Housing market improving in health

This article is provided by our partner: MVA Certified Expat Brokers

Houses are still being put up for sale and sold despite the coronavirus crisis. Recent reports by the National Association of Real Estate Agents (NVM) indicate a 3% increase in properties that were put up for sale during the ‘intelligent lockdown’ compared to a year ago. Real estate agents also notice a healthier and more stable market in general.

In the current housing market there are more opportunities, which offers young couples a chance to buy a new home. Despite the drop in consumer confidence, the impact on the market has been minimal. Even before the coronavirus crisis, there were signs that pointed to a more balanced housing market.

How is the housing market doing right now?

There is a lot of media attention on the economic consequences of the coronavirus crisis. To provide a better picture of the market at large, the NVM provides the press with weekly updates about the current state of affairs.

Why does MVA Certified Expat Brokers advise to continue with viewings despite the coronavirus crisis?

We advise our members/MVA Certified Expat Brokers on how to organise viewings in a responsible manner. It is up to the real estate agency whether they follow our advice, and how. The agency can decide if the situation in a property allows for viewings or not.

How do our members organise viewings responsibly?

• Whenever possible, we plan appointments for viewing on an individual basis
• We ask the owner of the property not to be home during the viewing
• We cancel appointments with clients who are ill or have a cold
• We do not shake hands
• We clean doorknobs and railings in advance
• We ask buyers not to touch anything (taps, light switches, etc.)
• We use virtual viewings
• We maintain 1.5 metres distance from others
• We do not prolong the duration of viewings unnecessarily
• During the inspection and the deed transfer, we ask buyers to walk through the property unaccompanied
• We conduct meter readings separately
• We do not accompany buyers to the solicitor for the deed transfer if this is not necessary

More information

For more information, or if you have a question, you can contact us via info@mva.nl or 020-6733322.

MVA Certified Expat Brokers is the only certified organisation that focuses on finding homes for internationals in the Netherlands. MVA (Amsterdam Real Estate Brokers Association) is an affiliate of NVM, the professional organisation for real estate agents in the Netherlands. MVA has around 600 real estate agents among its members.