Selling a house and emigrate
Perhaps you made the choice to move to another country or to return to your country of origin. In any case, it is an exciting time with a lot coming at you. There is a lot to arrange when you are going to emigrate. For example, your home in the Netherlands may have to be sold before you can buy another home in another country. Most people therefore choose to sell their home in the Netherlands before buying one. At HuisHunters we are happy to help you sell your house before you emigrate.
What do you need to arrange when you emigrate?
The emigration process can be quite complex. It is a good decision to take plenty of time to plan everything. There are several things that you need to arrange if you decide to emigrate. Below are several steps that are important to go through:
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1. Research and planning
It is important that you know what the requirements are of the country you want to emigrate to. It is also important to obtain information about the country’s economic conditions. -
2. Visa and residence permit
Inquire about the visa requirements and apply for the right visa on time. The procedures for this differ per country. In most cases you will need a passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate and medical reports. -
3. Finance and insurance
It is important that you take out international health insurance. Open a bank account in the new country and see if you can arrange your banking from abroad. Also check which insurance policies are mandatory. -
4. Housing
Most people sell their home in the Netherlands first and then look for a suitable accommodation in the new country. Our advice is to rent for a while before you decide to buy a house. A local real estate agent can help you find a new home. -
5. Healthcare
Make sure you have your medical record complete, especially if you need medication. Healthcare options vary by country, so it’s important to do research for possible insurance plans. -
6. Retirement
Check if your social security is transferable to the new country. The Netherlands had treaties with various countries that protect your rights when you retire. -
7. Taxes
Find out about tax rules in the country you are moving to. Inquire at the Dutch tax authorities whether there are still taxes you have to pay. A tax advisor can help you.
Selling or renting a house when emigrating?
In most cases, sellers are torn between two options: selling or renting. It turns out that the majority of sellers choose to sell their property in the Netherlands. This way, you free up money to purchase another property abroad. Renting, of course, comes with risks and managing the property from a distance can be challenging. For these reasons, the vast majority of people choose to sell the property permanently, especially if they plan to live abroad for a long time.
Advantages of selling a house when emigrating
You can choose to sell or retain the property. Selling your house when emigrating offers several advantages:
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Financial security
By selling the house, you will have money available to finance a part of the new property. An additional benefit is that having capital available allows for quick decision-making. Moreover, you will know exactly what you can afford. -
Quick decision-making
With money available, you can act swiftly when purchasing another property. This also provides more certainty to the buyer. It brings peace of mind, allowing you to fully focus on finding a suitable home. -
No obligations
By selling the property, you will no longer have mortgage expenses, home insurance, and other fixed costs. This reduces stress and gives you more freedom to concentrate on the emigration process. -
No maintenance costs
After selling the property, you will no longer be responsible for the maintenance costs associated with owning the property. This ensures that you won't have to spend money on maintenance in the future. -
Flexibility
When you sell the property, you are no longer tied to a mortgage or a property in the Netherlands. You become highly flexible because you have no further obligations. The proceeds from the sale can be used freely, providing you with more options.
Disadvantages of selling a house when emigrating
Selling your house when emigrating essentially has only one disadvantage:
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No longer having a residence in the Netherlands
If you ever decide to return, you won't have a home to live in. There is a chance that you may have to buy at a higher price than what you sold it for.
Tips for selling a house when emigrating
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Be well prepared
Ensure you have a good and clear plan regarding the emigration process. Many things need to be taken care of. Being well-prepared will help smoothen the process as much as possible. -
Sell in its current state
It is not necessary to renovate the house before selling. In most cases, buyers prefer a property they can customize according to their taste. It would be a waste if you don't recoup the investment made on renovations. -
Create an inventory list
Make a list of items that will remain in the house and those that are potentially up for acquisition. This way, the buyer knows exactly which items will be left behind and which ones could be taken over. It saves you from having to sell or move the items separately. -
Arrange power of attorney
Granting power of attorney for the transfer of the property can be convenient. This way, you don't have to return to the Netherlands to sign the sale documents. If you fail to arrange this on time, it may require you to come back to finalize the signing. -
Engage professionals
It is advisable to involve professionals for tasks such as selling the property, seeking legal advice, and managing the migration process. There are various parties that can help alleviate a significant amount of work.
Temporarily renting the property when emigrating
At HuisHunters, it is possible to temporarily rent back the property. The advantage of this option is that you receive the funds upfront, allowing you to act quickly when purchasing another property. This way, you know exactly how much you have available to spend and you don't have to vacate your old home immediately. However, renting back the property is not allowed in all municipalities. In areas where anti-speculation measures are in place, the property cannot be rented back. HuisHunters can determine whether renting back is permitted in your municipality. Selling and renting back can be a good solution when emigrating.