfurnished (kaal or gestoffeerd)

Required Documents (Prepare These in Advance):

• Valid ID/passport and residence permit (if applicable)

• Employment contract or income proof

• Recent payslips (minimum 3 months)

• Bank statements (3-6 months)

• For buying: Pre-approval letter from mortgage advisor

• References from previous landlords (if available)

• Sometimes: guarantor or deposit (1-3 months rent for rentals, 10% for purchases)

During House Hunting:

• Act fast: Good properties receive multiple applications within hours

• Prepare a complete application package before viewings

• For rentals: Bring all documents to viewings - decisions often made same day

• For buying: Your makelaar will handle viewings and negotiations

• Ask about utilities (gas, water, electricity) - usually not included in rent

• Check for servicekosten (service charges) in apartments

• Verify internet connection quality for remote work

• Important: Make sure landlord will register you at the address (required by law)

After Finding a Property:

1. Rental: Sign rental agreement and arrange key handover

2. Buying: Makelaar handles purchase agreement and completion process

3. Register your new address with gemeente Almere no later than 5 days

4. Set up utilities with energy (gas and electricity) and water providers like Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent, and Vitens.

5. Arrange internet connection with KPN, Ziggo, or T-Mobile

6. Update your address with bank, employer, IND (if applicable), and other subscribed government services or subscription providers.

Timeline Expectations:

• Social housing: 5-10 years waiting time

• Private rental: 1-4 weeks if documents ready

• Buying: 6-12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion

Key Considerations

Key Considerations

Transportation:

• Excellent train connections to Amsterdam (20 min) and Utrecht (45 min)

• Local buses connect all districts

• Car is useful but not essential in city center

• Bike-friendly with extensive and beautiful cycling paths connections

Utilities & Internet:

• Set up accounts with energy providers (Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent)

• Internet providers: KPN, Ziggo, T-Mobile

• Average monthly utilities: €100-300 depending on property size

Integration Support:

• If you plan to live for a long period of time, check whether you are obliged to integrate/inburgering

• Invest your time and energy to learn Dutch.

• Join local groups and activities in your neighbourhoods. Visit your buurtcentra or attend burendag to mingle and check activities in your area. Some neighbourhoods also have their own websites

  Poortnieuws

  Nobelhorst

  Almere Hout

  Oosterwold

  Almere Haven (summer festival)

• Join international community like International Almere

Red Flags to Avoid

• Requests for large upfront payments without viewing

• Landlords who won't provide rental contracts

• Properties significantly below market rate (potential scams)

• Landlords unwilling to register you at the address

Dutch National Anti-Fraud Hotline

Useful Resources

• MijnDAK: social housing registration

• Funda.nl: property search (buy/rent)

• Pararius.com: private rental platform

• Facebook or Nextdoor: Search "Housing Almere" or "Expats Almere" groups

• Gemeente Almere: official procedures and services

• IND: immigration services if visa-related

• DigiD: digital identity for government services