Should I hire an agency or search for an apartment by myself?

The research shows that moving is in the top five stressors. This is because searching for an apartment can be an overwhelming, time and energy consuming process.

 Also, demand in the housing market is growing faster than supply. Many factors influence this state, such as registration regulations, privatization, population growth etc.

Rent prices are affected by the forecasted shortage of available properties, as expected. Class families get help from the government with plenty of different programs – like the rent allowance. But, it’s the truth that single individuals struggle more to find an apartment or house to rent.

 Yet, don’t be discouraged, there is always a little help you can get to make the whole process much easier.

 If you are now looking for a place to stay, keep reading to find more about two ways to do it.

1.  Renting through a private landlord

We are living in the digital era. Modern life brings accessibility and various possibilities with the help of the internet. So, if you decide to search for an apartment on your own, you have plenty of sites and rental apps you can go through. Pararis, Funda, Marktplaats and Kamernet are just some of them, for example.  

The truth is options are available, but your security and protection from the scams aren’t. Going on your own with a private landlord is a risky move.

This risk may cost you more than the agency fees for secure renting. Also, many of the apps and sites we mentioned require a subscription fee for their services.

When you add it all up, renting through a private landlord may be a cheaper option, but not completely expenses free. Plus, you need to do everything on your own which will definitely cost you energy and time. And sometimes, resources like this are worth more than money.

However, If you choose this option, just make sure you are well informed about your rights and the law. Check everything double, pay attention to details and sign a proper contract with all your tenant rights protected.

For extra advice about avoiding scams, keep reading.

·      Skip unbelievably good offers

·      Double-check landlords and agencies

·      Carefully with Marketplace

·      Scan all photos to the detail

·      Pay only to Dutch bank accounts

2.         Renting a property through an agency

We already established that the process of searching an apartment isn’t exactly an easy-peasy venture. That’s why hiring a real-estate agent is a typical choice of the people who want to make everything safer, less demanding and faster.

The real-estate agents are well familiar with the rental market and they are well trained for apartment hunting.

 If you want agency services that involve extra costs, but it's definitely worth it. Clean housing is actually priceless, because you avoid scams, troubles and extra work.

 The agency does everything for you, all heavy liftings and assignments. Agency fee is equal to one month’s rent, excluding 21% VAT, that you pay in return for their services.

Deposit is also something you should put on your expenses list, because it will appear sooner or later on this journey of searching for an apartment.

Even this is a much safer way to rent an apartment, be wise when choosing the agency for yourself. Make sure that the one you pick is registered, thorough and ethical in their work.

You sure have a lot to think about when it comes to searching an apartment. Just know that being prepared is half-done work. Take your time to weigh all the options.

 Deciding which way you want to do it: on your own or with deserved and usually needed help, is just a step one. There are still many steps ahead of you, but the perfect place for you is somewhere out there.

 You always can reach out for the extra hand, don’t forget that! Some costs are worth paying.